During the summer salmon run between July and September, spawning pink and chum salmon concentrate in Fish Creek, attracting a large number of brown and black bears and other wildlife. The Tongass National Forest manages a wildlife observation site and a bear-viewing platform at this location.

This day-use recreation area is open from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. beginning July 15. Forest Service employees are at the site during these hours to provide information about the bears and salmon, enforce site rules, and answer questions from visitors. Contact the Ketchikan Ranger District at 907-225-2148 for more information on the Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site. Facilities include a small parking area and an elevated viewing platform set in a grove of trees along the bank of Fish Creek. It is recommended that visitors purchase tickets, which are required for entry, ahead of time at Recreation.gov.

Directions:

Three miles north of Hyder is a parking area just past the Fish Creek Bridge.

Trail Information:

• There is a USFS-maintained boardwalk trail to bear viewing platform at Fish Creek.
• Just past the wildlife viewing site is the US Forest Service: Titan Trail

Birding Resources:

•  eBird Hotspot: Hyder—Fish Creek

Bird Species Checklist:

• Hyder checklist

Other Resources:

• US Forest Service: Wildlife Observation Site
• Alaska Department of Fish and Game: Hyder