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north america: alaska

Brown Bears of Katmai

Experience one of Alaska’s greatest wildlife spectacles, the Brown Bears of Brooks River. Katmai National Park and Brooks River feature one of the most famous congregations of Brown Bears in the world. Our package includes hotel accommodations in downtown Anchorage and two nights in a rustic cabin at Brooks Camp, and airfare from Anchorage to Katmai. The best bear viewing in Katmai National Park is available from Mid June through Early September.

Day 1 - Arrive Anchorage

Arrive independently at the Anchorage airport where a hotel courtesy shuttle brings you to your downtown Anchorage hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore this cosmopolitan city on your own.

Accommodations: Clarion Suites or similar
Included Meals: none

Day 2 - Fly to Katmai National Park

A hotel courtesy shuttle takes you to the Anchorage Airport. Fly Anchorage to King Salmon and transfer to a seaplane for the short scenic flight to Brooks Lodge. This afternoon is free to explore the surrounding area. After a brief orientation by the National Park Service you may want to go fishing or join the afternoon nature walk. The big attraction is a visit to the bear viewing platform above Brooks Falls. Each year bears congregate here because of the prolific salmon runs. Because the platform is well managed by the National Park Service, bears are habituated to visitors and behave in a natural manner providing the experience of a lifetime for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. This evening there are slide shows, films, lectures, sunsets and a bar for evening enjoyment. Overnight in a double cabin.

Accommodations: Brooks Lodge
Included Meals: continental breakfast

Day 3 - Brooks Falls Bear Viewing

Spend a full day exploring and viewing bears at Brooks Falls. For an additional fee you may wish to join the “Valley of 10,000 Smokes” natural history tour. This all day bus and hiking tour to Katmai’s volcanic lava flows features an opportunity to view a variety of wildlife and walk upon the ash and pumice moonscape of the “Valley of 10,000 Smokes”. Other options include flight seeing excursions, canoe/kayak rentals and fishing options. Please contact our Alaska experts for details.

Accommodations: Brooks Lodge
Included Meals: none

Day 4 - Return to Anchorage

Spend one final morning in Katmai perusing your own interests. Most visitors take one last chance to visit the platform and view bears. Return to Anchorage by way of King Salmon. Upon arrival in Anchorage a hotel courtesy shuttle brings you to your downtown Anchorage hotel.

Accommodations: Clarion Suites or similar
Included Meals: none

Day 5 - Depart, begin trip extension or cruise

This morning a hotel shuttle brings you to the Anchorage airport for your journey home or you may continue your exploration of Alaska with a trip extension or one of our small ship adventure cruises.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: continental breakfast

Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be spontaneous makes our style of travel unique.

A Note on Prices: Prices are determined by the National Park Service at Katmai National Park. Prices for the following year are usually not determined until December of the preceding year. Trips booked before this time must understand that any increase in price determined by the National Park Service will be passed on to our travelers. Price increases are usually no more than 2-3% each year. If you have questions please call.

Meals at Brooks Lodge: Please note we no longer include meals at Brooks Lodge in Katmai National Park. Buffet dining is available and may be purchased in advance or upon arrival. Contact us for meal prices.

Land Cost Includes: Accommodations as listed or similar, roundtrip flights from Anchorage to Brooks Lodge, entrance fees and permits.

Not Included: Airfare to Alaska; airport taxes, excess baggage charges; any additional hotel nights in Anchorage; most meals, items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, and insurance of any kind.

Arrival/Departure: Your Brown Bears of Katmai adventure starts and ends in Anchorage, Alaska. Arrivals may be at anytime on Day 1 and departures may be at anytime on Day 5. Transfers will be provided both upon arrival on Day 1 from Anchorage International Airport and on Day 5 for your return flight home.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage is required for this trip. Consider Travelex Select or Max policies to ensure the best level of coverage. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Qualifications: These trips will be enjoyed by anyone with a love for nature and the outdoors.

Extending Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining trips to Denali National Park and more.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com