Soar Over Spectacular Landscapes: Your Information to Bear Viewing in Alaska


Think about standing just some ft away from an enormous brown Grizzly bear, its highly effective type transferring gracefully by the plush Alaskan wilderness.

Bear viewing in Alaska isn’t just a visit; it’s an exhilarating journey that immerses you within the uncooked great thing about nature.

From the gorgeous landscapes of Lake Clark Nationwide Park to probably the greatest salmon I’ve ever eaten, this distinctive wildlife tour makes an unforgettable expertise.

Whether or not you’re planning a day journey from Anchorage or an extended tour, this information will provide help to uncover the most effective spots for a detailed encounter with these majestic creatures.

Right here is an outline:

Why Bear Viewing in Alaska is a Should-Do

Experiencing bear viewing in Alaska is an journey that you just can’t miss. Whether or not you’re embarking on a tour from Anchorage or heading to Katmai Nationwide Park, the fun of seeing brown bears of their pure habitat is unmatched.

I went to Lake Clark, the place you may typically see bears fishing for salmon in the summertime months from late July until mid September. Excursions normally final a day, providing ample alternatives for wildlife pictures and unforgettable moments.

For those who’re in Homer, don’t neglect to discover the close by creeks the place bears are often noticed.

Simply be ready for the unpredictable climate—layers are a should! I needed to study this the ‘chilly’ means. 😉

Whereas the thrill could be overwhelming, sustaining a protected distance is essential for each your security and the bears’.

This expertise not solely highlights Alaska’s gorgeous landscapes but in addition deepens your appreciation for wildlife. So seize your digital camera and embrace the wild!

The Finest Areas for Bear Viewing in Alaska

For those who’re dreaming of an unforgettable encounter with bears, Alaska is the place to be.

Lake Clark Nationwide Park and Protect

Lake Clark Nationwide Park and Protect presents distinctive alternatives for bear watching alongside its shoreline, the place massive teams of brown bears collect to feed.

At Lake Clark Nationwide Park, guided excursions deliver you up shut to those magnificent animals whereas prioritizing your security.

The journey itself is a spotlight. A floatplane trip from Anchorage to the gorgeous Lake Clark Nationwide Park and Protect takes about one hour and ten minutes.

Nestled on the headwaters of Bristol Bay, Lake Clark Nationwide Park and Protect encapsulates the genuine spirit of Alaska’s untamed wilderness. Spanning a formidable 4 million acres, this park boasts towering volcanoes, rugged mountain ranges, breathtaking glaciers, wild rivers, cascading waterfalls, and a vibrant array of wildlife. That is what you may count on to see from the airplane already – merely gorgeous!

Bear relaxing with her cubs at the Redoubt Mountain Lodge in the Lake Clark National Park and Preserve in Alaska.
Bear enjoyable along with her cubs on the Redoubt Mountain Lodge within the Lake Clark Nationwide Park and Protect in Alaska.

There are a number of areas to look at bears:

Crescent Lake

Nestled within the coronary heart of the Chigmit Mountains, Crescent Lake is a paradise to identify bears and in addition for sport fishers.

That is the place I went (Redoubt Bay Lodge) and also you’ll discover a extra detailed description beneath.

In the course of the salmon run, each brown and black bears go to the shorelines looking for plentiful fish.

Crescent Lake lacks developed trails or roads. Most guests navigate the lake utilizing motorboats or kayaks offered by their guides or lodges. Whereas strolling round Crescent Lake is feasible, it’s not advisable as a result of thick vegetation that makes shore strolling tough and considerably dangerous; thus, most bear viewing happens from boats.

Brown bears typically frequent the shoreline throughout salmon runs, giving photographers in boats loads of possibilities to seize gorgeous photos.

Silver Salmon Creek

Situated halfway alongside the park’s Cook dinner Inlet coast, Silver Salmon Creek affords unbelievable sport fishing alongside top-notch brown bear viewing. Brown bears could be noticed grazing in sedge meadows from late spring to mid-summer, fishing within the creek throughout salmon runs in late summer season, or digging for clams on the seashore all year long. Moose, wolves, foxes, ermines, and marine mammals have additionally been seen at Silver Salmon.

Lodges within the space transport company utilizing trailers pulled by ATVs. Different guests should stroll between websites on foot. Be ready to traverse sandy terrain for a couple of hundred yards from the seashore to achieve the closest sedge meadow or fishing space. You would possibly end up strolling two miles or extra backwards and forwards throughout salt marshes or tidal flats and creeks whereas trying to find bears or fish.

Shelter Creek and Tuxedni Bay

These two areas alongside the Cook dinner Inlet coast of the park provide wealthy habitats for bears however are more difficult to entry and thus see fewer guests.

Bears which can be much less accustomed to human presence usually tend to shrink back from shut encounters. For those who resolve to go to these spots, proceed with excessive warning.

Chinitna Bay

Located on the southern finish of the park’s Cook dinner Inlet shoreline, Chinitna Bay is famend for its distinctive bear viewing. Guests might spot as many as twenty coastal brown bears from a single vantage level.

Touring between bear viewing spots in Chinitna Bay is often accomplished on foot, though some native lodges would possibly present automobile transport alongside the seashore for his or her company. Be able to trek by sandy terrain for a couple of hundred yards from the seashore the place your airplane lands to achieve the closest bear viewing space. You may end up strolling two miles or extra backwards and forwards between websites on the salt marsh or tidal flats looking for bears.

Redoubt Bay Lodge – Lake Clark Nationwide Park

I took the floatplane with Rust’s to the Redoubt Bay Lodge, the place you may expertise the fun of observing Alaska’s black and brown bears of their pure surroundings.

The flight to get there’s already a spotlight in itself. It takes round one hour within the floatplane from Anchorage to the lake.

Enjoyable Truth: Anchorage is the capitol of floatplanes, as there are 500 primarily based there.

The flight is wonderful, because the view onto the lakes and mountains are merely gorgeous.

Your expert pilot can be a information and can give you a lot of into in the course of the flight. Be ready for some “dry” jokes as nicely.

You’ll then contact down on the Redoubt Mountain Lodge, nestled by the gorgeous blue waters of Crescent Lake, the place you’ll spend your day immersed in nature.

When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a educated bear viewing information who will take you on a coated pontoon boat to prime lakeside spots the place bears collect to feast on the spawning wild Alaska salmon.

There are three kinds of salmon they go for:

  • recent caught salmon, which is the toughest to catch in a lake
  • “zombie” salmon, which is simply wanting dying and which swims slower and is due to this fact simpler to catch
  • “floaters”, that are those who already died and who float on the floor. Clearly it’s the only to catch, but in addition not of their highest quality anymore. So very often you see that the bears eat solely elements of the floaters, until they’re nonetheless very hungry and so they want extra meals for his or her winter break
Bear eating a floater at the Redoubt Mountain Lodge in the Lake Clark National Park and Preserve in Alaska.
Bear consuming a floater on the Redoubt Mountain Lodge within the Lake Clark Nationwide Park and Protect in Alaska.

Redoubt Bay Lodge is a captivating handcrafted lodge nestled inside an unlimited 171,000-acre crucial habitat space.

It’s conveniently located 70 miles southwest of Anchorage, proper on the gorgeous entrance of Lake Clark Nationwide Park and Protect.

This space is famend for internet hosting one of many highest concentrations of bears which can be simply viewable in all of Alaska.

As your bear watching tour kicks off, you’ll be aboard a coated pontoon boat, guided by educated naturalists, navigating by the picturesque chain of Large River Lakes, the place sockeye and Coho salmon thrive and entice the native bear inhabitants.

This prime bear viewing spot additionally attracts in quite a few fishermen alongside the bears.

The journey to view these magnificent creatures is an easy day journey from Anchorage to the Redoubt Bay Essential Habitat Space.

You may take pleasure in an enticing half-day expertise with departures obtainable within the morning or afternoon, lasting round 6 1/2 hours (with choices for prolonged and in a single day packages).

The climate modified whereas we have been there, so our journey needed to finish a bit early, however it was nonetheless an ideal expertise. In case you have the chance to remain in a single day, do it. Staying in such a distant place is exclusive and a really particular expertise.

A scrumptious scorching lunch served in the principle lodge is included in your package deal. We have been served baked salmon and it was probably the greatest salmons I’ve ever had. The colour itself is one thing you don’t usually get, however then it was served with a honey and candy chili sauce. The picture doesn’t do it justice. It was so scrumptious!

Katmai Nationwide Park

If you end up in Anchorage, contemplate day journeys (and finest keep for 2-3 nights) to locations like Homer, recognized for its gorgeous landscapes and wealthy wildlife.

An ideal location for bear viewing is Katmai Nationwide Park, the place you may marvel on the iconic brown bears fishing for salmon at Brooks Falls. It’s a wide ranging sight that by no means will get outdated.

The federally-protected Katmai Nationwide Park and Protect is famend for its distinctive alternatives to look at Alaska’s brown bears. A few of these gorgeous wilderness spots can solely be reached by air, showcasing Alaska in its most unspoiled state.

This bear viewing tour at Katmai takes you to Brooks Falls, the place three viewing platforms linked by raised boardwalks present an up-close, unobstructed, and noteworthy expertise of watching bears of their pure habitat.

Throughout July, when the salmon are spawning, you would possibly spot as many as fifty bears alongside the 1.5-mile stretch of Brooks River without delay.

Though the bear viewing at Brooks Falls is self-guided, park rangers are available to provide a complete briefing upon your arrival and can be found all through the park to reply any questions you’ll have.

When customer numbers peak, a waitlist for the Decrease River bear viewing platform could also be put in force to keep up a high quality viewing expertise. Which means generally the areas can get a bit crowded, and the ranger would possibly ask you to shift to a different platform. Nevertheless, there’s ample house in Katmai general to take pleasure in observing the bears.

Though Brooks Falls is probably the most famend location on this park for bear watching, it’s definitely not the only real possibility; different locations comparable to Hallo Bay, Geographic Harbor, and Moraine Creek present unbelievable viewing alternatives as nicely. These areas are merely extra secluded. You would possibly have to trek a couple of miles, and also you most likely received’t encounter as many bears in a single space in comparison with Brooks. The upside? You’ll be distant from the throngs of individuals and have the possibility to look at bears of their pure habitat.

Every location affords distinctive viewing experiences, from tranquil creek settings to rugged wilderness. Whereas bear viewing could be crowded throughout peak season, the fun of seeing these magnificent animals of their pure habitat makes all of it worthwhile.

I went in mid September and would suggest this season. There have been much less folks and to see Alaska in autumn was superior, with all the coloured leafs. And as you need to costume in a number of layers anyway, I didn’t thoughts the climate that a lot. There have been additionally much less mosquitoes than in different occasions of the 12 months.

Bear catching a salmon at the Brooks Falls in the Katmai National Park. Photo by Pietro Dona -unsplash
Bear catching a salmon on the Brooks Falls within the Katmai Nationwide Park. Picture by Pietro Dona -unsplash

When to Plan Your Journey for Optimum Bear Sightings

Timing your journey for bear viewing in Alaska could make all of the distinction in experiencing these majestic creatures up shut.

The height season runs from late Could to early September, with the most effective alternatives for recognizing brown bears round Katmai Nationwide Park and Lake Clark.

For those who’re planning a day tour from Anchorage, contemplate visiting in the course of the salmon run in July and August when bears collect in droves alongside the creeks.

Understand that climate situations could be unpredictable, so have a versatile itinerary.

For those who miss the height months, go to in Could or September for fewer crowds and an opportunity to see bears throughout their lively feeding occasions.

Floatplane arrives at the Redoubt Mountain Lodge in the Lake Clark National Park and Preserve in Alaska.
Floatplane arrives on the Redoubt Mountain Lodge within the Lake Clark Nationwide Park and Protect in Alaska.

Right here is an outline:

  • Could: Chinitna Bay
  • June: Chinitna Bay, Redoubt
  • July: Chinitna Bay, Redoubt, Katmai, Lake Clark (finish of July)
  • August: Chinitna Bay, Redoubt, Lake Clark
  • until mid September: Chinitna Bay, Redoubt, Lake Clark

Ideas for an Unforgettable Bear Viewing Expertise

For an unforgettable bear viewing expertise in Alaska, planning is vital.

Start your journey by choosing the suitable tour to fit your pursuits—whether or not it’s an exhilarating day journey from Anchorage or a multi-day tour in Katmai Nationwide Park. I extremely suggest testing the guided excursions that take you to well-known spots like Brooks Falls, the place brown bears collect in the course of the salmon run. Otherwise you hop on one of many pontoon boats, which will get you very shut.

Convey a very good digital camera with a zoom lens; the very last thing you need is to overlook capturing these majestic moments up shut!

I simply had my smartphone with me, so you must be capable to take higher images.

Costume in layers, as Alaska’s climate could be unpredictable, and don’t neglect waterproof gear. Throughout my go to, I encountered sudden rain and it was a lot colder than I assumed. However it didn’t dampen my spirits; the wildlife continued to amaze regardless of the drizzle.

Subsequent time I’ll pay attention when somebody recommends me to deliver alongside a hat and gloves.

Find out how to get to the bears

From varied areas and lodging, you might have the chance to journey by boat.

You may go for a floatplane from Anchorage or Homer that may contact down on the water. That alone is a spotlight already.

Alternatively, there are wheeled planes that may land proper on the seashore, otherwise you would possibly favor a helicopter that may choose a sandy shore or expansive grassy fields. Helicopters provide the additional benefit of panoramic 180-degree views by their massive entrance home windows, the potential to fly at decrease altitudes, and usually present a extra snug journey.

Floating plane from Rust's Flying Services in Anchorage, Alaska.
Floating airplane from Rust’s Flying Companies in Anchorage, Alaska.

Security Precautions Whereas Bear Viewing in Alaska

When embarking in your bear viewing journey in Alaska, understanding security precautions is totally important.

There are a number of essential factors to recollect, whatever the circumstances.

Firstly, you must by no means get shut to those creatures or attempt to make your self noticeable in any method, even when they seem pleasant or calm. Keep away from leaving meals unattended or attempting to feed them.

At all times hold a respectful distance from these magnificent brown (Grizzly) bears; preserve a minimum of 100 yards to make sure each your security and theirs.

It’s essential to remain calm in the event you encounter a bear—by no means run, as this will likely provoke curiosity or aggression. As an alternative, again away slowly whereas talking in soothing tones.

Becoming a member of guided excursions can improve your expertise, as educated guides will educate you about bear conduct and guarantee protected viewing practices.

Areas like Katmai Nationwide Park and Lake Clark are famend for his or her wildlife encounters, however it’s sensible to be told about seasonal patterns and bear exercise.

At all times carry bear spray simply in case—this small precaution could make a major distinction throughout sudden encounters. Whenever you do a guided tour, you received’t want the spray, as your information needs to be ready.

Keeping a good distance to the bears at the Redoubt Mountain Lodge in the Lake Clark National Park and Preserve in Alaska.
Retaining a long way to the bears on the Redoubt Mountain Lodge within the Lake Clark Nationwide Park and Protect in Alaska.

Different Actions to Improve Your Alaska Journey

For those who’re desperate to dive deeper into the Alaskan wilderness past bear viewing, there are many various actions that may improve your journey.

Think about a day journey to Seward or Homer, the place you may discover gorgeous coastal vistas or seize recent seafood from native eateries.

For a novel expertise, head to Katmai Nationwide Park, the place wildlife pictures lovers will discover countless alternatives right here, so ensure that your digital camera is prepared!

For those who’re on the lookout for one thing extra adrenaline-pumping, kayaking round one in every of Alaska’s serene lakes affords each tranquility and the possibility to identify extra wildlife, together with seals and sea otters. I did a day cruise to the Aialik Glacier within the Kenai Fjords, which was one other gorgeous and recommending expertise.

Every of those experiences provides one other layer to your Alaskan journey, making certain that your journey is as memorable as it’s thrilling.

Don’t miss out on these options that completely complement your bear viewing journey!

Day cruise to the Aialik glacier in the Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska, USA.
Day cruise to the Aialik glacier within the Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park in Alaska, USA.

Folks additionally ask

The place is the most effective place to see the bears in Alaska?

For those who’re trying to see bears in Alaska, Katmai Nationwide Park is a prime contender. The park is famend for its unbelievable brown bear inhabitants, particularly in the course of the salmon runs in July and September.

Then there’s Lake Clark with its totally different spots. I had the possibility to go to this gorgeous wilderness on the Redoubt Mountain Lodge, and it didn’t disappoint.

Certainly one of my favourite experiences was watching the bears from the pontoon boat, the place they acquired their salmon, additionally for his or her cubs.

For a extra distant expertise, contemplate heading to Kodiak Island. The Kodiak brown bears listed below are bigger and you may typically discover them of their pure habitat, foraging for meals.

I like to recommend reserving a guided tour, because the guides know the most effective spots and might present priceless insights into bear conduct.

What’s the finest month to see bears in Alaska?

For those who’re desperate to catch a glimpse of bears in Alaska, the most effective months to plan your journey are usually Could by September.

Throughout this era, bears emerge from hibernation, and their exercise peaks, particularly in late spring and summer season when meals sources are plentiful.

In Could, brown bears are sometimes noticed foraging for early greens and rising salmon, making it a good time for wildlife viewing.

As you progress into June, the bears turn out to be extra lively, with many moms and cubs seen alongside the coast and riverbanks. This can be a unbelievable time to see these lovable cubs studying to navigate their surroundings.

July is peak season for salmon runs, notably in areas like Katmai Nationwide Park and Brooks Falls. Right here, you may witness bears fishing for salmon—a really unforgettable sight.

By August, the bears proceed to feed closely in preparation for hibernation, and also you’ll possible see them gathering in bigger numbers, additionally on the lakes.

Regardless of if you go, the expertise of observing these majestic creatures of their pure habitat is certain to be a spotlight of your Alaskan journey!

Nevertheless, understand that the climate could be unpredictable, so it’s sensible to pack accordingly.

Overlooking Alaska and a glacier in autumn.
Overlooking Alaska and a glacier in autumn.

How possible is it to see a bear in Alaska?

Seeing a bear in Alaska is sort of possible, particularly in sure areas and through particular seasons.

I anticipated to see perhaps 1-2 bears confidently much more. Ultimately we noticed 9 bears, together with a number of cubs, and that in simply 1 ½ hours. If the climate wouldn’t have modified, we’d have gone out for extra bear viewing within the afternoon, to see much more.

Alaska is dwelling to 3 species of bears: black bears, brown bears (together with grizzly bears), and polar bears. The probabilities of an encounter rely largely on the placement, time of 12 months, and your actions. In nationwide parks like Denali and Katmai, bear sightings are frequent, notably in the course of the summer season months when bears are foraging for meals.

Keep alert if you’re climbing and abruptly see a grizzly bear simply off the path, foraging for berries within the brush. The secret is to remain alert and hold your distance; bears aren’t typically aggressive, however could be unpredictable if caught off guard.

Whereas driving alongside the Seward Freeway or in Kodiak, you may also catch glimpses of bears close to the roadside or alongside riverbanks.

It’s important to respect their house and observe from a protected distance to keep away from any harmful encounters.

For those who’re planning to go bear-watching, contemplate guided excursions, which frequently enhance the probabilities of sightings and supply security suggestions. Keep in mind, whereas the chance of seeing a bear is excessive, it’s essential to prioritize security and comply with native laws concerning wildlife encounters.

Soar Over Spectacular Landscapes: Your Information to Bear Viewing in Alaska
Bear with cubs on the Redoubt Mountain Lodge within the Lake Clark Nationwide Park and Protect in Alaska.

Find out how to see bears in Alaska on a funds?

Seeing bears in Alaska generally is a thrilling expertise with out breaking the financial institution. Probably the most budget-friendly methods is to go to nationwide parks like Katmai or Denali, the place you may typically spot bears of their pure habitat.

Whereas guided excursions could be dear, contemplate climbing the paths in these parks—many have accessible paths the place bears are recognized to roam. Don’t neglect your bear spray! Tenting is one other economical possibility. By staying at campgrounds inside or close to the parks, you not solely save on lodging prices but in addition enhance your probabilities of bear sightings. Convey your personal meals and kit to chop down on bills.

Simply take into account the particular “bear guidelines” if you go tenting. No meals within the tent!

Be certain that to securely retailer all meals, food-related gadgets, cooking utensils, clothes, and another aromatic private belongings in your automotive, RV, or cabin. Leaving gadgets outdoors can draw bears and different wildlife.

So lock it up within the automotive or hold it excessive on a rope at a tree, finest a bit away out of your tent. For those who’re on the lookout for a extra distinctive expertise, try native bear-viewing platforms or lodges that provide day passes. These could be extra inexpensive than full-package excursions.

Moreover, touring in the course of the shoulder season (late spring or early fall) can yield decrease costs on lodging and actions. I’m actually glad that I’ve been to Alaska in autumn, the place the panorama was these wonderful fall colours.

  • Travel Dudes

    I am positive you have had comparable experiences I had while touring. You are in a sure place and a fellow traveler, or a neighborhood, tip you off on a little-known seashore, bar or lodging. Nice journey suggestions from different vacationers or locals all the time add one thing particular to our travels. That was the inspiration for Journey Dudes.



    View all posts


    I am positive you have had comparable experiences I had while touring. You are in a sure place and a fellow traveler, or a neighborhood, tip you off on a little-known seashore, bar or lodging. Nice journey suggestions from different vacationers or locals all the time add one thing particular to our travels. That was the inspiration for Journey Dudes.