My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to Alaska. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For flights, I recommend using Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to Alaska. Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars! I always use Expedia's easy-to-use platform to compare the best rates. To keep cell service if you're traveling internationally, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required), and NordVPN to stay safe while connecting to different wifi. For fun things to do, I recommend Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours in the area. Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance. Lastly, my Alaska packing list for your travels to the Last Frontier.
Planning Your Bear Viewing Trip
The only way to go bear viewing in Lake Clark National Park is on a guided day trip. I've only gone through Lake Clark Resort, a place I trust to go above and beyond for every single one of their guests. If you're just planning to visit Lake Clark for one day, it might be a little tricky to squeeze in bear viewing too, so I recommend trying to plan a visit that's at least 2-3 days long.
When you head out on a guided bear viewing trip, there's really nothing you need to worry about or plan for (other than getting your camera gear ready). Like I mentioned earlier, I've only gone bear viewing in Lake Clark National Park with Lake Clark Resort, and they provided all the necessary outdoor gear for my husband and I. If you don't go through them (depending where you go bear viewing) you might need waterproof boots, chest high waders, a waterproof bag, and bear protection like bear spray. Most guided tours will have these types of items ready for you, but it's better to check and make sure.
The time of year when you go bear viewing can have a big impact on what you see during your bear experience. Bear viewing tours only head out in the summer months in Alaska, with June, July, and August being peak bear viewing months. In June, you can expect to visit along the coast during mating season. In July, you can expect to see many bears at Brooks Falls following the salmon runs, and chances are you'll see lots of jumping salmon at the falls too. In August, you can expect to head out on a guided walk with the bears, and in September (my personal favorite time to visit) you can expect the bears back at the falls, with many of them gearing up for winter. Ever heard of Fat Bear Week? Typically held in mid-September it's a great time to see some giant bears.
Some of my Favorite Nearby Tours :
Brooks Camp vs. Bear Viewing in the Wild
Most bear viewing trips in Lake Clark will bring you to Katmai National Park, specifically to the Brooks Falls and Brooks Camp areas. If this is your first bear viewing experience in Alaska or elsewhere, this is a perfect spot to go. There are plenty of people around, you'll be led through a "Bear Safety" training when you arrive, and almost the entire time you'll be on a boardwalk or elevated viewing platform. For many people, this makes them feel much safer as they observe the bears. The only downside is because there are nearly 40,000 visitors in just those 3 months, there can sometimes be hour long waits to get to the coveted Brooks Falls areas.
If you don't head to Brooks Camp for your bear viewing experience, you'll be heading out into the wild - a place anywhere between Katmai National Park and Lake Clark National Park and beyond. Don't get me wrong, Brooks Camp bears are definitely wild, but heading out into the Alaskan wilderness with no structures or people around is a totally different experience. Having visited Brooks Camp twice now, personally, I think watching them in the wild is a much more magical experience. Usually, you'll be the only group with the bears, making it feel much more personal. Being able to hear the bear stomp around, tearing up its food, with no other noises in the background, is a complete "once-in-a-lifetime" experience. No matter which you decide to do, both bear viewing experiences are absolutely incredible.
Watch my Bear Viewing Adventures here!
Other Alaska blog posts you might be interested in :
-> 3 Day Port Alsworth Itinerary -> Best Things to Do in Lake Clark National Park -> Fishing in Lake Clark National Park
Pin this Bear Viewing Adventure for Later!
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Hi, I'm Deborah! In 2021 my husband Tyler convinced me to move to Alaska. After living here for a year (then leaving to take a year long world trip) we realized there was no place we loved more. So now we're back - and I'm here to share all my best tips and hidden gems to make Your Alaskan Adventures the best they can be. \\\ My blog is free to read, but some links may be affiliates. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. Learn more here. \\\ |
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