Rarely do the brown bears and black bears of southeast Alaska frequent the same feeding areas. However, both species share Anan Creek, an ancient Tlingit fishing site that is the largest pink salmon run in the Southeast; it holds as many as 100,000 fish. Brown bears fish upstream in early morning and late evening, while black bears snag salmon on the lower river at midday.

With up to 40 black bears fishing Anan Creek, the site is one of the best places in North America to watch the free-ranging critters up close. A covered viewing pavilion is located just beyond the observatory entrance. You may not see a bear when you first arrive; then, just when you think none are around, a shadow will suddenly emerge from the thickets and grab a salmon out of a dark pool.

Food, pets, and camping are prohibited. You may overnight only if you have reserved the Anan Bay public-use cabin.