The Game Creek Area provides a diverse mix of habitats, including a freshwater creek, muskeg habitats, coniferous and deciduous trees as well as agricultural fields and extensive adjacent tidelands and mud flats. Over 100 species have been observed at this area including a large variety of waterfowl, seabirds, shorebirds and passerines. Brown bears frequent the rivers during the salmon runs and can be viewed from the bridge passes. Nesting Olive-sided Flycatchers are in abundance here (though can be elusive), as well as Merlin, warblers, and other passerines. American Dippers can be found on several of the bridge passes over Game Creek and its tributaries. Birding is best done from the roadway, and there are turnouts for parking. There are no trails or restrooms in the area. Be sure to follow rules for being safe in bear country while exploring this area, particularly when salmon are in the creek.

Directions:

Because of private lands at this site, Contact Icy Strait Birding for access information. From Hoonah take the Garteeni Highway/Airport Road 3.4 miles past the airport to where the road transitions to Kennel Creek Road. Turn Right at the junction with Whitestone Harbor Road to stay on Kennel Creek Forest Service Road 8502/8508 and drive 5.4 miles, turn right and stay to the right parking near the agricultural fields and private residences. Private tours most often include shuttle service to the location.

A public access option is also available for seeing this area. From Hoonah take the Garteeni Highway/Airport Road 3.4 miles past the airport to where the road transitions to Kennel Creek Road. Turn Right at the junction with Whitestone Harbor Road to stay on Kennel Creek Forest Service Road 8502/8508 and drive 8.3 miles, turn right to stay on 8502 from where it splits with 8508.

Birding Resources:

• eBird Hotspot: Game Creek Area (SW of Hoonah)

Bird Species Checklist:

• Hoonah checklist

Other Resources: 

• Icy Strait Birding Tours