At Gate Creek Cabins there are opportunities for viewing most of the land based wildlife that live in Alaska. Within a short drive from Gate Creek Cabins on any day you might see moose, ducks, geese, owls, wolves, wolverines, fox, caribou, black bear, grizzly bear, eagles, big horn 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 web site 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 behind 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”.

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 we speak of here.

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.

gatecreek@att.net
www.gatecreekcabins.com