Bear Country

Today we drove to Hyder, AK, nestled at the head of the Portland Canal (similar to a fjord) that forms a portion of the border of the US and Canada. It is stunningly beautiful as towering peaks and some of the largest glaciers in southeastern Alaska surround the town. It is known as the friendliest “ghost town in Alaska” and has a population of around 100. We came to Hyder for two reasons: The Salmon Glacier and bears.

After arriving, we crossed back to the Canadian side of the border to have dinner in the small town of Stewart, BC. It was a real treat to eat out and fun to eat at one of the two local restaurants. After dinner we drove to the Fish Creek Wildlife Viewing Area. Fish Creek is a raised wooden boardwalk viewing area above the creek where both Grizzlies and Black bears come to the feed on spawning salmon. When we got there in the early evening we didn’t have to wait long before a mama Black bear and her two cubs appeared. We were able to watch mama bear “fish” and haul off her catch, while her well-behaved cubs followed her every step of the way. LOVED IT!

On our second day in Hyder, Spike took us up to Salmon Glacier, a 22-mile drive on a dirt road straight up the mountain. But this was a treat. Salmon Glacier is the world’s largest road accessible glacier. Needless to say, it was a long and dusty road, but well worth the effort. The grandeur and magnificence of the glacier itself and the scenery surrounding it cannot be captured in either words or pictures.