This location, near Dotson's Landing/Amalga Harbor, was the summer home of Territorial Governor Ernest Gruening. It is a beautiful site that highlights Alaska's political and natural history. In 1953, Governor Gruening wrote much of the statehood manifesto, "The State of Alaska," here. The cabin also hosted national and foreign leaders, including Adlai Stevenson, Governor Earl Warren, and numerous U.S. Senators. This area is excellent for wildlife viewing, especially waterfowl, as well as fishing and sightseeing. It offers spectacular views across Lynn Canal, and the Peterson Creek "Salt Chuck" is a haven for wildlife.
Exciting Bear Encounter
I was fortunate enough to venture to this location at a time when the salmon were spawning by the hundreds up the stream. The stream was blocked by a weir placed at the exit of the Peterson Creek pond to prevent the salmon to mix with the steelhead project implemented by Alaska Fish & Game. This is to prevent the spawning salmon from interferring with the effort to increase the steelhead population. The weir is later removed after the steelhead fry have reached a size better suited to survive.
During this adventure, I observed a black bear walking up the beach up to the weir where he feasted on several salmon, preparing himself for the upcoming winter hibernation. It was exciting to watch since he was only about 30-50 feet away, but he was so engrossed in his business at hand to even care about those of us few spectators on the other side of the stream watching him.
I will probably revisit this location every fall in hopes of observing more bears feeding in this area,
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