Think about standing only a few toes away from a large brown Grizzly bear, its highly effective type shifting gracefully via the plush Alaskan wilderness.
Bear viewing in Alaska isn’t just a visit; it’s an exhilarating journey that immerses you within the uncooked fantastic thing about nature.
From the beautiful landscapes of Lake Clark Nationwide Park to among the best 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 enable you to uncover the perfect spots for an in depth encounter with these majestic creatures.
Associated learn: The Magic of a Day Cruise at Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park, Alaska
Right here is an summary:
You too can 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 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 images and unforgettable moments.
When you’re in Homer, don’t overlook to discover the close by creeks the place bears are continuously noticed.
Simply be ready for the unpredictable climate—layers are a should! I needed to study this the ‘chilly’ manner. 😉
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 beautiful 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 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 massive teams of brown bears collect to feed.
At Lake Clark Nationwide Park, guided excursions convey you up shut to those magnificent animals whereas prioritizing your security.
The journey itself is a spotlight. A floatplane experience from Anchorage to the beautiful 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 anticipate to see from the airplane already – merely beautiful!
There are a number of places to look at 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.
In the course of the salmon run, each brown and black bears go to the shorelines searching for plentiful 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 probabilities to seize beautiful pictures.
Silver Salmon Creek
Situated halfway alongside the park’s Cook dinner Inlet coast, Silver Salmon Creek presents 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 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 number of hundred yards from the seaside to achieve the closest sedge meadow or fishing space. You may stroll two miles or extra backwards and forwards 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 provide wealthy habitats for bears however are tougher 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 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 performed on foot, though some native lodges may present automobile transport alongside the seaside for his or her visitors. Be able to trek via sandy terrain for a number of hundred yards from the seaside the place your airplane lands to achieve the closest bear viewing space. You might end up strolling two miles or extra backwards and forwards 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 may expertise the fun of observing Alaska’s black and brown bears of their pure surroundings.
The flight to get there may be already a spotlight in itself. The floatplane experience from Anchorage to the lake takes round one hour.
Enjoyable Reality: Anchorage is the capital of floatplanes, as there are 500 primarily based there.
The flight is superb, because the view onto the lakes and mountains are merely beautiful.
Your expert pilot can also be a information and gives you a number of info through the flight. Be ready for some “dry” jokes as properly.
You’ll then contact down on the Redoubt Mountain Lodge, nestled by the beautiful 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 wanting 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 an enthralling handcrafted lodge nestled inside an enormous 171,000-acre crucial habitat space.
It’s conveniently located 70 miles southwest of Anchorage, proper on the beautiful 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 via the picturesque chain of Massive 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 Crucial Habitat Space.
You possibly can get pleasure from an attractive half-day expertise with departures out there 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 slightly early, however it was nonetheless an incredible expertise. You probably have 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 sizzling lunch served in the principle lodge. We have been served baked salmon, and it was among the best 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 greatest keep for 2-3 nights) to locations like Homer, identified for its beautiful landscapes and wealthy wildlife.
An awesome 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 previous.
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 beautiful 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 directly.
Though the bear viewing at Brooks Falls is self-guided, park rangers are readily available to present a complete briefing upon your arrival and can be found all through the park to reply any questions you might have.
When customer numbers peak, a waitlist for the Decrease River Bear viewing platform could also be enforce to take care of a top quality viewing expertise. Because of this typically 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 general to get pleasure from observing the bears.
Though Brooks Falls is essentially the most famend location on this park for bear-watching, it’s definitely not the only real choice; different locations comparable to Hallo Bay, Geographic Harbor, and Moraine Creek additionally present unbelievable viewing alternatives. These areas are merely extra secluded. You may must trek a number of miles, and also you most likely gained’t encounter as many bears in a single space in comparison with Brooks. The upside? You’ll be far-off from the throngs of individuals and have the possibility to look at bears of their pure habitat.
Every location presents 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 advocate this season. There have been fewer folks, and seeing Alaska in autumn was superior, with all the coloured leaves. As you must gown 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, contemplate visiting through the salmon run in July and August when bears collect in droves alongside the creeks.
Needless to say climate situations could 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 summary 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
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 advocate testing the guided excursions that take you to well-known spots like Brooks Falls, the place brown bears collect through 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 it’s best to be capable to take higher photographs.
Gown in layers, as Alaska’s climate could be unpredictable, and don’t overlook waterproof gear. Throughout my go to, I encountered sudden rain and it was a lot colder than I assumed. But it surely didn’t dampen my spirits; the wildlife continued to amaze regardless of the drizzle.
Subsequent time, I’ll hear when somebody recommends that I convey alongside a hat and gloves.
How To Get To The Bears in Alaska
From varied places and lodging, you’ve gotten 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 may desire a helicopter that may choose a sandy shore or expansive grassy fields. Helicopters provide the additional advantage of panoramic 180-degree views via their massive entrance home windows, the aptitude to fly at decrease altitudes, and customarily present a extra comfy 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 essential factors to recollect, whatever the circumstances.
In the beginning, it’s best to 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 hold a respectful distance from these magnificent brown (Grizzly) bears; preserve no less than 100 yards to make sure each your security and theirs.
It’s essential to keep calm when you encounter a bear—by no means run, as this will 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 train 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 learn about seasonal patterns and bear exercise.
All the time carry bear spray simply in case—this small precaution could make a big distinction throughout sudden encounters. If you do a guided tour, you gained’t want the spray, as your information needs to be ready.
Various 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 can improve your journey.
Take into account a day journey to Seward or Homer, the place you may discover beautiful coastal vistas or seize contemporary seafood from native eateries.
For a singular expertise, head to Katmai Nationwide Park, the place wildlife images fanatics will discover countless alternatives right here, so be certain that your digital camera is prepared!
When you’re on the lookout for one thing extra adrenaline-pumping, kayaking round one in all 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 beautiful 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 trying to see bears in Alaska, Katmai Nationwide Park is a high contender. The park is famend for its unimaginable brown bear inhabitants, particularly through 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 beautiful 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, contemplate heading to Kodiak Island. The Kodiak brown bears listed below are bigger, and you’ll 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 might present beneficial 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 sometimes Could via September.
Throughout this era, bears emerge from hibernation, and their exercise peaks, particularly in late spring and summer time 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 change into extra energetic, with many moms and cubs seen alongside the coast and riverbanks. It is a unbelievable time to see these lovely cubs studying to navigate their surroundings.
July is the height 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 seemingly see them gathering in bigger numbers, additionally on the lakes.
Regardless of while you go, the expertise of observing these majestic creatures of their pure habitat is bound to be a spotlight of your Alaskan journey!
Nevertheless, remember that the climate could be unpredictable, so it’s sensible 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 possibly 1-2 bears, and optimistically, 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’d have gone out for extra bear viewing within the afternoon to see much more.
Alaska is dwelling to a few 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 through the summer time months when bears are foraging for meals.
Keep alert in case you are mountain climbing and instantly 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 will not be usually 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.
When you’re planning to go bear-watching, contemplate guided excursions, which regularly enhance the probabilities of sightings and supply security ideas. Bear in mind, whereas the chance of seeing a bear is excessive, it’s essential to prioritize security and observe native rules concerning wildlife encounters.
Methods to see bears in Alaska on a price range?
Seeing bears in Alaska is usually a thrilling expertise with out breaking the financial institution. One of the vital 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 expensive, contemplate mountain 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 additionally enhance your probabilities of bear sightings. Convey your individual meals and equipment to chop down on bills.
Simply take into accout the particular “bear guidelines” while you go tenting. No meals within the tent!
Be sure 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, greatest a bit away out of your tent. When you’re on the lookout for a extra distinctive expertise, take a look at native bear-viewing platforms or lodges that provide day passes. These could be extra inexpensive than full-package excursions.
Moreover, touring through the shoulder season (late spring or early fall) can yield decrease costs on lodging and actions. I’m actually comfortable that I’ve been to Alaska in autumn, the place the panorama became these superb fall colours.
