It’s no surprise that bear watching is one of the most popular activities in Katmai National Park. The food rich habitat of the park boasts some of the highest bear population densities in the world. Visitors who know what bears like to eat, and where and when those foods are abundant, are able to identify many excellent viewing opportunities around the park.
Fortunately for tourists, there are many tour operators who follow the bears every year, and are eager to lead visitors on exciting bear watching adventures to the best viewing areas in Katmai National Park.
The Best Bear Watching Locations in Katmai National Park
Brooks River Falls The Grand daddy of bear watching locations in the park. Close to Brooks Lodge, one of the most developed lodging bases in the park with well developed infrastructure for viewing bears from a safe distance as they fish for sockeye salmon heading upstream. Bear activity peaks in July and August.
Geographic Harbor Abundant bear population at the head of Amalik Bay in southeastern Katmai National Park. Bears here feed on berries, roots and grasses on shore, and fish for Salmon in streams and rapids nearby. Bear activity peaks in August.
Hallo Bay Wild, scenic and remote coastal habitat. Watch bears dig for clams on the tidal flats and catch fish in Big River and Clint’s Creek. Bear activity peaks in June.
Moraine Creek/Funnel Creek High concentration of Alaskan brown bears around Kukaklek Lake feasting on local salmon in Moraine and Funnel creeks. Bear activity peaks in August.
Swikshak Lagoon Remote coastal habitat on the eastern shore of the Alaska Peninsula in Katmai National Park. Float plane and boat access. Bear activity peaks in June.
Bear Watching Tours
The National Park Service maintains a list of licensed commercial use operators offering services in Katmai National Park, many of whom organize bear watching tours and excursions into some of the more remote areas of the park.
AK Adventures Offering a variety of bear watching and wildlife photography tours in Katmai National Park.
Alaska Rainbow Adventures Base camp and float trip bear viewing and nature photography trips.
Hallo Bay Bear Camp Eco-friendly wilderness camp offering one day and overnight bear watching excursions to Hallo Bay. Sleep in tents.
Thinking of a broader itinerary for your holiday? Bear watching in Katmai is included in Alaska cruises offered by the following cruise lines:
Silversea Expeditions Offer several cruises stopping at remote Geographic Harbor in Katmai National Park.
Bear Watching Safety Tips
As the number of visitors to Alaska bear country increases so does the number of human/bear encounters. The vast majority of these encounters are uneventful. Occasionally, however, either humans or, more frequently, the bears, wind up either injured or killed. You can help prevent dangerous encounters by observing some simple safety precautions. Bear safety information courtesy of the National Park Service.
Stay Alert
Stay constantly alert in bear country. Use your ears, eyes, and even your nose to detect the presence of a bear. The sooner you are aware of the bear, the more time you and the bear will have to react appropriately.
Be Visible, Make Noise
A surprise encounter with a bear is dangerous and can be terrifying. However, you can reduce the potential for such encounters. Avoid surprises by traveling in open areas with
good visibility. Make noise as you walk, particularly in thick brush, or when rounding a blind corner — talk, clap, and sing.
Be extra alert in windy conditions or near noisy streams or beaches that may mask your sounds. When possible, travel with the wind at your back.
Safety in Numbers
The larger your group is, the less risk of a bear attacking. Stay together as a group, particularly if visibility is poor.
Avoid Bears
If possible change your course to avoid the bear or move out of the area slowly. Never approach a bear, even from your boat or kayak. Approaching bears is dangerous and can cause undue stress and disturbance to the bear increasing the risk of attack.
Store Food Properly
Keep all food and scented items under your immediate control at all times. While camping, keep a clean camp and store food appropriately.
Report Bear Encounters
If you have an encounter, report it to a park ranger as soon as possible. This will alert others and enable park staff to respond appropriately to the situation if necessary.
Visit Southwest Alaska: Free Travel Guide to the Original Great Land Discover the Wilderness, Wildlife, Volcanoes and Islands of the Alaskan Bush
Everything you need to know to plan a visit to Southwest Alaska. Start with these Quicklinks to zero in on a city or popular destination. Learn more from our introductory articles. Explore recommendations for sights, activities, food, lodging, entertainment, festivals and events. No time to do all this online? Download a Southwest Alaska travel guide or have [...]
Planning to visit Alaska?
Visit our Alaska state travel destination page for all your information needs, including news, ideas, advice, and links.
Just Browsing? Go back to the narangah Travel home page to uncover a wealth of travel information about destinations near and far. Imagine yourself there, and let us take you exploring around the world!
