What You Need to Know Before Going for a Bear Viewing Trip to Alaska

Posted by Bear Viewing on December 5th, 2018

For the ultimate bear viewing experience you can head to Lake Clark National Park of Alaska. Situated at the headwaters of Bristol Bay, the four million acres of park is a perfect example of Alaska’s wildness. It has snow capped mountains, volcanoes, glaciers, rivers, waterfall and diverse wildlife population. But the park is mostly inaccessible and therefore remains a mystery to the mankind.

Bear habitat

Majestic brown bears live throughout the park. But because of its wilderness it remains inaccessible. However, the shores of Cook Inlet offer some best bear viewing experience. At the southern end of this Cook Inlet coast is the Chinitna Bay. This is the best spot to view bears. The ocean front setting and a creek running through the middle of the land loaded with silver salmon attract a population of brown bear. You can reach the shores of Cook Inlet from Anchorage and Kenai. From there several Chinitna Bay bear tours commence.

Best time to visit

June to September is the favorable time for bear viewing, mid to late June being the most exciting period as it is the breeding time. Bears can be seen mainly during the low tides searching for foods in the creek. During these summer months, it is not unusual to witness two males fighting over female, sparring adolescent males, a female nursing her cubs and the mating pair’s interactions.

How to reach

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is in a remote location. So, you cannot drive to that place. Either you have to fly to that location in bush planes or reach there by boat. Fixed wing small aircrafts are mostly used for Alaska bear viewing trips. These are allowed to land on rivers, beaches and on open grounds. It’s half an hour to two hour flight from Anchorage, Homer or Kenai. If the weather is conducive and the tides permit, boat can travel to the east side of the coast. Charter boat services from Kenai Peninsula offers tour to the Lake Clark coastline. They also provide drop-off or pick up services and custom charters.

What to take

The park is in a remote location, so you cannot expect even the necessary items to be available there. Carry along with you mosquito repellent and all the necessary medicines. Alaskan weather can change dramatically. You need to wear comfortable dresses and in layers. Carry enough dresses to suit every weather condition.

If you are planning to visit Lake Clark National Park, please keep some time in your schedule. Because of the bad weather sometimes the trip can be reschedule.