Tongass National Forest

Bald Eagles
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Admiralty Island's combination of varied ecotypes, pristine habitat, and healthy wildlife populations provide extraordinary wildlife viewing, fishing, and hunting opportunities.

The marine interface along Admiralty's shoreline heavily influences the area's flora and fauna, offering visitors many opportunities to experience all that the island has to offer.

Admiralty Island is credited with having the highest density of brown bears in the world. A definite highlight for visitors is the Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area.

The U.S. Forest Service and the Alaska Department of Fish & Game manage visitor use at Pack Creek throughout the spring and summer. As many as 20 bears have been encountered at the viewing area during the height of the salmon run.

Brown Bear
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Steller Sea Lions
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Not only are there bears on Admiralty Island, the 956,155-acre Kootznoowoo Wilderness is home to numerous species of wildlife.

Whales, sea lions, porpoises and seals are found in the rich marine environment surrounding Admiralty Island throughout the year.

Birds are abundant along the shoreline and in upland habitats. If you're a birder, you have the potential to see over 200 species of birds.

Even if birding is not a primary emphasis of your visit, it would be difficult not to notice the numerous eagles feeding on salmon, various shorebirds probing for insects, or ducks dabbling in the ponds.

Seagull nest and egg

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Juvenile Western Toad
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Yes, that's right there are amphibians in Alaska. Although, they are near the northern extent of their range, you might encounter a western toad (Bufo boreas) or perhaps a rough-skinned newt (Granulosa taricha).

Amphibian populations are declining worldwide for reasons that are not fully understood. Researchers are collecting data to determine population trends on Admiralty's pristine lands, and numerous amphibian sightings and breeding sites have been documented on the island.

The diverse array of pristine habitat types present ensure a rich diversity of plant species.

Given that primary visitor access to Admiralty occurs by boat or floatplane, shoreline vegetation communities are the most visited and impacted habitats on Admiralty. With increased visitor use the chances for the introduction and spread of invasive species is a growing concern for resource managers.

Round leaved sundew
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Hunting on Admiralty Island
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Visitors may enjoy a stay at one of the fourteen Forest Service recreation cabins on the island. Fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, or just an opportunity to experience the solitude of Admiralty Island may provide the experience of a lifetime.

For fishing opportunities on Admiralty check our Fisheries page. For hunting information, contact the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.