Visit Brooks Camp, Katmai National Park

What: One of the most iconic sights in Alaska – the famous Brooks Falls where multiple brown bears gather to fatten up on salmon all summer. The bears can be viewed from a safe platform which works on a waitlist basis during peak hours. Most people visit as day trips, but it’s possible to stay overnight at the Brooks lodge or Brooks camp to enjoy max time with the bears.

When to go: If going to see the bears, the best time to visit is from mid July to mid September during the peak salmon runs. July offers the maximum daylight as well to watch the bears well into the evening & morning.

How to get there: Getting to Brooks Camp is somewhat complex and/or expensive. The easiest way to get there is to book a day trip from Anchorage through various operators which will arrange all the flights and tour guides for you. However, if you’re wanting more time with the bears, then stay overnight at the Brooks Lodge or Brooks Camp. You can also set up your own travel arrangements which can help save some cost – book a flight with Alaska Air from Anchorage to King Salmon, and then a short float plane flight through various operators from King Salmon to Brooks Camp.

Tips:

• If wanting to stay at Brooks Lodge or Brooks Camp, you will need to book your spot WAY in advance. Brooks Lodge requires early advance reservations which often is granted on a lottery basis. Brooks Camp can be booked usually through a campsite reservation once per year – however, campsites can sell out within minutes so it’s best to be ready to reserve.
• Brooks Lodge is not big but has all the conveniences of enclosed cabins, food, drinks, convenience store, etc. Brooks Camp is just a 10 minute walk from Brooks Lodge. It has an electric fence and enclosed buildings to store food/equipment for protection from the bears. There are multiple campsites available with plenty of space between the sites to still get your privacy. Both Brooks Lodge and Brooks Camp are on beautiful settings right next to a lake overlooking the mountains.
• The Brooks Falls viewing platform is roughly 1 mile easy walk from the lodge/camp/day trip plane drop off location. During the busy season, there can be a wait to get on the main platform – there will usually be a park ranger putting names on a list. There is a waiting area platform to still see bears from afar while you wait.
• If staying overnight, Brooks Lodge has a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner. If camping, you can still access the restaurant, or bring your own food to cook at the campsite.
• You won’t be able to take bear spray in the area. The bears leave humans alone since they’re most interested in fish. However, it’s still worth trying to make noise while you walk to make sure there are no surprises.
• Make sure you bring bincoulars and/or a long zoom lens to get the best view of the bears!