About Our Lodge
Welcome to our lodge
One of Alaska’s Most Remote Bear Viewing Lodges
Katmai Wilderness Lodge is an exclusive Alaskan wilderness lodge within the breathtaking Katmai National Park and Preserve. We are a wildlife guiding service with a full-service lodge where clients come to stay for 4–7 days and experience the area through immersive, guided adventures.
Designed for travelers seeking a truly remote experience without sacrificing comfort, our lodge is the only solid-structure accommodation in this part of the park. Unlike tent-based camps common in the region, we offer private guest cabins and all-inclusive amenities to ensure completely unique and memorable bear viewing experience.
Experience of a lifetime
Where We’re Located in Alaska
Situated on the untouched shores of Kukak Bay, far from the more frequented Brooks River area, Katmai Wilderness Lodge offers an exclusive vantage point for observing Alaska’s incredible wildlife. Accessible only by float plane, the journey itself sets the stage for the remote adventure ahead—flying over glaciers, volcanic peaks, and vast wilderness before landing in the pristine waters of the bay. Kukak Bay is a secluded gem within Katmai National Park, widely recognized as one of the best places to view bears in Alaska
Surrounding the lodge is a landscape alive with color and life. In summer, wildflowers like fireweed, bluebells, wild iris, and chocolate lilies blanket the area, creating a breathtaking contrast to the rugged coast. Towering spruce, alder, and poplar trees line the hillsides, shaping the rich ecosystem that defines the region.
We’re proud to operate as an eco-friendly lodge and have prioritized using solar and wind power to reduce our environmental impact. Our commitment to sustainability helps preserve the beauty and balance of our rare wilderness lodge in Katmai.
History of Our Alaskan Wilderness Lodge
Katmai Wilderness Lodge was born from a deep love for Alaska’s untamed wilderness and a desire to share it with others in a meaningful way. Founded over 25 years ago, the lodge began as a simple vision: to create an immersive, small-group bear viewing experience far from the crowded, fly-in tourist sites. Nestled in remote Kukak Bay, our lodge was one of the first permanent, solid-structure accommodations in this part of Katmai National Park.
Over the decades, it has evolved into a trusted destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers from around the world, while remaining true to its roots in conservation, education, and authentic wilderness connection.
Today, guests continue to experience the same quiet magic and raw beauty that inspired the lodge’s founding. We continue to strive for excellence in everything we do, earning our place among the most respected Alaska wilderness lodges.
Small group adventures
With a maximum of 12 guests and a low 1:6 guide-to-guest ratio, every wildlife excursion is intimate, safe, and tailored to your interests.
Full wildlife guiding service
Guests stay 4–7 days and enjoy daily personalized outings to observe brown bears, coastal wolves, foxes, sea otters, king salmon, and marine birds in their natural habitats.
Immersive bear viewing tours
No bear viewing platforms; instead, you’ll walk the same shores and tidal flats as the bears, always with expert naturalist guides who are familiar with the land and wildlife.
Remote and crowd-free
Far from crowds, our Katmai lodge offers true wilderness access. With no roads, no cell service, and no outside visitors, just escape.
Seasoned, knowledgeable staff
Our guides live and work on-site throughout the season and provide deep insight into local ecology and behavior patterns.
Experienced Wildlife Guides at Your Service
Our team of expert guides is the heart of the Katmai Wilderness Lodge experience. Each one brings years of field experience, in-depth knowledge of the region’s wildlife, and a genuine passion for sharing Alaska’s raw beauty. Many of our guides have backgrounds in biology, photography, and conservation, and they spend the full season living onsite.
Their familiarity with local bear behavior, tides, and terrain ensures that every outing is not only unforgettable but also safe and respectful to the natural environment. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a first-time explorer, our guides tailor each tour to your interests and comfort level.
A Completely Unique Alaskan Experience
From the moment you step off the floatplane, your journey into the wild begins. Days at Katmai Wilderness Lodge start with fresh breakfast and planning your outing with your guide. Mornings and afternoons are spent exploring the coastlines, riverbeds, and forests.
You may follow the bears’ paths along the tide, photograph eagles in flight, or watch sea otters play in the surf. Midday meals are hearty and homemade, enjoyed back at the lodge or packed for an extended excursion.
Evenings offer space to unwind with stories from the day, watch the sunset over the bay, and fall asleep to the sound of nature. With no roads or cell signal, it’s a rare chance to unplug and immerse yourself in the present moment.
Book your stay
Explore Wild Alaska
It's time to check Alaska bear viewing off your bucket list. Start planning your stay at Katmai Wilderness Lodge.