Imagine flying to a remote corner of Alaska in a floatplane, landing on a pristine lake surrounded by untouched wilderness, and boarding a small boat to search for bears. Except, you don’t really have to search—they’re everywhere. Swimming and strolling along the lake shores, fishing for salmon, or simply lazing around, watching you with as much curiosity as you have for them.
Bear-viewing trips to Lake Clark National Park offer this unforgettable Alaskan experience, giving you the rare chance to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. The scenery is spectacular too—like stepping into a real-life postcard.
While bear viewing is one of the pricier excursions in Alaska, it’s also one of the most unique. Accessible only by float plane, a bear-viewing trip to Lake Clark National Park offers stunning aerial views and intimate wildlife encounters, making it a bucket-list experience worth every penny.
In this guide, I share the best time to visit Lake Clark for bear viewing, highlights from my own experience (+ lots of photos), and practical tips to prepare for your bear-viewing adventure in Alaska.
PRO TIP: Bear-viewing trips are extremely popular in Alaska, and with a short season and a limited number of float planes, spots sell out quickly. Be sure to reserve your tour as soon as you know your travel dates! I took this incredible bear-viewing tour with Fly Rust’s from Anchorage and loved it so much that I managed to arrange an exclusive discount for our readers. Use the code ‘fullsuitcase’ at checkout to get 10% off your booking.
In addition, you can find great tours from Homer, the most popular starting point for bear-viewing day trips in Alaska. More about this below.
READ ALSO: Best Anchorage Day Trips for Your Bucket List
Overview:
Best Time to See Bears in Lake Clark National Park
Bear viewing in Alaska is possible from May through the end of September, but the timing of your visit plays a crucial role in determining the best location for your trip.
For example, in Chinitna Bay, you can spot bears pretty much the whole summer. If your goal is to see bears fishing for salmon at the famous Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park, July is the prime time to visit. By late summer, Lake Clark National Park becomes the top destination as bears gather along the lake shores to feed and prepare for winter.
The best time to see bears in Lake Clark National Park is from early August to late September.
TIP: For a detailed month-by-month guide to the best bear-viewing locations in Alaska, you can check out Rust’s Flying Service website, which features a helpful chart by month.
My experience: I visited Alaska in late September and managed to secure a spot on the very last bear-viewing trip of the season, on September 27. I worried it might be too late—but I couldn’t have been more wrong! We saw dozens of bears, some so plump they resembled real-life teddy bears. Despite their size, they were active and showed no signs of starting their winter hibernation anytime soon.
From talking to the tour operators, I learned there are two main reasons why bear-viewing trips stop at the end of September. First, there’s less demand as the tourist season winds down. Second, these full-day tours often rely on remote lodges for facilities like bathrooms and meals, and most of these lodges close by late September. Similarly, at the start of the season, bears are already awake, but tours don’t typically begin until the lodges open.
READ ALSO: What It’s Like to Visit Alaska in September
My Lake Clark Bear-Viewing Experience
Below, you’ll find a detailed account of our Lake Clark bear viewing day tour from Anchorage, covering everything from the thrilling floatplane journey to the awe-inspiring encounters with bears in their natural habitat.
Whether you’re curious about the logistics, the highlights, or the overall experience, this step-by-step recap will give you a clear idea of what to expect on this unforgettable adventure.
Scenic Flight to Lake Crescent
Our adventure began with a float plane flight from Anchorage to Crescent Lake, located in the western part of Lake Clark National Park.
Good to know: The exact location for bear viewing can vary, as tour operators choose the spot with the highest chances of seeing bears at the time.
The day started with rain in Anchorage, but after a scenic one-hour flight, we landed on the lake to find clear skies and stunning sunshine. The surroundings were breathtaking, with dramatic landscapes that made the experience even more magical.
Redoubt Lodge & Lunch
On this tour, we used the facilities at Redoubt Lodge, a cozy spot where we also enjoyed a delicious warm lunch featuring freshly caught salmon, freshly-baked cake, and warm beverages.
The lodge also had some souvenirs and a Lake Clark National Park stamp. So if you are collecting national parks’ stamps, don’t forget to ask for it!
Bear-Viewing Boats
From the lodge, we boarded small boats to explore the shores of the lake.
These boats are perfectly designed for bear-viewing adventures. They feature comfortable seating and a roof to keep you dry if it rains.
I believe they might even provide blankets, and they definitely had extra raincoats on board. However, it was surprisingly warm at the end of September, so instead of asking for blankets, we actually took off our jackets a few times!
The boats are small and quiet, allowing you to get remarkably close to the bears without disturbing them or compromising your safety.
Bears, Bears & More Bears
The bear viewing itself was extraordinary. We saw dozens of bears in their natural habitat—fishing for salmon, strolling along the lake, swimming, and even mothers with their cubs.
I quickly lost count of how many bears we encountered. To my surprise, our guides recognized some of them and even had names for a few. I only remember one named Susan—she was incredibly fat and fluffy, and absolutely unforgettable!
There were endless opportunities to capture stunning photos, but I strongly encourage you to put the camera down occasionally and simply take in the moment. Being among these magnificent animals in such a serene setting is an experience unlike any other.
Scenic Flight Back to Anchorage
After seeing more bears than I could have ever dreamt of, we boarded the floatplane for a scenic flight back to Anchorage.
The return journey was equally breathtaking as we flew past snow-capped mountain peaks and over the Cook Inlet. Our pilot mentioned that they sometimes spot belugas and other wildlife during these flights.
Are Bear Tours Worth the Money?
If you’re considering a bear-viewing trip to Lake Clark, I cannot recommend it highly enough. It’s an unforgettable and truly Alaskan adventure. From the scenic floatplane flight over untouched wilderness to the incredible wildlife encounters in such spectacular surroundings, every moment of the day feels like a highlight.
I spent two weeks in Alaska and my trip was filled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences and countless WOW moments. The bear-viewing tour at Lake Clark ranks among my top three adventures in Alaska, together with the Denali flightseeing tour and the Knik Glacier helicopter tour featuring three landings in stunning locations.
Each of these experiences was unique and extraordinary in its own way, and I genuinely couldn’t pick just one as the best—they were all equally amazing for different reasons.
And while none of these experiences are cheap, I found that they are worth every dollar. To paraphrase the famous Gucci quote about quality, experience is remembered long after the price is forgotten. A bear-viewing trip in the Alaskan wilderness is an experience you will remember forever.
I have to add that I have been on multiple safari trips in Africa and have seen many bears in the wild in Canada as well. Most of those experiences were a lot cheaper than Alaska tours, but not all of them were worth the money we paid. In contrast, I found that all the tours I did in Alaska, including this bear-viewing tour at Lake Clark National Park, were totally worth it.
To help you find the most suitable bear-viewing excursion, below, you can find links to the best bear tours in Alaska. Further down, you can also find my practical tips and useful things to know when going on a bear-watching tour in Alaska. Most of those tips apply to any tour, no matter the location. Read on!
READ ALSO: Alaska Itinerary for a 2-Week Road Trip
Secure Your Spot for a Bear-viewing Tour in Alaska
Bear-viewing opportunities are available throughout the summer season, so if you’re visiting Alaska between May and September, you’re likely to find an incredible tour to include in your itinerary.
That said—and I can’t emphasize this enough—be sure to book in advance.
Bear-viewing tours in Alaska are immensely popular and sell out quickly, particularly during peak season (June to August). To avoid disappointment, I recommend checking availability as soon as you know your travel dates, even before finalizing other parts of your trip.
Here are the best bear-viewing tours in Alaska:
From Anchorage
- Fly Rust’s: This is the company I chose, and I highly recommend them. Don’t forget to use the discount code ‘fullsuitcase’ for 10% off on any of their tours. The discount is valid for both online and phone bookings—just be sure to mention the code before completing your payment.
- If Fly Rust’s is fully booked, consider this highly-rated tour. It’s another excellent option from Anchorage.
From Homer
Homer is considered a prime starting point for bear-viewing tours because of its proximity to both Katmai and Lake Clark National Parks. Many of these tours can also be booked on Viator for added convenience.
- Adventure Airways, Northwind Aviation, or Emerald Air all offer exceptional bear-viewing excursions departing from Homer.
Good to know: The company you choose matters less than you might think. All reputable operators visit the best locations for bear viewing at the time of your trip, giving you excellent chances to see bears. Prices for similar tours are generally competitive across companies, but this is where our discount code can make a real difference, especially if you’re traveling with a larger family or group. Other than that, I recommend selecting a tour that has availability for the date and location that best aligns with your overall itinerary.
Keep in mind that the types of bears you see can vary depending on the time of year and the location of your tour. If your goal is simply to see bears, as it was for me, any reputable tour will provide an incredible experience. However, if you’re hoping to see a specific type of bear, such as grizzlies or Kodiak bears, you’ll need to do a bit more research to choose the right tour and destination at the right time of the year.
Interesting to know: Most bears at Lake Crescent are Coastal Brown Bears. Unlike grizzlies, which live inland and don’t have access to fish or other marine food sources, brown bears live in coastal areas where fish, especially salmon, make up a large part of their diet.
READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Homer
Practical Tips for Bear Viewing in Alaska
Bear viewing in Alaska is an incredible experience, but it requires some preparation to ensure you get the most out of your adventure. Here are some essential tips:
- Plan for a full day, but stay flexible. Bear-viewing trips typically last the entire day, so be prepared for a full day of travel and adventure. Also, keep in mind that flightseeing tours are weather-dependent, and there’s always a chance that a tour could be canceled or the location changed last minute. Since some factors are out of your control, it’s important to remain flexible and make the most of whatever comes your way.
- Dress in layers. The weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, so layering is essential. A waterproof jacket is a must, and even in summer, I recommend packing a hat, buff, and gloves. The weather can change quickly so it’s always better to be over-prepared than to risk not fully enjoying the experience due to being cold or wet.
- Only pack what you really need. Flightseeing tours are very mindful of weight limits on the plane, so it’s essential to pack light and bring only the basics. Don’t forget sunglasses, bug spray, and, of course, a camera (see below). For a full-day adventure, consider bringing a bottle of water and some light snacks. If you’re unsure about what (not) to bring, don’t hesitate to ask the tour operator for advice before you board.
- Prepare for motion sickness. Most bear-viewing tours in Alaska start with a small airplane flight to remote locations. These flights offer breathtaking views, but they can also be a little bumpy. If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s a good idea to bring medication. Ginger chews worked wonders for me – I used them before most excursions (by boat, plane, or helicopter) in Alaska and didn’t experience any nausea.
- Bring any essentials you can’t go without, such as prescription medication. Keep in mind that you’ll be completely off the grid with no cell phone coverage, so it’s a good idea to let your family or friends know your plans in advance to avoid any unnecessary worry if they can’t reach you during the day.
- Bring your camera and binoculars. You will have plenty of opportunities to capture incredible wildlife photos and admire bears, birds, and other animals. While the bears are often close enough for great smartphone shots, I recommend bringing binoculars and a camera with the best telephoto zoom lens you have (check out our guide to the best camera gear for wildlife photography). Don’t forget to pack extra batteries as well!
- Respect the bears’ space. While you’ll have the opportunity to get close to the bears, it’s important to remember that you’re in their territory. Some bear-viewing tours take place from boats, while others may require walking. Trust your guide’s expertise—follow their instructions to ensure your safety and the well-being of the animals.
- Don’t forget to enjoy the moment. Try to put down your camera once in a while to simply soak in the experience and enjoy the moment.
READ ALSO: Seward Day Trip from Anchorage
Bear viewing in Lake Clark National Park offers a one-of-a-kind adventure that combines breathtaking aerial views, intimate wildlife encounters, and the awe-inspiring beauty of Alaska’s pristine landscapes.
It’s an experience that truly stands out, even in a state renowned for its extraordinary wilderness.
No matter which bear-viewing tour you choose, this unforgettable journey into Alaska’s untouched wild will leave you with memories to treasure for a lifetime.
TIP: Planning a trip to Alaska? Check out our guides to the most beautiful places and unique experiences in the Last Frontier:
- Alaska Road Trip Itinerary
- Seward:
- Anchorage and surroundings:
- Best Day Trips from Anchorage
- Grand Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour (another must-do in Alaska!)
- Matanuska Glacier Tour
- Homer:
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