Bear Viewing Flightseeing Tour from Ketchikan by Seaplane – September

Excited to Experience Our First Seaplane Tour, ever!

 

This seaplane is a de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver, which features a high-wing design.
 
The de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver’s high-wing configuration positions the engine and cabin well above the waterline. This design keeps spray from reaching the propeller on takeoff, provides excellent downward visibility for identifying docks or obstacles, and simplifies loading of passengers and heavy cargo.

See the iconic bear paw branding on the tail fin? It's the logo of the pilot's other business as a Brown Bear Hunting Guide.

It also features a distinctive radial engine. Powered by the 450-horsepower Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior radial engine, the de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver delivers strong performance, dependable air-cooled operation, outstanding short takeoff and landing (STOL) ability, and rugged structural strength to handle heavy loads in remote bush and water settings.

This seaplane seats up to 6 passengers in addition to the pilot. Bill was lucky 🍀 enough to get the co-pilot seat!

I was lucky 🍀 enough to have the entire back row with window views on both sides.

We're Ready for Take-Off!

Clover Island (GPS) in the distance.

Looking East was the N Tongass Hwy. When cruise ships typically arrive around 7 am and stay at port 4-5 pm, on a future visit, maybe rent a car. For a DIY scenic drive along the ~18–20 mile North Tongass Highway... from downtown northward... a one-way drive is roughly 30–40 minutes without stops.

Top recommended stops (in approximate order north from town)

1. Ward Lake Recreation Area (around mile 6–7, via a short side road off the highway near Ward Cove/Revilla Road)
   Easy rainforest trails around a scenic lake, picnic areas, bridges over Ward Creek, and good chances for wildlife (deer, birds, occasional bears). A peaceful, forested contrast to the coastal highway.
2. Totem Bight State Historical Park (mile ~10 / about 9–10 miles north)
   One of the best and most popular stops. Features a collection of restored/replica Tlingit and Haida totem poles, a traditional clan house, short easy trails through the rainforest, and ocean views. Interpretive signs, restrooms, and a small gift shop are available. Allow 30–60+ minutes.
3. Scenic viewpoint/pullout (around mile 13)
   A simple roadside pullout with strong coastal and forest views. Quick photo stop about 3 miles before the end of the road.
4. Settlers Cove State Recreation Site (end of the road at mile ~18)
   The highlight destination for many DIY drivers. Features a rare sandy beach (unusual for the area), picnic areas/shelters, restrooms, and short trails (including access to a waterfall/Lunch Falls and beach observation areas). Excellent for beachcombing, ocean views over Clover Passage, possible wildlife (birds, seals, occasional whales or bears), and a relaxing turnaround point. Day-use friendly.

Additional tips:

• The entire drive hugs the shoreline with frequent views of the Tongass Narrows, rainforest, and water—plenty of informal pullouts for photos.
• Side roads (e.g., Revilla Road near Ward Lake) lead to more lakes and trails if you have extra time.
• The road is paved and straightforward (you can’t really get lost). Watch for wildlife and variable weather/rain.
• Allow 2–4+ hours total depending on how long you linger at stops (especially Totem Bight and Settlers Cove).

Spotting some natural landslides — a classic debris-flow scar where mud, boulders, and snapped trees were carried down the slope from higher elevations, typically triggered by heavy rain in/around Tongass National Forest.

How gorgeous were these spectacular views which showcased the signature interconnected alpine lakes, deep coastal fjords, and dense temperate rainforests of the Tongass National Forest (nearby Traitors Cove).

Spotted Bears! Landing in Neets Bay.

Do you spot the bear on the shoreline?

This bear is dining on... more than likely some salmon from Neets Bay Hatchery.

Our pilot had a paddle and gets the seaplane closer to the hatchery. We're familiar with standup paddling... but, floatplane paddling?! Now, that's a first!

Spot the bear?

Glad we remembered to bring the binoculars.

What a hub for wildlife - egales, bears, and harbor seals!! ❤️

What locals do for fun?! No lifejackets? That mini zodiac looks like it's at full capacity.

Time to continue on with more Misty Fjords flightseeing within the boundaries of Tongass National Forest.

It was growing even cloudier with a light drizzle settling in, yet this Ketchikan seaplane tour still delivered breathtaking backdrops at every turn.

I believe this was the Lightship Umatilla (WLV-196) – the vessel was moored at Pennock Island, directly across the harbor/Tongass Narrows from downtown Ketchikan.
 
Before it was decommissioned in 1971, Lightship Umatilla (WLV-196) served as a U.S. Coast Guard lightship—a floating lighthouse stationed in hazardous waters where building a permanent lighthouse was impractical or too risky.

Year after year, travelers consistently rank Ketchikan’s seaplane bear-viewing tours among the absolute highlights of their Alaska adventures—pairing a breathtaking floatplane flight over the Tongass rainforest with the unforgettable thrill of watching wild black bears fish for salmon in their remote natural habitat.
 
We absolutely agree!!! 👍

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