Extraordinary Adventures: Bear Sightseeing in Alaska

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Five Fantastic Alaska Bear Viewing Trips

Are you curious to discover what area of Alaska has the best bear-viewing trips? Look no further than Southcentral Alaska, which is known for its incredible opportunities to witness bears in their natural habitat. We've listed some awesome opportunities for bear sightseeing in Alaska below!

Many of the most incredible spots for bear viewing in Alaska are near the city of Anchorage. Famous locations like Brook Falls in Katmai National Park, Lake Clark National Park, Redoubt Bay, and McNeil River are all short floatplane rides from the city, and many local air services feature guided tours for a day of unrivaled access and Alaska bear viewing trips.

Two brown bears playing in Alaskan field

Anchorage is the best spot to start a visit to Alaska's iconic bear viewing locations because it is in the heart of Bear Country. Alaska is the only U.S. state that is home to three species of bear: black, brown, and polar. And Anchorage is one of the few places where you can see all three! This means bear sightseeing in Alaska can't be beat!

Where Can You Go Bear Sightseeing In Alaska?

Many of Alaska's wild bear adventures and guided tours start in Anchorage. The nearby Chugach is home to many bears, and Anchorage has incredible access to Alaska bear viewing trips where you can watch bears fishing for salmon, snacking on marsh sedges, or even digging for shellfish along the coast. Surrounded by breathtaking wilderness, these bear-viewing trips in Anchorage offer an exhilarating opportunity to observe the majestic creatures in their natural habitats.
Some of the best bear places in Alaska to take bear-viewing trips are listed below.
Bear Sightseeing Trip #1 - Chugach State Park
Chugach State Park is often called "Anchorage's playground," as it offers many recreational activities for residents and visitors alike.. Located just minutes from the city, the park encompasses a half-million acres of wilderness and offers many excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Both brown and black bears call this park home. In the spring and fall, they can be spotted digging up plants and ground squirrels on the hillsides.
Bear Sightseeing Trip #2 - Lake Clark National Park and Preserve

Brown bear at lake clark alaskaLake Clark National Park and Preserve is just a short flight from Anchorage. Many guided tours leave Anchorage for a bear sightseeing tour in this Alaskan park. Guided day trips are a very popular option for visitors, but the park also features a bear camp where you can schedule a longer stay at a lodge and take part in one of Alaska's premier wild bear adventures.

Bear Sightseeing Trip # 3 - Katmai National Park and Preserve

Katmai National Park and Preserve is home to one of the most popular Alaska bear-viewing trips that you can schedule! The park is home to Brooks Falls, where bears gather in the summer months to catch salmon in the Brooks River. The park is perfect for day trips, but Brooks Lodge also hosts many visitors who want to schedule a longer trip for bear sightseeing in Alaska.

Bear Sightseeing Trip #3 - Redoubt Bay

The Redoubt Bay Critical Habitat hosts one of the densest brown bear populations in the state, and the best bear activity is from June through August. Guests can stay at the Redoubt Bay Lodge overnight and are encouraged to use trained guides while bear viewing.

Visitors also have the option of watching bears from a covered boat on the lake, with an expert guide helping identify local wildlife. 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.

Bear Sightseeing Trip #4 - Chinitna Bay

Chinitna Bay is a good spot to go bear sightseeing in Alaska! With its picturesque landscapes and abundant wildlife, visitors to Chinitna Bay can marvel at the majestic bears in their natural habitat throughout the entire summer season. From mid-May to mid-September, the bears in this area are active, moving between the area’s rich food sources along the Cook Inlet coast. Visitors can fly in for a day trip, or stay the night at a bear camp. Guided bear viewing trips are on foot with the aid of ATVs and towed trailers to cover longer distances.

Bear Sightseeing Trip #5 - Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

For a unique, one-of-a-kind Alaskan bear viewing trip, consider the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC). This sanctuary is dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care. AWCC takes in injured and orphaned animals year-round and provides them with spacious enclosures and quality animal care.

AWCC is home to two resident brown bears, Joe Boxer and Patron. Joe Boxer and Patron are not only awe-inspiring to watch during their training and feeding routines, but they also provide a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the conservation efforts to protect Alaska's brown bear population during an amazing Alaska bear viewing trip at the center. 

Alaska Wild Bear Adventures

The Last Frontier is home to many Alaska wild bear adventures! Depending on the length of time you have and your budget, you can embark on a half-day or full-day of bear sightseeing in Alaska. Travel by floatplane, boat, or bus to any number of top bear viewing destinations with experienced guides for the day, or spend a night in bear country at a bear camp and go on personalized, guided bear viewing tours by day.

Whether you choose a day trip or a week-long stay at a lodge, bear sightseeing in Alaska is sure to be an adventure! Alaska's wild landscapes provide a healthy habitat for bears, and the bear population is so plentiful that you'll be sure to catch a glimpse of the majestic creatures on your Alaska wild bear adventures. Take advantage of expert guides who run these tours, and you will no doubt have one of the most memorable experiences of your lifetime in Alaska's bear country.

Download all three Alaska tour brochures for tour dates and pricing.