Think about standing only a few toes away from an enormous brown Grizzly bear, its highly effective type transferring gracefully by means of the luxurious 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 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 outline:
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’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 possibly can typically 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 pictures and unforgettable moments.
When you’re in Homer, don’t overlook to discover the close by creeks the place bears are steadily noticed.
Simply be ready for the unpredictable climate—layers are a should! I needed to study this the ‘chilly’ method. 😉
Whereas the thrill will be overwhelming, sustaining a secure 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 digicam and embrace the wild!
The Greatest Areas for Bear Viewing in Alaska
Alaska is the place to be when you’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 giant teams of brown bears collect to feed.
At Lake Clark Nationwide Park, guided excursions carry 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 possibly can anticipate to see from the aircraft already – merely gorgeous!
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.
Through the salmon run, each brown and black bears go to the shorelines searching 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 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 photographs.
Silver Salmon Creek
Situated halfway alongside the park’s Cook dinner Inlet coast, Silver Salmon Creek presents incredible sport fishing alongside top-notch brown bear viewing. Brown bears will 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 seashore 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 seashore to succeed in the closest sedge meadow or fishing space. You may stroll two miles or extra forwards and backwards throughout salt marshes, tidal flats, and creeks whereas looking for bears or fish.
Shelter Creek and Tuxedni Bay
These two areas alongside the Cook dinner Inlet coast of the park supply wealthy habitats for bears however are more difficult to entry and thus see fewer guests.
Bears which are much less accustomed to human presence usually tend to draw back from shut encounters. When you determine 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 could spot as many as twenty coastal brown bears from a single vantage level.
Touring between bear viewing spots in Chinitna Bay is usually performed on foot, though some native lodges may present car transport alongside the seashore for his or her visitors. Be able to trek by means of sandy terrain for a couple of hundred yards from the seashore the place your aircraft lands to succeed in the closest bear viewing space. You may end up strolling two miles or extra forwards and backwards between websites on the salt marsh or tidal flats searching 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 fun 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 trip from Anchorage to the lake takes round one hour.
Enjoyable Truth: Anchorage is the capital 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 also be a information and gives you plenty 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 varieties 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 best to catch, however they’re additionally not of their highest quality anymore. So very often, you see that the bears eat solely elements 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 unlimited 171,000-acre vital 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 are 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 means of the picturesque chain of Huge 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 Vital Habitat Space.
You’ll be able to get pleasure from 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 had been there, so our journey needed to finish a bit of early, however it was nonetheless an awesome 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 package deal features a scrumptious scorching lunch served in the primary 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 picture doesn’t do it justice. It was so scrumptious!
Katmai Nationwide Park
If you end up in Anchorage, take into account day journeys (and greatest keep for 2-3 nights) to locations like Homer, identified for its gorgeous landscapes and wealthy wildlife.
An awesome 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 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 may 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 present a complete briefing upon your arrival and can be found all through the park to reply any questions you will have.
When customer numbers peak, a waitlist for the Decrease River Bear viewing platform could also be enforce to keep up a high quality viewing expertise. Because of this generally the areas can get crowded, and the ranger may ask you to shift to a different platform. Nevertheless, there may be ample house in Katmai total to get pleasure from 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 choice; different locations reminiscent of Hallo Bay, Geographic Harbor, and Moraine Creek additionally present incredible viewing alternatives. These areas are merely extra secluded. You may must trek a couple of miles, and also you in all probability 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 prospect to look at bears of their pure habitat.
Every location presents distinctive viewing experiences, from tranquil creek settings to rugged wilderness. Whereas bear viewing will 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 fewer individuals, and seeing Alaska in autumn was superior, with all the coloured leaves. As you must 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 Could to early September, with the perfect alternatives for recognizing brown bears round Katmai Nationwide Park and Lake Clark.
When you’re planning a day tour from Anchorage, take into account visiting in the course of the salmon run in July and August when bears collect in droves alongside the creeks.
Understand that climate situations will be unpredictable, so have a versatile itinerary.
When you miss the height months, go to in Could or September for fewer crowds and an opportunity to see bears throughout their energetic feeding occasions.
Right here is an outline of the place to go bear viewing in Alaska in every month:
- 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
Suggestions for an Unforgettable Bear Viewing Expertise
For an unforgettable bear viewing expertise in Alaska, planning is essential.
Start your journey by choosing the correct 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.
Deliver a superb digicam 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 of take higher images.
Costume in layers, as Alaska’s climate will be unpredictable, and don’t overlook waterproof gear. Throughout my go to, I encountered surprising rain and it was a lot colder than I assumed. Nevertheless 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 carry alongside a hat and gloves.
How To Get To The Bears in Alaska
From numerous areas and lodging, you may have the chance to journey by boat.
You’ll be able to 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 may favor a helicopter that may choose a sandy shore or expansive grassy fields. Helicopters supply the additional advantage of panoramic 180-degree views by means of their giant 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 completely important.
There are a number of necessary factors to recollect, whatever the circumstances.
At the beginning, 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.
All the time preserve a respectful distance from these magnificent brown (Grizzly) bears; preserve at the very least 100 yards to make sure each your security and theirs.
It’s necessary to keep calm when you encounter a bear—by no means run, as this may occasionally 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 secure viewing practices.
Areas like Katmai Nationwide Park and Lake Clark are famend for his or her wildlife encounters, however it’s smart to be told about seasonal patterns and bear exercise.
All the time carry bear spray simply in case—this small precaution could make a major distinction throughout surprising encounters. If you do a guided tour, you received’t want the spray, as your information must be ready.
Different Actions to Improve Your Alaska Journey
When you’re wanting to dive deeper into the Alaskan wilderness past bear viewing, there are many various actions that may 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 pictures lovers will discover limitless alternatives right here, so be certain that your digicam is prepared!
When you’re searching for one thing extra adrenaline-pumping, kayaking round one in all Alaska’s serene lakes presents each tranquility and the prospect 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?
When you’re seeking to see bears in Alaska, Katmai Nationwide Park is a high 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 may be Lake Clark with its completely different spots. I had the prospect to go to this gorgeous wilderness on the Redoubt Mountain Lodge, and it didn’t disappoint.
One in all 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, take into account 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 perfect spots and may present precious insights into bear conduct.
What’s the greatest month to see bears in Alaska?
When you’re wanting to catch a glimpse of bears in Alaska, the perfect months to plan your journey are usually Could by means of 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 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 change into extra energetic, with many moms and cubs seen alongside the coast and riverbanks. It is a incredible time to see these cute 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 possible see them gathering in bigger numbers, additionally on the lakes.
Regardless of whenever you go, the expertise of observing these majestic creatures of their pure habitat is certain to be a spotlight of your Alaskan journey!
Nevertheless, remember that the climate will be unpredictable, so it’s smart to pack accordingly.
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 possibly 1-2 bears, and expectantly, much more. In the long run, we noticed 9 bears, together with a number of cubs, and that in simply 1 ½ hours. If the climate hadn’t modified, we might 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 possibilities of an encounter rely largely on the placement, 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 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 preserve your distance; bears will not be usually aggressive however will 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 secure distance to keep away from any harmful encounters.
When you’re planning to go bear-watching, take into account guided excursions, which regularly improve the possibilities of sightings and supply security suggestions. Bear in mind, whereas the probability of seeing a bear is excessive, it’s essential to prioritize security and observe native rules concerning wildlife encounters.
see bears in Alaska on a price range?
Seeing bears in Alaska could be a thrilling expertise with out breaking the financial institution. One of the crucial budget-friendly methods is to go to nationwide parks like Katmai or Denali, the place you possibly can typically spot bears of their pure habitat.
Whereas guided excursions will be dear, take into account climbing the paths in these parks—many have accessible paths the place bears are identified to roam. Don’t overlook your bear spray! Tenting is one other economical choice. By staying at campgrounds inside or close to the parks, you not solely save on lodging prices but in addition improve your possibilities of bear sightings. Deliver your individual meals and equipment to chop down on bills.
Simply have in mind the particular “bear guidelines” whenever you go tenting. No meals within the tent!
Make certain to securely retailer all meals, food-related gadgets, cooking utensils, clothes, and some other aromatic private belongings in your automobile, RV, or cabin. Leaving gadgets outdoors can draw bears and different wildlife.
So lock it up within the automobile or cling it excessive on a rope at a tree, greatest a bit away out of your tent. When you’re searching for a extra distinctive expertise, try native bear-viewing platforms or lodges that supply day passes. These will 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 completely satisfied that I’ve been to Alaska in autumn, the place the panorama become these wonderful fall colours.
