fish creek wildlife observation site

194kerstins

We saw a blackbear with cub, a grizzly and a wolve. They all hunted Salomons. We spoke with a lot oft interesting people and we enjoyed the friendly answers oft rangers. Thanks so much! It was the best could happen in our vacation.

PaulSupertamp

I stayed in Hyder 2 days and I saw a lot of black and grizzly bears. The atmosphere was amazing. The rangers were very kind and the price is awesome , only 5 $ .

RCH07

This was our destination for this year's trip to the north and it was a long drive for not much.We watched a total of about 15 hours in evenings over three days in late August. Tons of chum salmon in the creek, one grizzly late one evening. Lot of noisy humans. Lot of photographers with huge cameras taking over the far east end of the observation site which must be the best place to view whatever wildlife. Not sure if they are commercial or hobbyist photographers. In any event there is plenty of space elsewhere to view the wildlife.One ranger told me the bear numbers were way down from prior years and he thought they had been shot in BC (?!). Am not sure what the big game hunting seasons are in BC (and YT and AK), but will surely check next time before planning our trip. I was wondering if the wildlife has gone nocturnal to escape the noisy humans, (and maybe hunting) show up from midnight until 5AM when the platform is closed to visitors. A web camera would answer the question and be a nice addition by the site, but they are probably too strapped for funds to afford one.

Watermaster

Kudos to the USFS for a well done attraction. Since people would stop and look at the bears without the viewing area being there, it is much safer for both the visitors and the bears. Well worth the price, but one hint. Your Senior Pass will get you in for free! Enjoy.

fancyp444

i would definatly suggest going when the Fish are spawning in the creek you'll see more action; just need to time it right. It is worth the $5 entry fee for the day you can come and go. Lots of birds too.

jeft

I give this a 5 if there are bears there, and a 3 if there are not. It's definitely worth several tries. Obviously best when the salmon are running.

Oldiesgirl

We were at Fish Creek last week for two days and did not see one bear even though the stream was full of salmon. We have visited here for the last 5 years and always seen grizzles and black bears, but not this year. I'm wondering if they are not approving of the newly paved road in Hyder!

KC8212

My friend and I visited Hyder in July '13. Unfortunately we were a few weeks early and the salmon were not up to the viewing area. Not to say we didn't see bears just not along the stream. I can only imagine what it would've been like if our timing had been better. Safe area.We were impressed by the staff each time we went by there. They were very knowledgeable and helpful. A couple of times they went out of there their way to show us other wildlife. Great experience!

Saskatraveller

The observation area is a safer lace to view bears but be on guard! We saw an adolescent bear from the observation platform and a HUGE Grizzly walking across the road just 100 meters down the road to the glacier. The day before we got there, there were bears in the parking lot. Be aware everywhere!

Tyme4relaxing

If you come while the salmon are running it is very interesting. We watched the salmon, birds and bears from a safe viewing area that lets you get close to it all. It is very congested at times. It cost $5.00 for the whole day.

talaha

It is interesting to see the bears but I wonder just how distracting the boardwalk and all the people are to them. I also didn't really like the idea that somehow people can change other people for seeing wildlife in their natural habitat. However, it is amazing to see bears so close.

KarlMuddy

You do have to pay a fee, but if you go around 6am or 8pm, it's definetly worth it! Lots of bears (grizzly's, black bears) and eagles to see. Very cool

AP782

It was busy the day we went because the bears were feeding. Some people had their spots for what seemed like hours. The platform is set back enough that the bears are not affected. My boys (11 - 16 years) were free and my husband and I were $5 each. Worth it just to see the fish and the bald eagles but even better when we saw the Grizzly grab the fish out of the water! I also appreciate that the money goes back into the park system so I honestly wouldn't even have minded if we didn't see a bear. One of the park ranger guys was really friendly, answered our questions and gave us information about the bears.

DonM967

A great view of the woods bu the fish weren't there and the bears weren't either. Did get a good piece of advice... put 6 or 7 herrings in your pockets and the bears will find you!

matwaites

The Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site, is an excellent place to view bears in their natural setting. This site was opened up by the Wildlife and National Parks Service of the United States for people to be able to see bears in their natural daily living.When we arrived there, after 8 km along a very bumpy road, we were greeted by a boardwalk. We learned that when visiting this park, that we must go in these boardwalk areas, as they provide safety for the people, as well for the bears that come down to gather fresh fish from the creeks. Not only do bears use this site, but also lots of birds such as seagulls.Some people we noticed were set up all day watching for bears with their telescope lens for the cameras. It is a really popular place. There is a charge to visit this attraction, but it is well worth it to have the chance to see bears fishing!!! Which is usually a very uncommon thing in most areas.