Welcome to Bear Valley Lodge Alaska
Thank you for choosing Bear Valley Lodge Alaska. You are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime! To ensure that everything goes as smoothly and safely as possible, we are including the following tips and recommendations. If you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to call us at 888-225-9083 or send an email to . We will promptly respond to all of your questions.
Confirmation: You should have received your confirmation statement as your invoice for payment. Please match the dates, destination, and port city with your travel plans. If you find a discrepancy, please notify us immediately.
Travel To and From Alaska: Weather conditions can affect your trip to Bear Valley Lodge. Consider your journey a part of your Alaska adventure. We recommend you and your baggage arrive in Ketchikan early enough to allow time to meet your floatplane to the Lodge. Floatplane pilots are highly experienced and have the final say as to your safety in adverse weather conditions.
Please include your travel itinerary on the enclosed guest profile. Upon arrival, please contact us and inform us of your arrival. During that conversation, we will give you the time to be at the float plane loading dock.
Hotels: Hotel accommodations in Ketchikan are plentiful and reasonably priced, but summer is their busiest time of year so book as early as possible. (Please check for the most current information on courtesy transportation and freezer availability). Be sure to mention you are a guest of Bear Valley Lodge. Some hotel choices include:
Narrows Inn Restaurant and Marina
4871 North Tongass Highway
Ketchikan, AK 99901
(907) 247-2600
(907) 247-2602 Fax
www.narrowsinn.com
Super 8 Ketchikan
2151 Sea Level Drive
Ketchikan, AK 99901
(907) 225-9088
(907) 225-1072 Fax
www.super8.com
Best Western Landing Hotel & Restaurant
3434 Tongass Ave.
Ketchikan, AK 99001-5633
(907) 225-5166
www.bestwesternalaska.com
Gillmore Hotel
326 Front Street
Ketchikan, AK 99901
(907) 225-9423
www.gillmorehotel.com
Liquor: If you would like beer, wine or cocktails during your stay at Bear Valley Lodge, according to Alaska law, it is necessary for you to procure them. It is legal for you to bring whatever you purchase and liquor stores are conveniently located throughout Ketchikan. Below are examples, please check the internet for a complete list. We will be happy to provide mixers for your favorite cocktails. Please note the the kind and quanity desired on your guest profile.
Liquor stores near hotels:
Alaska Bar and Liquor Store
114 Front Street
Ketchikan, AK 99001
(907) 225-4600
Newtown Liquor Store
2417 Tongass Ave #101
Ketchikan, AK 99901
(907) 225-2440
Arctic Bar and Liquor Store
509 Water Street
Ketchikan, AK 99901
(907) 225-4709
www.arcticbar.com
Packing:
1. Pack light. If possible use a duffle or soft-sided bag because there are limited space and weight restrictions on float planes. It is best if you limit your baggage to 40 pounds. Many guests pack one bag or just a carry-on and count their fish boxes as baggage on their return. Currently, most airlines allow one bag and a carry-on, but check with your airline on any changes in policy. Your fish will be packaged in secure, 50 pound, wet-lock, airline-approved boxes.
2. Dress in layers. Expect temperatures to average in the 60 degree range. The nights are cooler and you most likely will experience rain. Pack quality, not quantity. Today’s modern materials make braving the elements a pleasure. Polar fleece, micro-fibers and other lightweight fabrics which cut the wind, wick moisture and allow layering are best.
3. Dress for comfort. Layers of comfortable pants, t-shirts, turtlenecks, sweaters, fleece tops and vests usually are adequate. If you get cold easily, you may need to pack long underwear.
4. Hiking boots, sturdy shoes, rubber soled deck or tennis shoes are recommended. Don’t forget extra socks.
5. If your hands tend to get cold, pack a pair of lightweight gloves.
6. If needed, we have limited rain-gear and boots available.
7. Remember your camera and extra batteries.
8. Sunglasses and sunscreen is also suggested.
9. Eyeglasses, prescription medicines, physician and emergency contacts should also be included. Please pack a list of prescriptions, dosages and pharmacies in case your medication is lost.
10. Water at Bear Valley Lodge comes from our nearby spring and is delicious and safe to drink. Bottled water and soft drinks are available. Please note special requests on your profile.
11. High-quality fishing gear is purchased new each year. If you plan to do some fly fishing, you will need to pack your own fly gear. If you want to do some stream fishing, please pack your favorite rod and a selection of small spinners and spoons. Waders or hip-boots are optional.
12. Fishing licenses are easily purchased online (we have wireless internet available) or they can be purchased from various vendors in Ketchikan.
Illegal Drugs: Use or possession of illegal drugs, including marijuana, will result in immediate termination of you trip and forfeiture of all monies paid.
Guest Profile: We have included a guest profile with this letter. The profile allows our chef to plan for your dietary needs and the rest of the crew to prepare for your arrival and trip. Please include any information that you think is important for you safety and comfort.
Bear Hunting: All bear hunts at Bear Valley Lodge are self-guided. Each hunter is responsible for understanding and following current rules and regulations. These can be found online at www.wildlife.alaska.gov or contact Alaska Department of Fish & Game.
Alaska Department of Fish & Game
PO Box 110024
Juneau, AK 99811
Tel (907) 465-4265
Fax (907) 465-4272
Generator System: Bear Valley Lodge is remote and relies on diesel generators to provide our electricity. The generators are turned on between 5:00 – 6:00 AM, and are generally shut down by 10:00PM. Flashlights are provided in every room and the hot water, toilets and showers will still function properly.
Smoking: For safety, smoking is allowed only in designated smoking areas. Smoking is not permitted indoors.
Gratuities: Crew gratuities are not included in the price of your trip, but tipping is appreciated. Tipping 10% to 15% of the price of your adventure is customary. Bear Valley Lodge prefers that crew members be tipped on an individual basis. Cash is appreciated, but checks and credit cards bare accepted.
What to Expect on Your Adventure:
The First Day: The float plane will pick you up at the designated time. The 75 mile flight from Ketchikan to the Lodge takes about 40 minutes. The scenery is spectacular. If you fly into Thorne Bay or Whale Pass, arrangements can be made to transport you to the Lodge for a nominal fee. Upon arrival at Bear Valley Lodge, you will have time to settle in, become familiarized with your cabin and the Lodge, and receive an orientation of the facilities.
During Your Stay – a typical schedule will include:
At 7:00 AM our chef serves a hot made-to-order breakfast for you, and shortly thereafter (around 8:00AM) the guide boat departs for a day of fishing and wildlife viewing. Our chef will prepare a sack lunch for you and a variety of snacks will be available. Plan for a full day of fishing and fun!
For those who choose to remain at the Lodge, there are a variety of activities available. Tour El Capitan Cave, take a hike, play a game of pool, or simply relax and read a book in the beautiful surroundings. Lunch will be served and snacks and beverages are always available.
Expect to return to the Lodge between 5:00 and 6:00 PM. Take photos of the day’s catch, watch the crew clean and pack your fish, or enjoy a cocktail while the chef prepares dinner. Dinners are served in the dinning room, and include fresh salads, an abundance of seafood, meat and fish, soups, and many homemade and gourmet favorites. After dinner, feel free to relax, go exploring, or just hang out. Most people find they sleep extremely well, and awake rested and ready to go catch the “big one”!
The Last Day of Your Adventure: The plane will pick you up at the pre-arranged time. Please be aware that flight times could be altered for weather conditions. It is important to plan for fish storage. If you are laying over a night, please inquire about fish storage/freezers before booking a hotel. If you are going immediately to the airport, our wet-lock boxes should stay frozen until you reach your destination.