Hyder

Hyder Community Park provides access to world-class bear viewing at Fish Creek, located in the tiny border community of Hyder, Alaska—a quirky town of approximately 80 residents accessible only via road from Canada. The park encompasses the Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site, where visitors can watch brown and black bears fishing for salmon just feet away from a viewing platform. Hyder bills itself as the 'Friendliest Ghost Town in Alaska,' and the park provides an exceptionally accessible opportunity to observe Alaska's iconic bears without the expense of remote fly-in locations.

The park is renowned for close-range bear viewing, with both brown and black bears visible during salmon runs from July through September. Bears often fish within 10-20 feet of the viewing platform, providing exceptional photography opportunities. Bald eagles congregate to scavenge salmon. Salmon runs include chum and pink salmon, with peak viewing varying by species and year. Harbor seals occasionally enter the lower creek pursuing salmon.

Temperate rainforest surrounds the viewing area, with Sitka spruce and western hemlock dominating the canopy. The lush understory includes devil's club, ferns, and berry bushes that provide food for bears. Riparian vegetation along Fish Creek provides shade critical for salmon spawning habitat. The wet maritime climate supports moss and lichen growth characteristic of coastal Southeast Alaska.

Fish Creek drains into the Portland Canal, a long fjord marking the international border between Alaska and British Columbia. The surrounding terrain was shaped by glacial erosion, creating the steep-sided valleys and rugged topography. The underlying bedrock consists of metamorphic and igneous rocks typical of the Coast Mountains. Active geological processes include ongoing erosion and occasional landslides on steep slopes.

Hyder experiences the wet maritime climate of coastal Southeast Alaska. Annual precipitation exceeds 100 inches, supporting the lush rainforest vegetation. Summer temperatures during bear viewing season range from 50-65°F. Rain is common throughout the summer, and visitors should prepare for wet conditions. The maritime influence moderates temperatures year-round.

The Nisga'a people have inhabited the Portland Canal region for thousands of years. Hyder developed as a supply point for mines in the Canadian interior during the early 1900s. The town experienced boom and bust cycles tied to mining activity. Today Hyder survives primarily on tourism, leveraging its quirky character and bear viewing opportunities. The community maintains close ties with neighboring Stewart, British Columbia.

The Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site was developed to provide safe and sustainable bear viewing access. The viewing platform allows close observation while minimizing disturbance to bears and risk to visitors. Management focuses on maintaining the wild character of bear behavior while accommodating visitors. The site has become Hyder's primary tourist attraction, drawing thousands of visitors during salmon runs.

The Fish Creek viewing platform provides the primary attraction, with bears often visible at very close range. Peak viewing typically occurs in late July and August when salmon runs are strongest. The nearby Salmon Glacier Road offers spectacular scenery and access to one of North America's most accessible glaciers across the Canadian border. Hyder's quirky traditions including the 'Hyderized' drinking ritual add to the experience.

Hyder is accessible only by road from Stewart, British Columbia, which is reached via Highway 37 from the Yellowhead Highway. A few basic services including lodging and dining are available in Hyder and Stewart. The viewing platform is accessible via a short walk from parking. U.S. Forest Service rangers staff the site during peak season. Bear viewing is free, though donations support site maintenance.

Maintaining wild bear behavior while providing close viewing requires careful site management. Rangers enforce rules designed to prevent bear habituation and ensure visitor safety. Salmon habitat protection ensures continued runs that attract bears. The economic value of bear viewing demonstrates alternatives to resource extraction. Climate change may affect salmon runs and bear behavior patterns.