The Stikine River is one of the rare tours that can offer something for any age group and any interest. Depending on the tide conditions, the first "adventure" begins by negotiating the Stikine River delta, which is a maze of sandbars at the mouth of the river, built up of ions of silt being washed down the entire 400 miles of Stikine River. After crossing the delta, be prepared for the lush greenery, narrow side sloughs, tall snow capped mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers that line the many sloughs that will be used as we navigate up river. Always keep your eyes open for bear and moose, birds and other wildlife. We make frequent stops for the many photo opportunities, to learn more and explore the river shores. There are many shores and diverse eco systems to explore on this one day tour.

Shakes Lake and Glacier are the main highlights on the Stikine River. Collect an iceberg at Shakes Glacier and cool down your drink or use one to cool down the Chief Shakes Hot Springs about 1/2 hour later? The Hot Springs are U.S. Forest Service maintained hot tubs which are mineral springs.

Upon arriving, your captain will stop and give you plenty of opportunities to photo the awesome, huge and colorful icebergs that have grounded out on a ancient terminal moraine feature at beginning of LeConte Bay. We will then begin to navigate through LeConte Bay where approximately 7 miles of icebergs that range in size from golf balls to TITANIC class await your arrival. LeConte Glacier is the fastest receding glacier in North America. Since it was first charted in 1887, it has receded approximately 6 miles, and that means that there are a ton of icebergs to explore and navigate around.

The fluorescent blue icebergs, rival any other in Alaska. Harbor Seals can be viewed here "sunning" themselves on the bergs. Actually, they use LeConte Bay as their breeding, birthing and rearing area. Harbor Seals use the Stikine River Eulachon run in early spring, then migrate to LeConte Bay for the birthing and rearing season, as predators don’t attempt to navigate the bay. I have many times witnessed up to 300-400 seals laying on icebergs!

Beginning in July, Pink Salmon arrive at Anan creek to spawn. Although Pink Salmon average only 3-5 pounds, they make up for their size by quantity at Anan creek, which supports an annual run that is estimated to be in the 250,000 range. Now that's a lot of salmon! Anan creek literally turns black with salmon on their way to spawn up stream. This naturally attracts Brown and Black Bear, Bald Eagles and Harbor Seals.

As we pull up to Anan, the action starts right away as Harbor Seals and Bald Eagles greet and entertain you. As your skipper secures the boat, a U.S. Forest Service representative tells of the necessary regulations at Anan to keep it a safe and enjoyable place for all. As we depart on our 1/2 mile walk to the observatory, your guide will point out various types of flora and fauna, birds and other wildlife that may be viewed while walking the boardwalk trail. The walk on the trail is often described as "worth the trip in itself!" After arriving at the observation deck, enjoy and take in the wonderful surroundings of majestic trees and rushing water as the bear feed on the salmon they catch out of Anan creek. This all takes place within 50 feet of you or closer. In 1999 a photo blind was built at creek level just across the stream from the main bear feeding area. This puts bear catching salmon about 20 feet in front of you!!! You can't beat that. Of course don't forget to watch for Bald Eagles flying by and setting in the huge Sitka Spruce trees at eye level.