Fish Creek Viewing Area

Probably the most famous thing to visit near Hyder is the Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site.  At the observation site, there is a raised viewing boardwalk along the edge of Fish Creek.  When the salmon return during summer to spawn in Fish Creek, black bears, grizzly bears and sometimes wolves can also be seen catching salmon below the boardwalk.  We knew we were gambling with our timing as the salmon run had not yet started when we arrived.  Though a few salmon started to arrive during our visit, not enough were in the stream to attract the bears.

Some photographers stake out spots at the end of the platform.

While waiting for the salmon run which would attract the bears, we spotted other wildlife.

Common Mergansers

Female Goldeneye

Belted Kingfisher

Beaver

Mink

This old fireplace is the only remnant of a roadhouse that once stood next to the observation site.

We saw lots of these plants with small bright red berries along the roads.

These Fireweed plants were almost six feet tall!

Yellow Monkeyflower

Unknown flower

Finally the salmon started to arrive.

We finally did see a couple of black bears feeding on berries across the road next to the observation platform.