Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Alaska, with its breathtaking wilderness and abundant wildlife, has long been a top destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The iconic Katmai National Park is renowned worldwide for its bear viewing opportunities, particularly at Brooks Falls, where visitors can witness the awe-inspiring sight of brown bears fishing for salmon. Starting in 2026, a new offering of multi-day bear viewing tours will give travelers an unparalleled experience of Alaska’s wildlife, combining the thrill of bear watching with immersive exploration of the park’s pristine landscapes.
Brooks Falls is a world-famous destination, attracting visitors from around the globe who want to see these powerful creatures in action. During the salmon run, the falls become a spectacle as bears gather in large numbers to catch fish. This seasonal event offers a unique opportunity to observe bears up close in their natural habitat. The new multi-day tours offer an exceptional chance to witness this phenomenon over multiple days, gaining deeper insight into the lives of these magnificent animals.
The multi-day tours, which will operate in partnership with local guides, promise a truly immersive experience of the Alaskan wilderness. Travelers will not only get to see bears in their natural environment, but they will also explore Katmai National Park’s diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. These tours cater to a range of travelers, from wildlife photographers eager to capture stunning images of the bears, to nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful and unforgettable encounter with one of the world’s most majestic creatures.
Why Brooks Falls is the Ultimate Bear Viewing Destination
Brooks Falls is situated in Katmai National Park and Preserve, one of the most remote and untouched regions of Alaska. This park is famous for its towering mountains, dense forests, and lush wetlands, creating an ideal environment for the brown bear population. Katmai spans more than 4 million acres, offering a massive area for these bears to roam and hunt.
Brooks Falls, in particular, draws the highest number of bears due to the abundance of salmon that swim upstream to spawn. As the salmon leap through the falls, the brown bears take advantage of this feeding frenzy, positioning themselves in the rushing waters to snatch fish from mid-air. For visitors, it’s a spectacular and rare sight.
The falls are accessible via floatplane, adding a layer of adventure and excitement to the journey. The park itself is remote, making it a perfect escape for anyone looking to connect with nature on a deeper level.
What to Expect on Your Multi-Day Bear Viewing Tour
1. Scenic Floatplane Journey
The adventure begins with a scenic flight from Homer, Alaska, to Brooks Falls. The 30-minute journey provides travelers with sweeping views of glaciers, lakes, and the rugged Alaskan wilderness. This flight alone offers stunning photo opportunities before even reaching the viewing area.
2. Expert-Led Wildlife Tours
Once at Brooks Falls, guests are led by experienced wildlife guides. These guides are not only knowledgeable about bear behavior but also have an in-depth understanding of the park’s ecosystem. Their expertise ensures a safe, educational, and enjoyable experience as they help you spot bears and other wildlife, while explaining the significance of each moment.
3. Prime Bear Viewing Locations
The tours will take guests to several strategic viewing platforms positioned along the falls, offering the best opportunities to see bears fishing. Whether you’re watching a bear catch a salmon mid-air or witness cubs learning the ropes from their mothers, the view is guaranteed to be nothing short of breathtaking.
4. Photography Opportunities
For those interested in wildlife photography, these tours provide optimal conditions to capture the perfect shots. The guides assist in positioning visitors for the best photo ops while ensuring that all interactions with the animals remain respectful and non-invasive.
5. Comfortable and Safe Experience
Despite being in a remote location, these tours are designed with comfort and safety in mind. All guests are provided with high-quality gear, including weather-appropriate clothing and boots, ensuring comfort regardless of weather conditions. The tour also includes snacks, lunch, and essential amenities.
The Best Time to Experience Alaska’s Bear Viewing
The ideal time to visit Brooks Falls for bear viewing is during the salmon run, which peaks from late July to early August. This is when bears are most active, and the falls become a hotspot for feeding bears. However, depending on the season, visitors can still encounter bears and other wildlife at different times of the year.
- Mid-May to Early June: This early period marks the beginning of the bear season when the bears come out of hibernation. While the salmon run may not have started yet, the lush surroundings make for a scenic and peaceful visit.
- Late July to Early August: This is when Katmai National Park comes alive with the salmon migration, making it the peak time for bear sightings. It’s the ultimate time for visitors who want to witness the bears in full action.
Why Choose Multi-Day Bear Viewing Tours?
The new multi-day bear viewing tours provide several distinct advantages over shorter, one-day excursions:
- Extended Viewing Time: With multiple days at Brooks Falls, visitors can enjoy extended exposure to Alaska’s brown bears and witness different behaviors as the bears interact with each other and their environment.
- Greater Wildlife Diversity: Beyond bears, the multi-day tours also give you a chance to encounter other wildlife, including moose, caribou, and various bird species.
- In-Depth Exploration of Katmai National Park: The extended itinerary allows guests to explore more of Katmai’s stunning landscapes and ecosystems. It’s an opportunity to enjoy the park’s natural beauty without the rush of a one-day trip.
- Educational Insights: The multi-day tours are more educational, providing guests with a deeper understanding of the park’s ecology and the lives of its residents. Whether it’s learning about bear behavior or the intricacies of the salmon run, these tours offer a more comprehensive wildlife experience.
Booking Your Multi-Day Bear Viewing Tour
Booking a multi-day bear viewing tour in Alaska is easy and can be done well in advance. Due to the popularity of the tours, especially during the peak salmon season, it’s recommended to secure your spot as soon as possible. Guests can choose from a variety of packages, which include floatplane transportation, meals, expert guides, and high-quality gear.
Most packages offer flexibility with various durations, ranging from a two-day experience to longer, extended stays. There are also specific photography tours for those looking to focus on capturing wildlife moments.
Conclusion: A Unique Alaskan Adventure Awaits
Alaska offers one of the most extraordinary opportunities in the world for bear viewing, and Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park is undoubtedly one of the best places to witness these magnificent creatures. With the launch of the new multi-day bear viewing tours, visitors will be able to experience Alaska’s wildlife in an entirely new and immersive way. From scenic floatplane flights to expert-led wildlife tours, these tours offer not only incredible wildlife encounters but also a deep connection to one of the most pristine natural environments on the planet.
Whether you’re a seasoned nature traveler or a first-time visitor to Alaska, these multi-day bear watching tours will provide you with unforgettable memories and a unique insight into the lives of the brown bears that call this wild land home. Book your trip today and embark on an adventure that will stay with you long after you’ve left the wilderness behind.
