Depending on the time of year you visit, Whittier can be a promising bear viewing area from the road system. The best place is just a short distance out of town at a picnic area on Cove Creek. During August, the pink salmon begin spawning in Cove Creek. At low tide, the upper cove and the outlet of the creek will be filled with hundreds of pinks. The pinks, of course, represent an easy meal for bears. While the tide is out, bears often wander down to the shoreline to feast.