Katmai National Park Bear Viewing

Alaska Bear Viewing at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park gives you the world famous views of Grizzly Bears catching wild salmon as they stand atop a waterfall. There is no picture quite like it. Brooks Falls bear viewing is the true definition of a wilderness destination. It is located in the heart of Katmai National Park in south west Alaska. This one of a kind bear habitat is sure to please whoever visits.

Alaska Bear Viewing Tour: Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park

Alaska Bear Viewing Tour: Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park

Your Katmai Bear Viewing Adventure Begins when you depart Anchorage on one of our aircraft and head south along the Cook Inlet.

You will fly either directly to Katmai via floatplane or on our twin engine aircraft and then via floatplane to Brooks Falls.  Both options take approximately 2.5 hours each way and offer much of the same sightseeing along the way. Either way once you land at Brooks you will get an equal amount of time on the ground to see the bears. (Approximately 4 hours)

Landing at Katmai you begin to see why Brown Bears choose to make this place their home. Salmon streams, mountain backdrops, large lakes, and thick forests surround you on this excursion. After getting out of the plane you will go through a quick bear orientation with one of the park rangers. From there it is off to explore this bear country. From the aircraft you will walk approximately 2 miles of easy walking through the park to a bear viewing platform which will provide you with shots of a lifetime of bears catching salmon as they make their way up Brooks Falls. 

At Regal Air we utilize a variety of aircraft including wheeled aircraft and float aircraft to get to Brooks Falls, sometimes including a transfer. Regardless of your aircraft you will fly essentially the same route, fly in a floatplane upon arriving at Brooks Camp, arrive late morning approximately 11pm and have at least four hours on the ground, and arrive back at Anchorage sometime between 5pm and 7pm. In this way we are able to provide a very similar experience for all our guests while maximizing our fleet and the number of seats available to us.

Please Contact Us today to book your Bear Viewing Tour of Katmai National Park.

Katmai National Park Bear Viewing Details

  • Total Duration: 10-12 Hours
  • Cost: $1,350.00 per person
  • Dates of Operation: June - September
  • Landing: Brooks Lake or Naknek Lake
  • Seating: 5 – 9 Passengers per aircraft

Brooks Map

Brooks Falls Itinerary

This is just an example of a "typical" day - it can change for any reason including weather, your choice of time management, or a variety of factors. One thing that does not change, to the best of our ability, is the time on the ground. You can expect 4 hours on the ground at Brooks Camp to view the bears.

Depart Anchorage7:30 AM
Land at Katmai10:45 AM
Bear Orientation11:00 AM
Walk to Platforms 11:30AM
Bears At Platforms12:30 PM
Walk Back to Lunch Area/Lunch2:00 - 3:00PM
Depart Katmai3:00 PM
Land at Anchorage6:00 PM

What to Bring and Wear:

  • Comfortable Shoes – These do not have to be hiking shoes, but no open toed sandals.
  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Layered Clothing – Always be ready for any temperature range, bring a rain shell in case of rain

Lunch

You are required to provide your own personal lunch, snacks, water on this tour.  You are welcome to bring them from Anchorage but you must consume them in designated areas at Brooks Camp or in the airplane.  Once you arrive at Brooks Camp there is a lunch option at the Brooks Lodge for approximately $30.  It can be crowded here and there is limited seating  time between 11:45p.m. and 2:00p.m.

Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park Bear Viewing Peak Times

June 25th – Sept. 10th (depending on the salmon runs)

Bear Viewing Facts:

  • Male Brown Bears weigh 300 – 850 lbs
  • Female Brown Bears weigh 200 – 400 lbs
  • Bears usually live 20 – 25 years
  • Brown Bears can run up to 35 mph

Alaska Bear Viewing at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park with Regal Air is sure to be the experience of a lifetime!