May & June
As the Alaskan landscape thaws, bears emerge from hibernation hungry and in search of food. Spring is a time when bears can be seen grazing on sedge grasses or digging for clams on coastal beaches. While sightings are common, the bears may be thinner and more dispersed as they search for early-season food sources. As it is mating season, you may see males pursuing the females in a courting process.
If you are planning to come to Alaska in Spring, we would recommend the following bear viewing trips:
July & early August
The famed salmon runs of Alaska’s rivers and streams provide a feast for bears, and this is arguably the best time for bear viewing. If you have ever seen a video of a bear snapping up a salmon atop a rushing waterfall, it was likely filmed at Brooks Falls. This time of the year is the peak season for bear viewing, offering the most interactions and photo opportunities.
If you are coming to Alaska in July or early August, we would recommend to book following bearviewing trips:
*** Please note: Brooks Lodge is sold out for 2025 and only daytrips to Brooks Falls are available. If you are interested in staying at Brooks Lodge, you can apply for the Brooks Lodge random lottery 1,5 years in advance of your planned stay***
August & September
These month are prime time for bear viewing on Kodiak Island as the salmon run is taking place in this region and offering great bear viewing adventures.
On mainland Alaska, as summer wanes, bears continuing to move between the salmon streams and the abundant ripe berries on the hillsides. August is still an excellent time to observe bears in a more relaxed setting. Bears become increasingly more difficult to find during September, as they may begin digging their own dens during this time, usually on moderate to steep slopes, often weeks before they go into hibernation.
The best bear viewing opportunities in the Fall season are:
We offer different types of bear viewing trips at different locations. Whether you plan to start or end your Alaska vacation with a daytrip to see bears or would like to stay multiple nights at a remote lodge – let us find the right bear viewing trip to offer you a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
