Think about standing only a few ft away from an enormous brown Grizzly bear, its highly effective type transferring gracefully via the luxurious 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 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 make it easier to uncover the very best spots for an in depth encounter with these majestic creatures.
Right here is an summary:
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 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.
Should you’re in Homer, don’t neglect 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 study this the ‘chilly’ approach. 😉
Whereas the thrill will 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 Greatest Places for Bear Viewing in Alaska
Should you’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 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 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 powerful 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 beautiful!
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 under.
In the course of the salmon run, each brown and black bears go to the shorelines in quest of 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 resulting from thick vegetation that makes shore strolling difficult 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 beautiful pictures.
Silver Salmon Creek
Positioned halfway alongside the park’s Prepare dinner Inlet coast, Silver Salmon Creek affords 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 season, 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 succeed in 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 looking for 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 might spot as many as twenty coastal brown bears from a single vantage level.
Touring between bear viewing spots in Chinitna Bay is usually carried out on foot, though some native lodges would possibly 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 succeed in the closest bear viewing space. You would end up strolling two miles or extra backwards and forwards between websites on the salt marsh or tidal flats in quest of 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 joys of observing Alaska’s black and brown bears of their pure atmosphere.
The flight to get there may be 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 superb, because the view onto the lakes and mountains are merely beautiful.
Your expert pilot can also be a information and can give you numerous into throughout the flight. Be ready for some “dry” jokes as effectively.
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 sorts of salmon they go for:
- contemporary 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”, that are those who already died and who float on the floor. Clearly it’s the best to catch, but additionally not of their highest quality anymore. So very often you see that the bears eat solely components of the floaters, until they’re nonetheless very hungry and so they want 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 beautiful 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 Huge River Lakes, the place sockeye and Coho salmon thrive and appeal to 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 Vital Habitat Space.
You possibly can take pleasure in an enticing 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 had been there, so our journey needed to finish a bit early, but it surely was nonetheless an ideal 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.
A scrumptious scorching lunch served in the principle lodge is included in your package deal. 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, think about day journeys (and greatest keep for 2-3 nights) to locations like Homer, recognized for its beautiful 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 previous.
The federally-protected Katmai Nationwide Park and Protect is famend for its distinctive alternatives to watch 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 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 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 implement to take care of a top quality viewing expertise. Which means that generally the areas can get a bit crowded, and the ranger would possibly ask you to shift to a different platform. Nonetheless, there may be ample house 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 definitely not the only real possibility; different locations akin to Hallo Bay, Geographic Harbor, and Moraine Creek present incredible viewing alternatives as effectively. These areas are merely extra secluded. You would possibly have to 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 watch bears of their pure habitat.
Every location affords distinctive viewing experiences, from tranquil creek settings to rugged wilderness. Whereas bear viewing will 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 advocate 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 instances of the yr.
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 Might to early September, with the very best alternatives for recognizing brown bears round Katmai Nationwide Park and Lake Clark.
Should you’re planning a day tour from Anchorage, think about visiting throughout the salmon run in July and August when bears collect in droves alongside the creeks.
Remember that climate situations will 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 instances.
Right here is an summary:
- 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
Suggestions for an Unforgettable Bear Viewing Expertise
For an unforgettable bear viewing expertise in Alaska, planning is essential.
Start your journey by deciding on the best 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 trying out the guided excursions that take you to well-known spots like Brooks Falls, the place brown bears collect throughout the salmon run. Otherwise you hop on one of many pontoon boats, which will get you very shut.
Deliver 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 be capable of take higher pictures.
Costume in layers, as Alaska’s climate will be unpredictable, and don’t neglect waterproof gear. Throughout my go to, I encountered sudden rain and it was a lot colder than I believed. 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 me to carry alongside a hat and gloves.
The best way to get to the bears
From varied areas and lodging, you will have the chance to journey by boat.
You possibly can 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 seaside, otherwise you would possibly favor a helicopter that may decide on a sandy shore or expansive grassy fields. Helicopters supply the additional benefit of panoramic 180-degree views via their giant entrance home windows, the aptitude to fly at decrease altitudes, and usually 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 totally very 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 preserve a respectful distance from these magnificent brown (Grizzly) bears; keep no less than 100 yards to make sure each your security and theirs.
It’s essential to remain calm should 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 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, but it surely’s sensible to learn 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. Once you do a guided tour, you gained’t want the spray, as your information must be ready.
Various Actions to Improve Your Alaska Journey
Should you’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 beautiful coastal vistas or seize contemporary seafood from native eateries.
For a singular expertise, head to Katmai Nationwide Park, the place wildlife images fans will discover limitless alternatives right here, so be certain your digital camera is prepared!
Should you’re in search of one thing extra adrenaline-pumping, kayaking round one in all 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 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 options that completely complement your bear viewing journey!
Folks additionally ask
The place is the very best place to see the bears in Alaska?
Should you’re trying to see bears in Alaska, Katmai Nationwide Park is a prime contender. The park is famend for its unimaginable brown bear inhabitants, particularly throughout 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.
Considered one of my favourite experiences was watching the bears from the pontoon boat, the place they obtained their salmon, additionally for his or her cubs.
For a extra distant expertise, think about heading to Kodiak Island. The Kodiak brown bears listed here 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 very best spots and may present helpful insights into bear conduct.
What’s the greatest month to see bears in Alaska?
Should you’re desperate to catch a glimpse of bears in Alaska, the very best 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 season when meals sources are plentiful.
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 grow to be extra lively, with many moms and cubs seen alongside the coast and riverbanks. It is a incredible time to see these lovable cubs studying to navigate their atmosphere.
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 very unforgettable sight.
By August, the bears proceed to feed closely in preparation for hibernation, and also you’ll doubtless see them gathering in bigger numbers, additionally on the lakes.
Regardless of once you go, the expertise of observing these majestic creatures of their pure habitat is certain to be a spotlight of your Alaskan journey!
Nonetheless, needless to say the climate will be unpredictable, so it’s sensible to pack accordingly.
How doubtless is it to see a bear in Alaska?
Seeing a bear in Alaska is sort of doubtless, particularly in sure areas and through particular seasons.
I anticipated to see perhaps 1-2 bears expectantly 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 might have gone out for extra bear viewing within the afternoon, to see much more.
Alaska is residence 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 yr, and your actions. In nationwide parks like Denali and Katmai, bear sightings are frequent, notably throughout the summer season 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 bottom line is to remain alert and preserve your distance; bears should not 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 protected distance to keep away from any harmful encounters.
Should you’re planning to go bear-watching, think about guided excursions, which frequently improve the probabilities of sightings and supply security suggestions. Keep in mind, whereas the probability of seeing a bear is excessive, it’s essential to prioritize security and observe native rules relating to wildlife encounters.
The best way to see bears in Alaska on a finances?
Seeing bears in Alaska is usually a thrilling expertise with out breaking the financial institution. One of the 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 will be expensive, think about mountain 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 additionally improve your probabilities of bear sightings. Deliver your personal meals and equipment to chop down on bills.
Simply remember the particular “bear guidelines” once you go tenting. No meals within the tent!
Be sure that to securely retailer all meals, food-related gadgets, cooking utensils, clothes, and some other 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 dangle it excessive on a rope at a tree, greatest 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 supply day passes. These will be extra reasonably priced than full-package excursions.
Moreover, touring throughout the shoulder season (late spring or early fall) can yield decrease costs on lodging and actions. I’m actually joyful that I’ve been to Alaska in autumn, the place the panorama was these superb fall colours.
