Alaska is affectionately referred to as the Last Frontier, and its wild, unsullied landscapes create the perfect natural habitat for many bear species, including black and brown bears, polar bears, and more!
Because there are countless places to watch bears and encounter wildlife in Alaska, we’ve compiled a list of fantastic locations to grab your camera and capture the beauty of Alaska and its magnificent wildlife.
A tour we think you'll love
Whether you’re stopping at one of our cruise harbors for a shore excursion or you’re traveling to Alaska to encounter the wilderness on a solo trip or family vacation, we’ve got all the best places to encounter and view bears from a safe distance here in one of the best bear viewing destinations in the world.
Check out the list below and start getting your travel plans together for the most unforgettable trip you’ll ever experience in the United States.
Take The Wilderness Tour And Brown Bear Search On Chichagof Island
Chichagof Island is the fifth largest island in the United States and has the densest population of bears in the world, making it one of the best places to see bears in Alaska. We at Hoonah Travel Adventures offer the wilderness tour and brown bear search from May through September only due to the high probability of sighting a bear.
This bear-viewing adventure lasts three hours and includes up to 10 visitors. Hop in our climate-controlled van for a comfortable tour through the Alaskan wilderness. Your professional guide will lead you to some of the best bear-viewing locations in Chichagof Island, where you can watch and photograph bears and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Some of the other animals you may encounter include:
-
Martens
-
Bald Eagles
-
Sitka Black-Tailed Deer
-
Beavers
-
Seabirds
Our brown bear searching tours are some of the best opportunities for bear viewing you’ll find on your shore excursion or trip to Alaska, so be sure to contact us ahead of your trip to nail down your preferred tour time before it’s too late!
Enjoy A World Class Bear Viewing Trip At Lake Clark National Park
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve have incredible bear viewing opportunities along the coast due to the magnitude of brown bears that gather in large groups to devour salmon and other fish as they run. Here is a list of a few solid destinations to capture a glimpse of these magnificent creatures:
-
Chinitna Bay – Located at the Cook Inlet’s south end in beautiful Lake Clark National Park. Visitors sometimes see as many as 20 coastal brown bears at once at this bear-viewing hot spot.
-
Crescent Lake – Check out this fishermen’s heaven in the heart of the Chigmit Mountains at Lake Clark. While the salmon are running, black and brown bears frequently visit the shores of Crescent Lake to gorge themselves on the schools of fish.
-
Silver Salmon Creek – Another world-class fishing and bear viewing location in Lake Clark, where brown bears come to dine on the plentiful fish along the Cook Inlet’s coast.
-
Shelter Creek And Tuxedni Bay – These locations are more challenging to reach along the coast of the Cook Inlet, so bears are far less likely to tolerate human presence. If you decide to brave this part of Bear Country, be sure to stay cautious and keep your head on a swivel!
Visit One Of The Best Viewing Platforms At Iconic Brooks Falls In Katmai National Park
Katmai National Park is known for its fantastic bear viewing opportunities. Though many places around the globe see a decline in bear population, Katmai provides a largely undisturbed habitat where the Alaska bear can thrive.
If you’re searching for some of the best bear viewing in Alaska, then you can’t miss a trip to Brooks Falls! Brooks Falls splits the Brooks River, which connects Brooks Lake and Naknek Lake. The falls are about six feet high, creating quite the challenge for upstream-climbing salmon.
Because the Falls make it difficult for the salmon to progress on their journey up the river, they collect in large groups at the base, creating a delicious buffet for brown bears and other Alaska bears.
Don’t Miss The Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area
If you’re still wondering where to see bears in Alaska, then the Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area might just be the spot you’ve been searching for. Located on Admiralty Island, or “Kootznoowoo,” the island is home to more brown bears than there are in the lower 48 states put together.
The Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area allows visitors to experience these magnificent creatures in their natural home in the heart of bear county from the safety of an elevated platform. This location is carefully monitored, with rules strictly enforced!
Because it is maintained so carefully by the United States Forest Service and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, there has never been an incident with Alaska bear-viewing guests.
Capture The Beauty Of Denali National Park On Bear Viewing Tours
Despite the large population of Alaska bears, you’re less likely to spot them here than on other bear-viewing tours in Alaska. Catch a private bear-watching excursion by bus or on a public shuttle through the park for a chance to watch bears as they meander through the park.
The grizzly bears and black bears can be safely spotted from the road. You might see bears digging up roots and other plants, romping after tiny critters, or wandering across the road.
See Polar Bears On Kodiak Island
Have you ever wanted to see a polar bear in the flesh? Make sure to go on a bear viewing excursion on Kodiak Island to see polar bears and so much more wildlife. Aside from watching bears on your tour, another beloved pastime on Kodiak is to indulge in some wildlife photography.
Some of the other animals you might encounter on a trip to Kodiak Islan include:
-
Red Fox
-
Sitka Deer
-
Dahl Porpoise
-
Wolves
Kodiak Island is an absolute paradise for nature enthusiasts. The island’s breathtaking natural beauty and abundant wildlife make it the perfect destination for an unforgettable experience.
Encounter The Best Bear Viewing Alaska Has To Offer
Now that you know where to see bears in Alaska, you can make an educated decision on where to travel while you’re visiting Bear Country. Not only is bear viewing an exhilarating experience in a seemingly undisturbed wilderness, but the sights Alaska offers are unlike anything you’ll experience elsewhere in the United States.
At Hoonah Travel Adventures we pride ourselves on offering the best bear-viewing experience guided by local professionals who can show you the best locations in the state to watch bears and other wildlife. We’ll provide you with a comfortable bear-viewing experience while you take in all the sights and enjoy time with your loved ones.
Contact us on our website to schedule your bear viewing experience today! We can’t wait to help you explore the Last Frontier here in Hoonah!
