Bear Viewing
Katmai National Park & Preserve is home to over 2,200 brown bears, making it one of the top destinations in the world for bear watching. But while many visitors flock to the crowded platforms at Brooks River, Katmai Wilderness Lodge offers something entirely different.
Located deep within 4.6 million acres of protected wilderness, our remote lodge sits in Kukak Bay: a secluded, coastal stretch of Katmai known for its rich tidal flats, salmon streams, and high-density bear activity. This quiet, untouched corner of Alaska is far from the crowds and offers truly exclusive access to wild bear territory. With typically no more than 12 guests and a guest-to-staff ratio of about 1 to 2, you’ll enjoy quiet, personal bear viewing away from the crowds and noise of the national parks.
See Alaska’s Brown Bears Up Close in Katmai National Park
At our lodge, bear viewing isn’t an add-on; it’s at the heart of your stay. Each day, one of our experienced guides leads small groups by boat into some of the best bear habitats in Katmai National Park. You’ll explore remote shores and salmon-rich streams where Alaskan coastal brown bears gather to fish and roam. With no crowds or viewing platforms, it’s just you, the wild, and the unforgettable sight of bears in their natural element.
This is what you came for. And it’s all part of your stay at Katmai Wilderness Lodge.
Spot More Alaskan Wildlife on Every Tour
In addition to witnessing some of the best Alaska Katmai bear viewing, you may also spot other wildlife during the tours:
- Seals, sea lions, and sea otters
- Whales and orcas in the bay
- Bald eagles and puffins
- Foxes, moose, and even the rare wolverine or lynx
- Fields of fireweed, bluebells, wild iris, and cow parsnip
Stay Comfortable at Our All-Inclusive Lodge
Here, your Alaska adventure doesn’t end when the bear viewing tour wraps up; it continues right at our lodge. Nestled on private land along the coastline of Katmai National Park, our lodge offers a comfortable home base in the heart of bear country.
Unlike day trips or fly-in tours, your stay with us is fully immersive. After a day of exploring, you’ll return to warm meals, cozy guest cabins, and the quiet calm of the Alaskan wilderness. Our multi-day stays allow you to settle in, soak it all up, and truly connect with this one-of-a-kind landscape.
With expert-led tours by day and relaxing lodge comforts by night, this is Alaska the way it was meant to be experienced.
Bear Viewing FAQs
What time of year is best for bear viewing at the lodge?
The best time to see bears at Katmai Wilderness Lodge is from mid-June to mid-September. That’s when the salmon runs and low tides bring bears to the shoreline to fish or dig for clams. Each part of the summer offers something different—July and August are especially good for seeing bears catch salmon. We've guided guests through bear country for years and know when and where to find them. While nature is never guaranteed, these months offer your best chance for an unforgettable bear viewing experience.
Will we see other animals in addition to bears?
While brown bears take center stage at Katmai Wilderness Lodge, our area is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking wildlife. Here at Katmai, we frequently encounter sea otters, river otters, and seals, and on special occasions, you may see whales, wolves, fox, and moose. Because Katmai is on the ocean, you’ll have the rare opportunity to see both marine bird life and the majestic Bald Eagle.
How far from the lodge is the bear viewing area?
While bears are often seen right in the lodge area, most of your bear viewing takes place a short boat ride from the lodge in the surrounding bay.
How physically demanding are the bear viewing excursions?
We keep our tours easy and enjoyable, but you should be able to walk at least one mile on ungroomed trails. Most outings involve a short hike on natural terrain, like grass or beach areas. Our guides are trained to support all fitness levels, and we move at a safe and steady pace. If you have concerns, let us know in advance so that we can ensure the best trip possible. Read our Disclaimers for more information.
Are there hiking opportunities at the lodge?
Yes, but hiking is limited primarily to beach areas during low tide. Because of abundant wild plant life, the area’s vegetation is very thick, and most of the trails are bear trails – used by bears themselves.
What safety precautions are in place for close encounters with bears?
Your safety is our top priority. Our expert guides are specially trained in bear behavior and wilderness safety. We always view bears from a safe distance and never approach or disturb them. We travel in small groups so we can stay quiet, respectful, and alert. Our guides carry bear safety gear and constantly watch the bears' body language to stay prepared. We’ve been doing this for over 25 years and follow strict safety rules every time we go out.
Can children or seniors participate in bear viewing tours?
Yes! We welcome adventurous families and older guests. However, we recommend the tours for kids 12 and up, since we need everyone to be able to stay quiet, listen to instructions, and walk safely in the wild. Seniors who are comfortable walking short distances on natural ground and getting into a boat should do great. If you’re not sure, just reach out—we’re happy to talk about your needs and see if our tours are the right fit.
What kind of camera gear is recommended for photographing bears?
You don’t need fancy gear to take great photos here—a good zoom camera or a phone with a nice lens will work well. If you want close-up shots, a lens that zooms at least 200–400mm is ideal. Bears are often active from a distance, especially on the shoreline or in the water. We also suggest bringing extra batteries, memory cards, and a waterproof bag. There are charging stations at the lodge, and our guides can give tips on getting the best shots based on light and angles.
Plan Your Alaska Bear Adventure
Here’s why our lodge offers the best bear viewing in Alaska:
- Private access to one of the most remote areas of Alaska’s Katmai National Park
- Small groups with expert guides who live full-time at the lodge
- Daily excursions to prime bear habitats by boat and on foot
- Opportunities to see Alaska bears in their natural habitat
- All-inclusive lodge stay with specialty cuisine and luxury accommodations
- Easy floatplane access from Kodiak
Disclaimer: While we almost always see bears during our guided excursions, we absolutely cannot guarantee any specific wildlife sightings, including bears. Wildlife in their natural habitat can be unpredictable, just like the weather. On the rare occasions when guests do not see bears, it can be disappointing, and we understand that. However, we promise you will see amazing wildlife and experience the beauty of Alaska’s wilderness like never before. Our guides will do everything possible to provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, but sightings can never be guaranteed.
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Explore Wild Alaska
It's time to check Alaska bear viewing off your bucket list. Start planning your stay at Katmai Wilderness Lodge.