This morning, guests awoke to a thrilling adventure at Port Althorp, renowned for its hiking trails and kayaking. Before guests landed on the shore a large brown bear was seen exploring the intertidal, slowly ambling through the grass and rockweed. After breakfast our naturalists led hikers as they traversed the coastal rainforest, spotting bald eagles and playful sea lions. Meanwhile, kayakers explored the serene waters, encountering harbor seals and porpoises in their natural habitat. During a delicious lunch, we navigated to the Inian Islands and witnessed a massive tidal exchange. Amidst swirling currents and boiling upwellings, a banquet of seafood attracted humpback whales, sea lions, sea otters, and bald eagles. Guests marveled at the wildlife spectacle against the backdrop of a blue sky and snowy peaks.
9/4/2024
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National Geographic Quest
Kelp Bay and Hidden Falls
It was drizzling a bit as we made our way to the scenic anchorage at Kelp Bay. Through the drizzle, we were excited to see a sow brown bear with her two cubs fishing for salmon in the stream! It was a fantastic start to an amazing day. Our guests went on some beautiful hikes through the dense temperate rainforest, which had the fresh scent of rain and evergreens. One of the hikes led to a muskeg and a huge beaver pond. It was worth the effort to get there. During lunch, we repositioned National Geographic Quest to a bay near Hidden Falls where there is a salmon hatchery. At the hatchery, the air buzzed with activity as brown bears, Steller sea lions, and birds feasted on the salmon schooling at the fish ladder. The massive bears of varying ages and sizes stood poised to strike at the wriggling fish. They snatch their prey in their powerful paws and jaws. This time of year, the bears are hyper focused on feeding, so they can replenish their reserves before their winters sleep. Our viewing of the bears was a thrilling reminder of nature’s raw and untamed beauty.