Lake Clark National Park is in a remote area and is often called Alaska’s best-kept secret for bear viewing. Few wildlife experiences can match the raw power and majesty of observing Alaskan bears in their natural habitat. As someone who spent several hours observing these magnificent animals, I’m excited to share everything you need to know about planning your own unforgettable Lake Clark bear viewing adventure.
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Types of Bear Viewing Experiences at Lake Clark National Park
Lake Clark National Park offers a variety of bear-viewing opportunities in the Alaskan wilderness.
The park is renowned for its stunning locations where you can observe bear behavior, especially during the salmon runs.
A salmon run is an annual migration event where salmon return from the ocean to the freshwater rivers and streams where they were born to spawn (reproduce).
Lake Clark National Park’s Bears
Alaskan brown bears are mostly seen along the coastal areas of Lake Clark National Park.
Grizzly bears live mostly in inland areas, are generally smaller due to limited food sources, and are more solitary than brown bears.
Black bears are less commonly seen as they stay near forest edges and are more elusive.
Types of Guided Bear ViewingTours
Several companies offer guided Alaska bear viewing tours. These typically include scenic flights from Anchorage to Lake Clark National Park. This is followed by guided boat rides or hikes in close proximity to bear-rich areas.
Guided Boat Tours
These are most often on pontoon boats. They are a great way to view bears from a safe distance.
Guided Hiking Tours
These bear expedition tours provide opportunities to observe bears fishing and interacting in their natural environment from a safe distance.
Professional guides provide detailed safety briefings before each bear-viewing excursion. Their extensive experience ensures your safety and minimal wildlife disturbance.
Top Bear Viewing Areas in Lake Clark National Park
Chinitna Bay
This coastal area offers excellent opportunities to observe bears digging for clams during low tide and fishing during high tide. The wide-open beaches provide unobstructed views and fantastic photography opportunities.
Crescent Lake
The stunningly blue Crescent Lake is surrounded by dense forests and towering mountains. It is a great bear-viewing site, and you will likely see them fishing for sockeye salmon.
Silver Salmon Creek
Silver Salmon Creek is arguably the park’s premier bear-watching location. The unique combination of coastal meadows, tidal flats, and a salmon-rich creek creates a perfect bear habitat.
When to Visit Lake Clark for Bear Viewing
The bear viewing season in Lake Clark National Park typically runs from the summer months to early fall. During this time, you can witness bear activity after and before the next hibernation.
Early Season: June
The month of June marks the beginning of bear viewing season as the park awakens from winter. Early June, which is also mating season, brings the first glimpses of bears emerging from hibernation.
By late June, mother bears become more visible with their cubs, providing heartwarming opportunities to observe family interactions.
June has perfect weather conditions, with moderate temperatures and extended daylight hours that maximize viewing opportunities. The abundant sedge grass attracts bears to open meadows, making them easier to spot and photograph.
Peak Season: July and August
July and August represent prime bear viewing months. The arrival of salmon runs draws bears in concentrated numbers to predictable locations.
Sockeye salmon dominate the early part of this period, running from early July through mid-August. Silver salmon follow from late July through September, while pink salmon fill the streams from July through August.
Late Season: September
September offers a distinctive bear-viewing experience. Early September finds the bears at their maximum weight, gorging on the last salmon runs before winter.
Bear behavior becomes more urgent as winter approaches. The bears enter hyperphagia, an intensive feeding period during which they build fat reserves before winter hibernation.
Fun Fact: Wild Alaska salmon, particularly sockeye, chum, silver, pink, and king salmon, are vital to both the bears’ diet and the ecological balance within Lake Clark National Park.
Getting to Lake Clark National Park
Lake Clark National Park’s remote location is both its charm and its challenge. It is located about 100 miles southwest of Anchorage, and is accessible only by small plane, typically float planes.
Tip: Due to the park’s remote nature, weather can impact flight schedules. It’s advisable to plan with flexibility in case of inclement weather that may delay or cancel flights.
Flight Services to Lake Clark National Park
Anchorage is the most common starting point for experienced bush plane operators to operate flights to the park.
The 70-minute flight is an adventure in itself with stunning aerial views of Alaska’s vast landscape.
Rust’s Flying Service, Lake Clark Air, and Lake and Peninsula Airlines are some of the popular flight operators to Lake Clark National Park.
How to Book Your Lake Clark Bear Viewing Tour
Nearly all bear viewing requires a guide, and for good reason. Professional guides ensure your safety and enhance the experience with their intimate knowledge of bear behavior and local ecosystems.
Day Trip Packages
Single-day excursions provide an excellent introduction to bear viewing, particularly for travelers with limited time.
Half-Day Tours
A typical half-day tour spans four to five hours of actual viewing time, including professional guidance and often a field lunch.
These tours focus on one primary viewing location, maximizing observation time while minimizing travel.
- Cost: $985-1500 per person
- Duration: 4-5 hours of bear viewing
- Lunch included
- Best for tight schedules
- Morning or afternoon options are available.
Full-day Tours
Full-day tours extend the experience to eight or ten hours, incorporating multiple viewing locations and varying bear behaviors throughout the day.
These tours include all meals and often provide opportunities to observe both coastal and inland bear activity.
The extended duration allows visitors to witness changes in bear behavior as lighting and tide conditions shift throughout the day.
- Cost: Starting at $1100 per person.
- Duration: 8-10 hours in the field
- All meals included
- Multiple viewing locations
- Photography instruction available
Private Tours
- Cost: Starting at $1,200+
- Customizable schedule
- Personal guide attention
- Flexible viewing locations
- Ideal for photographers
Multi-day Excursions
Extended stays of two to three days allow for a deeper immersion into bear behavior and habitat. These packages typically include accommodations at wilderness lodges, gourmet meals, and comprehensive guide services.
The multi-day format provides flexibility to adjust viewing times based on weather and bear activity, ensuring optimal viewing opportunities.
- Cost:$1,800-2,500 per person for 2-3 day packages with lodging, all meals, guide services, activities
- $3,500-4,500 per person for week-long photography workshops, all-inclusive package, professional instruction, daily technique sessions, multiple shooting locations, psot processing tutorials.
Lake Clark National Park Day Trip or Overnight Stay: What Option is Best?
The choice between a day trip and an overnight stay at Lake Clark National Park depends on your preferences and schedule. Ultimately, you get to decide the best way to experience the bears.
Choose a day trip if you’re short on time or looking for a more budget-friendly option focused solely on bear viewing.
If you want a deeper connection with the park’s wilderness, opt for an overnight stay at a wilderness lodge or for camping. You will also have an increased chance of seeing bears and the opportunity to engage in various outdoor activities.
Both options provide incredible opportunities to witness Alaska’s majestic bears in their natural habitat; it just depends on how much time you want to immerse yourself in this breathtaking environment!
Wilderness Lodges for Overnight Stays at Lake Clark National Park
Choosing the right lodge will depend on your preferences for amenities, activities, and overall experience. The following are our top recommendations:
Redoubt Mountain Lodge is located on the shores of Crescent Lake. It is perfect if you are seeking a remote wilderness experience with personalized service and gourmet dining.
Fun Fact: Redoubt Mountain Lodge offers stunning views of Mount Redoubt.
The Farm Lodge is great for families or groups looking for comfort and access to various activities without a minimum stay requirement.
Lake Clark Lodge has luxury accommodations with extensive adventure options in both Lake Clark and Katmai National Parks.
Most guided tours and excursions are primarily available from June through September. This is when wilderness lodges are operational.
It’s important to note that exact opening and closing dates may vary slightly from year to year depending on weather conditions and other factors.
Tip: All lodges require advance bookings, often 6-12 months ahead for peak season.
What to Wear For Your Bear Viewing Excursion
Your comfort and safety at Lake Clark National Park depend heavily on proper clothing choices.
Base Layer
Start with high-quality base layers made from merino wool or synthetic materials. These materials wick moisture away from your body while providing necessary warmth.
Long underwear and moisture-wicking shirts form your foundation layer. Avoid cotton entirely, as it retains moisture and can lead to dangerous cooling if wet.
Mid Layer
Your mid-layer should include a warm fleece jacket or wool sweater, complemented by an insulated vest for core warmth. Quick-dry pants offer versatility and comfort in changing conditions.
Outer Layer
The outer layer requires special attention: invest in a truly waterproof rain jacket and pants.
Waterproof gloves and a warm hat are essential. Even on sunny days, weather can change rapidly, and staying dry is crucial for comfort and safety.
Footwear
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with adequate ankle support provide essential stability and protection. Wear additional warm socks and waterproof socks.
Gloves
Hand protection requires both warm gloves and waterproof outer shells, allowing for comfortable camera operation in all conditions.
What to Bring to Your Lake Clark Bear Viewing Excursion
Photography Equipment
I can’t stress enough the importance of capturing images and/or videos of your bear viewing excursion. It will feel so surreal in the moment that if you don’t have physical proof to reflect on after by way of photos and videos, you will think you imagined it all.
Amateur Photographer
If you are not a photographer, you can still capture great shots of the bears with a smartphone. Most smartphones have pretty decent camera quality with reasonable zoom capability.
Beginner Photographer
If you are an amateur/beginner photographer, entry-level DSLR or mirrorless cameras with 300mm zoom lenses prove adequate for most situations.
Your camera body should ideally feature weather sealing to protect against rain and humidity.
Carry multiple extra batteries, as cold weather and constant use can quickly drain power. Memory card capacity should accommodate several high-resolution images. Multiple memory cards ensure you never miss a shot during peak action.
Intermediate to Advanced Photographer
If you are an intermediate to advanced photographer, lens selection proves crucial for capturing diverse bear behaviors.
A versatile zoom lens in the 100-400mm range serves as your primary tool, allowing you to maintain safe distances while capturing intimate portraits and behavior. Complement this with a 24-70mm lens for environmental shots and landscapes. A 1.4x teleconverter adds valuable reach when bears remain distant.
Ensure you have extra batteries and memory cards, and protective gear for your equipment.
Miscellaneous Items to Bring
- Binoculars
- Small waterproof backpack for gear
- Water bottle and snacks
- Hand warmers
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- First aid kit
Tip: Bear spray is NOT allowed on flights. If your bear-viewing tour involves hiking near bears, your tour guide should provide bear spray. Confirm this at the time of booking your tour.
What To Expect on the Flight to Lake Clark National Park
Your journey to Lake Clark National Park will take about one and a half hours from Anchorage.
You may fly in either a DHC-2 Beaver float plane, which comfortably seats six to eight passengers, or a DHC-3 Otter, which can accommodate eight to ten travelers.
Fun fact: Due to the small size of the float plane, every passenger has a window seat!
You may bring up to fifty pounds of luggage, preferably packed in soft-sided bags for easy storage in the aircraft. Camera equipment, when carried on board, doesn’t count toward this weight limit.
The flight will take a scenic route, passing by mountain ranges like the Aleutian range, streams, glaciers, valleys, and more of Alaska’s spectacular landscape.
The plane will land on the shores of Lake Clark National Park, providing an exciting start to your adventure.
What to Expect During Your Lake Clark Bear Viewing Experience
Morning Viewing Sessions
Early morning sessions typically begin shortly after sunrise, when bears actively feed in cooler temperatures.
These sessions often provide opportunities to observe bears grazing in meadows or fishing during morning low tides.
Tip: The soft morning light creates ideal conditions for photography.
Midday Activities
Bears typically reduce their activity during warmer midday hours. However, some bears remain active , particularly around feeding sites, providing opportunities to observe different behavioral patterns.
Evening Viewing Opportunities
Late afternoon and evening sessions often yield the day’s most dramatic encounters. Bears resume intensive feeding as temperatures cool, particularly during salmon runs.
The golden evening light creates spectacular photographic conditions, while changing tidal conditions may concentrate bear activity in specific areas.
These sessions frequently continue until dusk, maximizing viewing opportunities in optimal conditions.
Bear Behavior
During your bear viewing tour, you’ll likely witness various bear behaviors. Watch as they demonstrate different fishing techniques in pursuit of salmon, while mother bears patiently teach their cubs essential survival skills.
You’ll observe how they interact at prime feeding spots, from grazing on sedge grass to digging for clams at low tide.
Keep an eye out for playful moments too, as younger bears often engage in spirited wrestling matches.
Pro tip: while the temptation to photograph everything is strong, force yourself to put the camera down occasionally. Some moments deserve your full, undivided attention.
My Lake Clark Bear Viewing Experience
After a mid-morning departure time from Anchorage, and a scenic flight aboard a Rust’s Flying Service float plane, our expert pilot touched down on the Crescent Lake shore.
My level of excitement was palpable!
Check-in and Boarding at Lake Clark National Park
Our small group of ten adventurers made our way up from the shore to Redoubt Mountain Lodge’s check-in area, where a delightfully whimsical Paddington-inspired closet awaited us.
I couldn’t help but grin as I selected a bright yellow raincoat from the collection. It would be a cheerful shield against the Alaskan elements that would soon become part of my wilderness story.
There was something wonderfully surreal about preparing for a wild bear encounter while feeling like I’d stepped into a children’s book.
Shortly after returning to the shoreline, we climbed aboard the pontoon boat, a mix of nervous energy and anticipation rippling through our group.
As we pushed off from the dock, I clutched my camera close, knowing we were about to set off on what promised to be one of Alaska’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences.
Bear Viewing
As our pontoon boat glided across the glassy surface of Crescent Lake, my heart raced with a whirlwind of emotions. I was anxious, excited, and shocked that this was actually happening!
The crisp Alaskan air nipped at my cheeks, but I barely noticed the cold as the first coastal brown bear emerged from the shoreline. Time seemed to stand still as I watched the bear in its element.
A mother bear nurturing her cubs.
A massive bear expertly snatching salmon from the turquoise waters, its powerful jaws making quick work of the bright red fish.
A group of bears making their way through the fall foliage.
I witnessed a total of 14 bears!
For several mesmerizing hours on the boat ride, we drifted quietly along the lake’s edge, cameras clicking away while the expert tour guide shared insights about bear behavior in hushed tones.
When we finally returned to Redoubt Mountain Lodge, still buzzing from the bear encounters, we were treated to hot chocolate to warm up. Shortly after, an exquisite lunch featuring freshly caught salmon prepared by their talented chef.
Departure
The initial plan was to continue with the second half of the bear viewing tour after lunch. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans.
Our afternoon session was cut short due to an approaching storm that would impede our float plane pilot’s ability to get us back to Anchorage safely.
Despite the premature end to the tour, those precious morning hours observing the incredible bears in their pristine wilderness home had already exceeded my wildest expectations. I had the best time!
Bear viewing at Lake Clark National Park was an
unforgettable experience that I will hold dear for the entirety of my existence.
Our tour was a partnership package between Salmon Berry Travel & Tours, Rust’s Flying Service and Redoubt Mountain Lodge. I like to say, Salmon Berry Travel & Tours planned it, Rust’s flew us there and Redoubt took care of us while there.
Success Tips For Your Lake Clark Bear Viewing Experience
- Book your bear viewing tour 6-12 months in advance through reputable operators.
- Follow your guide’s instructions without exception
- Stay with your guide and group at all times.
- Approach your trip with an open mind. While bear sightings are common, how many or when you will see the bears cannot be guaranteed.
- Follow all guidelines provided by your tour operator to minimize your impact on the environment.
- Prioritize the bears’ well-being and follow all park guidelines when photographing wildlife.
- Purchase travel insurance covering weather-related cancellations and emergency evacuation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Clark Bear Viewing
Is bear viewing dangerous?
Bear viewing is very safe with the backing of professional guides. They have extensive experience reading bear behavior and will ensure your safety.
What if it rains? Will I still see bears?
Bears are active in all weather. Good rain gear will keep you comfortable, and overcast conditions often provide excellent photography opportunities.
How close do you get to bears?
Typically 50-100 yards, though bears may choose to come closer. Guides ensure safe distances are maintained.
Who is bear viewing at Lake Clark National Park for?
Lake Clark National Park’s bear viewing attracts wildlife photographers, nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, tourists, and conservationists.
Important Lake Clark National Park Bear Viewing Resources
National Park Service Information
The National Park Service maintains updated information about park conditions and bear activity. Their website provides essential trip planning resources, including recommended guide services and seasonal activity patterns.
Phone: (907) 781-2218
Weather Services
Alaska’s dynamic weather patterns demand careful attention to forecasts. Local weather services provide detailed weather predictions.
Phone number: (907) 246-3305
Emergency Services
Proper emergency preparation is of utmost improtance. Bear viewing tour guides, and lodge staff and guides maintain satellite communication devices for emergency situations.
Phone number: (907) 781-2144
Final Thoughts About Lake Clark Bear Viewing
Viewing bears in their natural environment in Lake Clark National Park is an awe-inspiring wilderness experience. Remember to book early, prepare adequately, and, most importantly, take time to simply observe and appreciate the remarkable bears in their natural habitat.
As you watch these magnificent creatures patrol the shoreline, teach their cubs to forage, or fish in crystal-clear streams against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, you’ll understand why Lake Clark National Park is considered one of Alaska’s crown jewels.
With proper planning and respect for safety guidelines, you’re in for one of the most memorable wildlife encounters available in North America. And with the tips in this guide, you will have the best bear viewing trips to create memories that will last a lifetime.
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