Katmai National Park and Preserve, located on the northern Alaska Peninsula, is a vast wilderness spanning over four million acres. It is one of the most remote and least visited National Parks in the United States averaging around 30,000+ visitors a year. World renown as one of the largest concentrations of coastal brown bears, the park is home to the famous Brooks Falls, where bears gather each summer to catch spawning salmon. With its remote beauty, diverse ecosystems, and rich natural history, Katmai offers a rare window into wild, untouched Alaska.
Why Choose Katmai National Park for Bear Viewing?
Katmai National Park is one of the best places in the world to view wild brown bears up close. Our fly out day trip to Katmai takes you to Brooks Falls, where three bear viewing platforms are connected by elevated boardwalks allowing for close, unobstructed, and extraordinary bear viewing. From these platforms, you’ll witness the incredible sight of brown bears fishing for salmon, playing with cubs, and asserting dominance—all in full view and without disturbing the animals.
The prime season for bear viewing at Brooks Falls is late June through July, when the salmon run is at its peak. For best viewing, we only run this tour one month of the year to coincide with the salmon run where you could see as many as fifty bears at once along the 1.5 mile Brooks River. Being such a popular location paired with limited seating makes this tour sell out quick! We recommend booking as early as possible into your trip planning to make sure you won’t miss your chance at this once in a lifetime opportunity to see brown bears in the wild.
Scenic Flight Over Alaska’s Wild Beauty
You’ll begin your journey at Lake Hood in Anchorage, one of the world’s busiest floatplane bases, where you’ll meet our friendly staff to check in. After being briefed by your pilot and loaded onto one of our classic aircraft, you’ll head southwest over Cook Inlet toward the foothills of Katmai National Park. Along the way, take in breathtaking views of rugged mountain ranges, shimmering glaciers, and the volcanic peaks of Mt. Redoubt, Mt. Augustine, and Mt. Iliamna. You might also spot Beluga whales in the waters of Cook Inlet or catch a glimpse of the expansive tidal flats below. You’ll be able to witness Lake Iliamna, the largest lake in Alaska at 77 miles long and 22 miles wide! With two-way headsets, you can chat with your pilot about the region’s rich history and fascinating geology. Your pilot will choose the optimal route based on weather and the best scenic opportunities.
What to Expect on a Katmai Bear Viewing Tour with Rust’s
While the Katmai bear viewing at Brooks Falls is self-guided, park rangers provide a mandatory initial bear safety briefing upon arrival and are available throughout the park for questions. Mild to moderate activity is required walking on unpaved gravel terrain for approximately 1.2 miles on well maintained trails. An on-site wait list for the upper river bear viewing platform may be implemented when visitation reaches capacity to ensure quality bear viewing. On heavy visitor days, the National Park allows 30 people at a time on the upper viewing platform closest to Brooks Falls for 30 minutes at a time. What this means is the ranger may ask you to move to another platform after 30 minutes, however, you may add your party to the viewing platform list an unlimited amount of times giving you access to Brooks Falls continually while rotating groups out every 30 minutes to ensure everyone gets a chance. On light visitors days, there is no waitlist.
Katmai National Park is equipped with onsite gift shops, cabins for lodging, camp sites, and dining areas. We provide a brown bag lunch of a sandwich, dessert, snacks, and water that can be eaten in the protected dining areas.
Why Choose Rust’s Flying Service?
With over 60 years of experience, Rust’s Flying Service is a trusted name in Alaskan aviation. Our commitment to safety, personalized service, and unforgettable experiences has made us a favorite among locals and visitors alike for six decades. When you choose Rust’s for your Katmai National Park adventure, you’re not just booking a tour—you’re embarking on a journey with a team that shares your passion for Alaska’s wild beauty. Rust’s Flying Service takes pride in adhering to responsible wildlife viewing practices. Guests are guided to designated viewing areas that ensure a safe and respectful distance from the bears, allowing you to observe their behavior without disrupting their routines.
Tips for a Successful Trip
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Book early: Katmai bear viewing tours fill up quickly during peak season.
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Dress in layers: and bring rain gear—weather in coastal Alaska can change rapidly.
- Sunscreen and bug spray: Remote Alaska requires extra protection from bugs and sun!
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Bring a telephoto lens or binoculars: to make the most of the viewing platforms.
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Listen to rangers and guides: Bear safety is taken seriously in Katmai, and your cooperation ensures a safe experience for all.
Book Your Katmai Bear Viewing Adventure Today
Katmai National Park Bear Viewing Tour from Anchorage
When: July
Cost: $1345 per person + 3% transportation tax
Trip Time: 10 – 12 hours
Departure Time: 8am
Activity level: Mild to Moderate
Don’t miss your chance to experience one of Alaska’s most awe-inspiring natural spectacles. Whether you’re a wildlife photographer, nature lover, or first-time visitor, Rust’s Flying Service will take you on a journey you’ll never forget.