Some of the most incredible bear viewing can be done in Alaska is near Anchorage. From the city, you can take a short float plane flight to iconic locations like Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park, Lake Clark National Park, Redoubt Bay, and McNeil River. Numerous Alaska bear viewing trips offer flight tours, boat tours, and walking tours for bear watching in Alaska. You can take you there for a day of unparalleled access. The key consideration in picking a spot is timing.

Finding Bears: Follow the Fish

The best viewing really depends on your dates. Salmon runs are a key reason bears congregate in such high concentrations (but certainly not the only reason). If you are looking for bear viewing worthy of a wildlife documentary, pick the spot where the fish are running during your visit.

Chinitna Bay is a good bet all summer long. From mid-May to mid-September, bears are active, moving between the area’s rich food sources. As the seasons change, bears favor beach grasses, salmon, and even shellfish dug up on the Cook Inlet coast. Fly in for the day, or stay the night. Bear viewing is on foot with the aid of ATVs and towed trailers to cover longer distances.

Redoubt Bay’s best bear activity is from June through August. Typically, Redoubt Bay visitors watch bears from a covered boat on the lake, with an expert guide alongside.

The best time to visit Katmai and Brooks Falls is in July. If you’ve ever seen a video of a bear snapping up a salmon atop a rushing waterfall, it was likely filmed at Brooks Falls. Bear viewing here includes walking on relatively flat paths and platform views. Visits are self-guided, with park service rangers on site to help and keep things running smoothly.

Lake Clark National Park is a solid bet for late summer. From the end of July through September, Crescent Lake is one of the best spots in the huge park, and again, visitors are usually looking for bears from an open boat.

With planning and a little luck, McNeil River State Game Sanctuary is an incredible trip. Guided trips and unguided visits to McNeil from June to August are incredibly sought after. Access to McNeil is strictly controlled to preserve the area; a lottery determines who can visit for the season. Applications are due on March 1, with winners picked and notified later that same month.

Still not sure which spot to pick for your trip? Ask the pros. In these and other areas, numerous businesses offer bear viewing. Bears are everywhere in Alaska, so there’s a chance to spot them on other types of trips like flights, ATV rides, or even day cruises.

Guaranteed Bear Viewing

If a trip out to one of these locations isn’t in the cards, you can still get a good look at bears. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center or the Alaska Zoo for guaranteed views of wildlife. Black and brown bears can be found in both, and the zoo also has a few polar bears. The knowledgeable biology staff can share insights about each species, with special programs, lectures, and feedings.