Think about standing just some toes away from an enormous brown Grizzly bear, its highly effective kind shifting gracefully by way of the plush Alaskan wilderness.
Bear viewing in Alaska is not only 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 top-of-the-line 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 assist you uncover the perfect spots for a detailed 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 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 pictures and unforgettable moments.
Should you’re in Homer, don’t neglect 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’ manner. 😉
Whereas the thrill might 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 Areas 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 convey you up shut to those magnificent animals whereas prioritizing your security.
The journey itself is a spotlight. A floatplane journey 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 possibly can count on to see from the aircraft already – merely beautiful!
There are a number of places 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.
Through the salmon run, each brown and black bears go to the shorelines in the hunt for considerable 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 difficult 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 probabilities to seize beautiful photos.
Silver Salmon Creek
Situated halfway alongside the park’s Cook dinner Inlet coast, Silver Salmon Creek affords incredible 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 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 achieve the closest sedge meadow or fishing space. You may end up strolling two miles or extra forwards and backwards throughout salt marshes or 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 can 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 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 completed on foot, though some native lodges may present car transport alongside the seashore for his or her visitors. Be able to trek by way of sandy terrain for a couple of hundred yards from the seashore the place your aircraft lands to achieve the closest bear viewing space. You possibly can end up strolling two miles or extra forwards and backwards between websites on the salt marsh or tidal flats in the hunt 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’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 based mostly there.
The flight is superb, because the view onto the lakes and mountains are merely beautiful.
Your expert pilot can be a information and can give you a number of into 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 lined 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:
- contemporary 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”, that are those who already died and who float on the floor. Clearly it’s the best to catch, but additionally not of their very best quality anymore. So very often you see that the bears eat solely elements of the floaters, except they’re nonetheless very hungry they usually want extra meals for his or her winter break
Redoubt Bay Lodge is an enthralling handcrafted lodge nestled inside an unlimited 171,000-acre essential 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 can be simply viewable in all of Alaska.
As your bear watching tour kicks off, you’ll be aboard a lined pontoon boat, guided by educated naturalists, navigating by way of the picturesque chain of Large 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 a simple day journey from Anchorage to the Redoubt Bay Important Habitat Space.
You’ll be able to get pleasure from an interesting half-day expertise with departures accessible 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 excellent expertise. If 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 sizzling lunch served in the principle lodge is included in your bundle. We had been served baked salmon and it was top-of-the-line 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 greatest keep for 2-3 nights) to locations like Homer, recognized for its beautiful 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 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 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 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 readily available to provide 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 enforce to keep up a top quality viewing expertise. Because of this typically the areas can get a bit crowded, and the ranger may ask you to shift to a different platform. Nevertheless, there’s ample area in Katmai total 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 present incredible viewing alternatives as properly. These areas are merely extra secluded. You may must trek a couple 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 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 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 gown 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 perfect alternatives for recognizing brown bears round Katmai Nationwide Park and Lake Clark.
Should 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 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 energetic 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 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 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 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 pictures.
Gown in layers, as Alaska’s climate might 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 convey alongside a hat and gloves.
How you can get to the bears
From varied places and lodging, you’ve gotten 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 want a helicopter that may decide on a sandy shore or expansive grassy fields. Helicopters provide the additional advantage of panoramic 180-degree views by way of their giant entrance home windows, the potential to fly at decrease altitudes, and usually 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 very important.
There are a number of vital 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 attempting to feed them.
All the time hold a respectful distance from these magnificent brown (Grizzly) bears; keep not less than 100 yards to make sure each your security and theirs.
It’s vital 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 habits and guarantee protected viewing practices.
Areas like Katmai Nationwide Park and Lake Clark are famend for his or her wildlife encounters, however it’s smart to learn about seasonal patterns and bear exercise.
All the time carry bear spray simply in case—this small precaution could make a major distinction throughout sudden encounters. Whenever you do a guided tour, you gained’t want the spray, as your information must be ready.
Different 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 may improve your journey.
Contemplate a day journey to Seward or Homer, the place you possibly can discover beautiful coastal vistas or seize contemporary seafood from native eateries.
For a singular expertise, head to Katmai Nationwide Park, the place wildlife pictures 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 certainly one 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 in the Kenai Fjords, which was one other beautiful 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!
Individuals additionally ask
The place is the perfect place to see the bears in Alaska?
Should 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 through the salmon runs in July and September.
Then there’s Lake Clark with its completely different spots. I had the possibility to go to this beautiful 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 obtained 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 greatest 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 by way of September.
Throughout this era, bears emerge from hibernation, and their exercise peaks, particularly in late spring and summer time when meals sources are considerable.
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 change into extra energetic, with many moms and cubs seen alongside the coast and riverbanks. This can be a incredible time to see these lovable cubs studying to navigate their setting.
July is peak season for salmon runs, significantly in areas like Katmai Nationwide Park and Brooks Falls. Right here, you possibly can 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 probably 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 the fact that the climate might be unpredictable, so it’s smart to pack accordingly.
How probably is it to see a bear in Alaska?
Seeing a bear in Alaska is kind of probably, particularly in sure areas and through particular seasons.
I anticipated to see perhaps 1-2 bears optimistically 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 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 situation, time of yr, and your actions. In nationwide parks like Denali and Katmai, bear sightings are frequent, significantly through the summer time months when bears are foraging for meals.
Keep alert in case you are mountaineering and out of the blue see a grizzly bear simply off the path, foraging for berries within the brush. The secret’s to remain alert and hold your distance; bears aren’t 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 probability of seeing a bear is excessive, it’s essential to prioritize security and comply with native laws concerning wildlife encounters.
How you can see bears in Alaska on a finances?
Seeing bears in Alaska could be 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 expensive, contemplate mountaineering 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 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 personal meals and kit to chop down on bills.
Simply take into accout the particular “bear guidelines” while you go tenting. No meals within the tent!
Ensure to securely retailer all meals, food-related objects, cooking utensils, clothes, and every other aromatic private belongings in your automotive, RV, or cabin. Leaving objects 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. Should you’re in search of a extra distinctive expertise, try native bear-viewing platforms or lodges that supply day passes. These might 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 changed into these superb fall colours.
