The Best Wildlife Viewing Spots in Kake
In Kake, you can see eagles, black bear and whales, all within a single walk along the beach. They are attracted by the same tasty snack: fish. Bear and eagles can be found wherever the salmon are heading upstream. Whales feed off-shore, on krill and herring. Seeing them in their natural habitats is amazingly unforgettable.
If you arrive by boat, watch for otters floating on their backs in the water as you come into Kake. Sitka black-tailed deer, Alexander Archipelago wolves, beaver, porcupine, red squirrel, marten, moose and around 300 species of birds also populate Kupreanof Island. Of these, you are most likely to see birds, as the others (especially deer and wolves) like to stay hidden.
If you are going to see signs of wolf, it would be toward Hamilton Creek or Big John Bay.
Best Places To See Bear And Eagles
You will see eagles frequently during your visit to Kake, and you many even see black bear just ambling down the street. However, if you want to see them fishing, head to Gunnuk Creek and watch from Silver Spike Bridge or the bear viewing platform at the old Gunnuk Creek Fish Hatchery.
Best Places To See Whales
Tip: Bring your long lens, settle in for a while to watch, and resist approaching wildlife. Know bear safety guidelines, especially if you are hiking out on the trails.
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Best Wildlife Viewing Spots in Kake
Big John Bay trail is the furthest hike out from Kake, in a remote area right on tidal and saltwater flats. After a drive of 16 miles and a hike of about 2.1 miles, you’ll come to Big John Bay cabin, which can be reserved for the night through the U.S. Forest Service. Getting there requires strict attention to tide tables, as the 15-foot variation in tide restricts trail and cabin access. ...more
The trail along Hamilton Creek is busiest around 5 in the morning, as savvy anglers know that’s when the fish are biting! The trail is about 2 miles round-trip, but you can follow the creek for miles, fishing and picnicking along the way. You will be sharing the experience with bears, so secure your snacks, and any fish you catch.
Drive out north of Kake a few miles to find a local hot spot for picnicking and watching for humpbacks in Keku Strait. This is the best place near Kake to view whales. You can see their spouts in the waters pretty close to the Point.
Long Beach is a stretch of beach along Keku Strait a few miles north of Kake. This is a good spot for spotting whale activity offshore, as there are a few rocks out in the water that the whale like to rub against. Generally you would see humpback in this area, but once in awhile you might see a pod of orca.
If you want to see salmon, eagles and black bear in their natural habitat, the view along Gunnuk Creek cannot be surpassed. Silver Spike Bridge over the creek is a good viewing point, or you can make your way to the nearby bear viewing platform at the old Gunnuk Creek Hatchery. Some call Gunnuk Creek “eagle highway” for the large number of eagles here when the fish are running. ...more