Wilow Creek Tours

About this activity

Willow Creek Tours provides a safe, family friendly way to get kids of all ages out onto the water and into the wilderness. We explore the gentle waters and surrounding land of Willow Creek State Park. You will learn about the mammals, birds, fish and plants that inhabit south-central Alaska. From beavers, river otters and moose, to the nesting Bald Eagles, migrating ducks, and the comical Arctic Tern, there is plenty of wildlife to see and discuss. Willow Creek is also home to 4 species of migrating Pacific salmon, rainbow trout, arctic grayling, and dolly varden.

Enjoy learning about the fascinating life cycle of the salmon, and hear stories of their importance to the indigenous peoples of Alaska. We also touch on the Dena'ina Athabaskan culture, their adaptation to the harsh Alaskan environment, and their time tested processes for preserving meat and fish.

We will also take the time to identify local plants such as northern bedstraw, cow parsnip, wild berries, edible flowers, as well as the different species of trees that line the river bank. And finally, we will discuss the rich history of gold mining in the Willow Creek Mining District, where the headwaters of Willow Creek originate.