Think about standing only a few ft away from an enormous brown Grizzly bear, its highly effective type transferring gracefully via the plush Alaskan wilderness.
Bear viewing in Alaska is not only 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 among the finest 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 perfect spots for a detailed encounter with these majestic creatures.
Associated learn: The Magic of a Day Cruise at Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park, Alaska
Right here is an summary:
It’s also possible to take heed to our podcast about bear watching:
Why Bear Viewing in Alaska is a Should-Do
Experiencing bear viewing in Alaska is an journey that you just can not miss. Whether or not you’re embarking on a tour from Anchorage or heading to Katmai Nationwide Park, the joys of seeing brown bears of their pure habitat is unmatched.
I went to Lake Clark, the place you possibly can usually see bears fishing for salmon in the summertime months from late July until mid September. Excursions often final a day, providing ample alternatives for wildlife images and unforgettable moments.
Should you’re in Homer, don’t overlook to discover the close by creeks the place bears are incessantly noticed.
Simply be ready for the unpredictable climate—layers are a should! I needed to be taught this the ‘chilly’ method. 😉
Whereas the joy might 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 additionally deepens your appreciation for wildlife. So seize your digital camera and embrace the wild!
The Finest Places for Bear Viewing in Alaska
Alaska is the place to be for those who’re dreaming of an unforgettable encounter with bears.
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 journey 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 possibly can anticipate to see from the aircraft already – merely gorgeous!
There are a number of areas to watch bears:
Crescent Lake
Nestled within the coronary heart of the Chigmit Mountains, Crescent Lake is a paradise to identify bears and likewise for sport fishers.
That is the place I went (Redoubt Bay Lodge), and also you’ll discover a extra detailed description beneath.
Throughout the salmon run, each brown and black bears go to the shorelines looking for ample fish.
Crescent Lake lacks developed trails or roads. Most guests navigate the lake utilizing motorboats or kayaks supplied by their guides or lodges. Whereas strolling round Crescent Lake is feasible, it’s not advisable resulting from thick vegetation that makes shore strolling tough and considerably dangerous; thus, most bear viewing happens from boats.
Brown bears usually frequent the shoreline throughout salmon runs, giving photographers in boats loads of possibilities to seize gorgeous photographs.
Silver Salmon Creek
Situated halfway alongside the park’s Prepare dinner Inlet coast, Silver Salmon Creek presents implausible sport fishing alongside top-notch brown bear viewing. Brown bears might be noticed grazing in sedge meadows from late spring to mid-summer, fishing within the creek throughout salmon runs in late summer time, or digging for clams on the seaside all year long. Moose, wolves, foxes, ermines, and marine mammals have additionally been seen at Silver Salmon.
Lodges within the space transport visitors 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 seaside to succeed in the closest sedge meadow or fishing space. You would possibly stroll two miles or extra backwards and forwards throughout salt marshes, tidal flats, and creeks whereas trying to find bears or fish.
Shelter Creek and Tuxedni Bay
These two areas alongside the Prepare dinner Inlet coast of the park supply wealthy habitats for bears however are tougher to entry and thus see fewer guests.
Bears which might be much less accustomed to human presence usually tend to shrink back from shut encounters. Should you determine to go to these spots, proceed with excessive warning.
Chinitna Bay
Located on the southern finish of the park’s Prepare dinner Inlet shoreline, Chinitna Bay is famend for its distinctive bear viewing. Guests could spot as many as twenty coastal brown bears from a single vantage level.
Touring between bear viewing spots in Chinitna Bay is usually accomplished on foot, though some native lodges would possibly present car transport alongside the seaside for his or her visitors. Be able to trek via sandy terrain for a couple of hundred yards from the seaside the place your aircraft lands to succeed in the closest bear viewing space. You possibly can 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 possibly can expertise the joys of observing Alaska’s black and brown bears of their pure setting.
The flight to get there may be already a spotlight in itself. The floatplane journey from Anchorage to the lake takes round one hour.
Enjoyable Truth: Anchorage is the capital of floatplanes, as there are 500 based mostly there.
The flight is superb, because the view onto the lakes and mountains are merely gorgeous.
Your expert pilot can be a information and provides you with a lot of data 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 forms of salmon they go for:
- Recent-caught salmon, which is the toughest to catch in a lake.
- “Zombie” salmon, which is simply in need of dying and which swims slower and is subsequently simpler to catch.
- “Floaters” are those who’ve already died and float on the floor. Clearly, they’re the only to catch, however they’re additionally not of their very best quality anymore. So very often, you see that the bears eat solely components of the floaters, except they’re nonetheless very hungry and wish extra meals for his or her winter break.
Redoubt Bay Lodge is a captivating handcrafted lodge nestled inside an enormous 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 might 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 via 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 a simple day journey from Anchorage to the Redoubt Bay Essential Habitat Space.
You possibly can take pleasure in an interesting 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 had been there, so our journey needed to finish somewhat early, nevertheless it was nonetheless an amazing expertise. When you’ve got the chance to remain in a single day, do it. Staying in such a distant place is exclusive and a really particular expertise.
Your bundle features a scrumptious sizzling lunch served in the principle lodge. We had been served baked salmon, and it was among the finest 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 photograph 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.
A fantastic location for bear viewing is Katmai Nationwide Park, the place you possibly can marvel on the iconic brown bears fishing for salmon at Brooks Falls. It’s a panoramic sight that by no means will get outdated.
The federally-protected Katmai Nationwide Park and Protect is famend for its distinctive alternatives to watch 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 memorable 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 directly.
Though the bear viewing at Brooks Falls is self-guided, park rangers are readily available to offer a complete briefing upon your arrival and can be found all through the park to reply any questions you could 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 crowded, and the ranger would possibly ask you to shift to a different platform. Nevertheless, there may be ample area in Katmai total to take pleasure in observing the bears.
Though Brooks Falls is probably the most famend location on this park for bear-watching, it’s actually not the only real possibility; different locations corresponding to Hallo Bay, Geographic Harbor, and Moraine Creek additionally present implausible viewing alternatives. These areas are merely extra secluded. You would possibly have to trek a couple of miles, and also you in all probability gained’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 watch bears of their pure habitat.
Every location presents distinctive viewing experiences, from tranquil creek settings to rugged wilderness. Whereas bear viewing might be crowded throughout peak season, the joys 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 fewer folks, and seeing Alaska in autumn was superior, with all the coloured leaves. As you need to costume in a number of layers anyway, I didn’t thoughts the climate that a lot. There have been additionally fewer mosquitoes than at different occasions of the yr.
When to Plan Your Journey for Optimum Bear Sightings
Timing your journey to view bears in Alaska could make all of the distinction in your expertise of those majestic creatures up shut.
The height season runs from late Might to early September, with the perfect alternatives for recognizing brown bears round Katmai Nationwide Park and Lake Clark.
Should you’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 circumstances might be unpredictable, so have a versatile itinerary.
Should you miss the height months, go to in Might or September for fewer crowds and an opportunity to see bears throughout their lively feeding occasions.
Right here is an summary of the place to go bear viewing in Alaska in every month:
- Might: 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 essential.
Start your journey by choosing the proper 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 trying out 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 an excellent 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 have the ability to take higher images.
Gown in layers, as Alaska’s climate might be unpredictable, and don’t overlook waterproof gear. Throughout my go to, I encountered surprising rain and it was a lot colder than I believed. 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 that I deliver alongside a hat and gloves.
How To Get To The Bears in Alaska
From numerous areas and lodging, you’ve got the chance to journey by boat.
You possibly can go for a floatplane from Anchorage or Homer that can contact down on the water. That alone is a spotlight already.
Alternatively, there are wheeled planes that may land proper on the seaside, otherwise you would possibly favor a helicopter that may decide on a sandy shore or expansive grassy fields. Helicopters supply the additional advantage of panoramic 180-degree views via their massive entrance home windows, the potential to fly at decrease altitudes, and customarily present a extra snug journey.
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 necessary factors to recollect, whatever the circumstances.
Before everything, 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 making an attempt to feed them.
At all times preserve a respectful distance from these magnificent brown (Grizzly) bears; keep at the least 100 yards to make sure each your security and theirs.
It’s necessary to keep calm for those who encounter a bear—by no means run, as this may increasingly provoke curiosity or aggression. As a substitute, 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 habits and guarantee protected viewing practices.
Areas like Katmai Nationwide Park and Lake Clark are famend for his or her wildlife encounters, nevertheless it’s clever to be told about seasonal patterns and bear exercise.
At all times carry bear spray simply in case—this small precaution could make a big distinction throughout surprising encounters. If you do a guided tour, you gained’t want the spray, as your information ought to be ready.
Various Actions to Improve Your Alaska Journey
Should you’re wanting to dive deeper into the Alaskan wilderness past bear viewing, there are many various actions that can improve your journey.
Take into account a day journey to Seward or Homer, the place you possibly can discover gorgeous coastal vistas or seize contemporary seafood from native eateries.
For a novel expertise, head to Katmai Nationwide Park, the place wildlife images fans will discover infinite alternatives right here, so be certain that your digital camera is prepared!
Should you’re in search of one thing extra adrenaline-pumping, kayaking round certainly one of Alaska’s serene lakes presents 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, guaranteeing that your journey is as memorable as it’s thrilling.
Don’t miss out on these alternate options that completely complement your bear-viewing journey!
Folks Additionally Ask
The place is the perfect place to see the bears in Alaska?
Should you’re trying to see bears in Alaska, Katmai Nationwide Park is a high contender. The park is famend for its unimaginable brown bear inhabitants, particularly in the course of the salmon runs in July and September.
Then there may be 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.
One in every of my favourite experiences was watching the bears from the pontoon boat, the place they received 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 usually discover them of their pure habitat, foraging for meals.
I like to recommend reserving a guided tour, because the guides know the perfect spots and might present useful insights into bear habits.
What’s the finest month to see bears in Alaska?
Should you’re wanting to catch a glimpse of bears in Alaska, the perfect months to plan your journey are usually Might via September.
Throughout this era, bears emerge from hibernation, and their exercise peaks, particularly in late spring and summer time when meals sources are ample.
In Might, 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 develop into extra lively, with many moms and cubs seen alongside the coast and riverbanks. It is a implausible time to see these lovable cubs studying to navigate their setting.
July is the height season for salmon runs, notably in areas like Katmai Nationwide Park and Brooks Falls. Right here, you possibly can 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 seemingly see them gathering in bigger numbers, additionally on the lakes.
Irrespective of while you go, the expertise of observing these majestic creatures of their pure habitat is certain to be a spotlight of your Alaskan journey!
Nevertheless, take into account that the climate might be unpredictable, so it’s clever to pack accordingly.
How seemingly is it to see a bear in Alaska?
Seeing a bear in Alaska is sort of seemingly, particularly in sure areas and through particular seasons.
I anticipated to see perhaps 1-2 bears, and hopefully, much more. Ultimately, we noticed 9 bears, together with a number of cubs, and that in simply 1 ½ hours. If the climate hadn’t modified, we’d have gone out for extra bear viewing within the afternoon to see much more.
Alaska is house 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 situation, time of yr, and your actions. In nationwide parks like Denali and Katmai, bear sightings are frequent, notably in the course of the summer time months when bears are foraging for meals.
Keep alert in case you are mountaineering and all of the sudden see a grizzly bear simply off the path, foraging for berries within the brush. The secret is to remain alert and preserve your distance; bears are usually not typically aggressive however might 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 area and observe from a protected distance to keep away from any harmful encounters.
Should you’re planning to go bear-watching, contemplate guided excursions, which regularly 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 observe native laws concerning wildlife encounters.
Find out how to see bears in Alaska on a price range?
Seeing bears in Alaska is usually 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 possibly can usually spot bears of their pure habitat.
Whereas guided excursions might be dear, contemplate mountaineering the paths in these parks—many have accessible paths the place bears are recognized to roam. Don’t overlook 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 additionally enhance your probabilities of bear sightings. Convey your individual meals and equipment to chop down on bills.
Simply remember the particular “bear guidelines” while you go tenting. No meals within the tent!
Be certain that to securely retailer all meals, food-related gadgets, cooking utensils, clothes, and every other aromatic private belongings in your automobile, RV, or cabin. Leaving gadgets exterior can draw bears and different wildlife.
So lock it up within the automobile or grasp it excessive on a rope at a tree, finest a bit away out of your tent. Should you’re in search of a extra distinctive expertise, take a look at native bear-viewing platforms or lodges that provide day passes. These might be extra reasonably priced 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 superb fall colours.
