Taking a scenic plane trip from Anchorage for guided Alaska bear viewing in the remote wilderness is an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. There's nothing like viewing these magnificent, massive creatures in the wild. Several flightseeing tour companies also offer bear viewing trips in the following areas:
Wolverine Creek in Redoubt Bay Critical Habitat Area
Located on the west side of Cook Inlet, this is a great place for wildlife enthusiasts to see brown and black bears. Visitors can access the area by plane followed by boat charter. Nearby Lake Clark National Park & Preserve at the base of Mount Redoubt Bay also offers excellent bear viewing as they feed on salmon.
Denali National Park & Preserve
Located 250 miles north of Anchorage, Denali National Park & Preserve is another good choice for Alaska bear viewing. Plan to go in late May through September to capture views of grizzly bears from a distance. Visitors can access the area by plane, train or car. Private cars are limited to the first 15 miles on the Denali Park Road. Take a shuttle or tour bus to get into the heart of the park.
Katmai National Park & Preserve/Brooks Falls
Located on the Alaska Peninsula, southwest of Anchorage, this is one of the best places to watch brown bears in action, especially in mid-July and early September. Allow for a full-day tour or book in advance to include an overnight stay.
McNeil River
McNeil River is 250 air miles southwest of Anchorage on Cook Inlet's western shore, has one of the largest concentrations of brown bears. It is perhaps the premier location for viewing bruins. Visitors must apply for a Fish and Game permit early. The deadline is March 1. The state uses a computerized lottery system for choosing visitors and allows only 10 people a day into the area. Check out the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website for more information.
Guaranteed Viewing
Visitors looking for a guaranteed and authentic Alaska bear viewing experience have some options in Southcentral Alaska.
- The Alaska Zoo in Anchorage is home to local favorite bears of different ages and varieties.
- Get an up-close look at both brown and black bear in their natural habitat at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
