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 At
Rainy Pass Lodge there are opportunities for
viewing most of the land based wildlife that
live in Alaska. On any day you might
see moose, ducks, geese, owls, wolves,
wolverines, fox, caribou, black bear,
grizzly bear, eagles, dall sheep, and
much much more!
After
returning from his first visit to Alaska in
1899, geographer Henry Gannett cautioned,
“If you are old, go by all means, but if you
are young, stay away.... The scenery of
Alaska is so much grander than anything else
of the kind in the world ... it is not well
to dull one's capacity for such enjoyment by
seeing the finest first.”
We hope you disregard his warning. Alaska
awaits you.
It is hard to describe the 49th state
because, for most of us, there is nothing in
our experience with which to compare it.
Superimposed on a map of the “Lower 48,”
Alaska stretches from San Diego to Savannah.
It has three times the coastline of the rest
of the United States put together and is
home to many of the tallest mountains,
longest rivers, and largest lakes in the
world. It has glaciers, forests, and
parklands bigger than entire states.
In these magnificent settings, Alaska offers
superb wildlife viewing opportunities. Bald
eagles, caribou, and grizzly bears, driven
away from other lands by the crush of modern
development, roam wild and free. Walrus,
muskoxen, and polar bears, which simply do
not exist elsewhere in the nation, flourish.
Species thrive undisturbed in their rich,
natural habitats.
This spectacular and untamed country will be
enjoyed most by those who recognize that new
experiences are essential for a well-lived
life. In Alaska, you may discover new truths
about yourself and find nourishment in the
marvels you encounter. You may not be the
same person you were before climbing these
mountains, hiking this tundra, paddling
these rivers, and embracing these new
horizons.
Although many of these sites are remarkably
accessible, some demand a significant
investment on the part of the traveler. We
hope this guide will illustrate that the
rewards of those efforts are great. And even
if your only means of travel to Alaska are
this book and a comfortable armchair, we
hope this guide will provide landscapes for
your dreams.
Viewing Hints
Choose your season. Many species of wildlife
appear only during certain seasons at any
given site. They may hibernate in the
winter, migrate during the spring, or use
special nesting areas during the summer.
Check site write-ups and call site mangers
for detailed information before you go.
Dawn and dusk are the best times to view
most wildlife. Areas that are barren of
wildlife at midday may have been teeming
with various kinds of animals during the
early morning. Those who arrive early and
stay late see more wildlife.
Learn the feeding habits of your quarry.
Many shorebirds, marine birds, and waterfowl
follow the tides in their daily feeding
cycle. Other wildlife, including bears,
spend large amounts of time during the
summer near salmon streams and berry
patches. Knowing the feeding habits of
animals will help you to find them.
 Use binoculars or a spotting scope. These
tools will open a new world of wild life
viewing. For instance, with a 20-power
spotting scope mounted on a tripod, it is
possible to watch the activity of a mountain
goat standing 1.5 miles away.
Move slowly and quietly. The best thing you
can do to improve your chances of seeing
wildlife is to slow down and stop
periodically. Animals often disappear as you
arrive but may return shortly if you are
quiet enough. Use your ears to locate birds.
Use your peripheral vision to spot movements
in trees, thick brush, and water.
Fade into the woodwork. Wear natural colors
and unscented lotions. Hide be hind
vegetation or boulders. Relax your muscles
and avoid staring; animals can easily detect
tension and may interpret a direct stare as
a threat.
Look for animal sign. Tracks in the mud or
snow, unusual scents, vegetation that has
been recently browsed, and scat are all
clues that wildlife has been in the area.
Look for these clues as a way to find
animals or appreciate them when they're out
of sight.
Use field guides. Many good field guides are
available to help identify mammals, birds,
fish, and other fauna and flora. Knowing
what you're looking at greatly enhances your
viewing pleasure. Check “Suggested Reading
and Reference Books” on page 94 for a list
of guides.
Ask an expert. Some viewing areas have
on-site staff. Don't be afraid to ask for
advice. It can often make the difference
between a disappointing visit and one you
will remember forever.
Be patient. Allow yourself enough time in
the field. Even in Alaska, where wild life
is abundant, it can take years, if not a
lifetime, to see all the species listed in
this guide.
Viewing Ethics
Give wildlife plenty of space. Binoculars
and spotting scopes allow you to view
wildlife without getting too close. Approach
wildlife slowly, quietly, and indirectly.
Always give animals an avenue for retreat.
Try to view animals without changing their
behavior. Avoid using calls or devices that
attract wildlife. Resist the temptation to
throw rocks to see a flock fly. Remember —
harassing wildlife is illegal.
Be respectful of nesting and denning areas,
rookeries, and calving grounds. Well-meaning
but intrusive visitors may cause parents to
flee, leaving young vulnerable to the
elements or predators. Stay on designated
trails whenever possible.
Leave “orphaned” or sick animals alone.
Young animals that appear alone usually have
parents waiting nearby.
Restrain pets or leave them at home. They
may startle, chase, or even kill wildlife.
Let animals eat their natural foods. Sharing
your sandwich may get animals hooked on
handouts; it may even harm their digestive
systems. These animals may eventually lose
their fear of cars, campers, or even
poachers.
Learn to recognize signs of alarm. These are
sometimes subtle. Leave if an animal shows
them.
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