We can't wait for this summer to meet new incredible guests and experience each days adventure! 2-5 day small ship explorations. . It is also important to remember that prior to the eruption of Novarupta, there were four year-round villages in this area and numerous seasonal camps. Please contact us for dates, pricing, and availability. Call or email us anytime to get your questions answered or to customize your Alaskan vacation. Fly with Alaska Airlines to King Salmon and take a water taxi. It does happen that bears are at the waterfall in the second half of June or in August. The only way to access this national park is by plane or boat. Re: Cheapest way to get to Brooks falls 11 years ago There is 1 way to get from Anchorage to Brooks Falls by plane Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. EN. many bears can be seen fishing at Brooks Falls which is about 1.2 miles (1.9 km) from the Brooks Camp Visitor Center. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. Koa had the honors of choosing the winner for the $100 gift bag giveaway.and the winner is Dale Miller! It is estimated that there are around 2,200 bears in Katmai National Park, with the total number of bears exceeding the population of people on the entire Alaska Peninsula. Most visitors access this natural wonder by flying to Brooks Camp and then taking a bus. When the platform is full, the park ranger starts a waiting list for visitors. For clarity - Katmai National Park and Preserve is the large National Park on the Alaska Peninsula. Owner Chris Klosterman is a pilot and guide for many adventures, but you may also be guided by another local pilot. Dont leave Alaska without taking back stories to tell back home. The Katmai Tour begins as you depart our Anchorage Aero office aboard one of our aircraft and embark on a scenic flight to Katmai National Park. In addition to our air Learn More Overwhelmed by choices? All Rights Reserved. #belugaair. Moving around Brooks Camp is relatively easy, largely thanks to the fact that the employees and national park volunteers are so helpful. 1 fti Alaska Destination Expert for Alaska Level Contributor 19,335 posts 39 reviews 102 helpful votes 1. You can also opt for a lodge package that includes the Valley of 10,000 smokes. Ask when booking one of our Alaska Railroad tour packages or self-drive tour vacations! . Your continued use of this site presumes you are ok with this. If its high on your list, book aflight-seeing/ bear viewing trip with Trail Ridge Air, knowing that personable pilots will take you to where bears splash and fish, and where visitors run out of words to describe their amazement. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. . 50-minute flight from Anchorage, about $725+ for a 6-hour tour . Your continued use of this site presumes you are ok with this. Acommercial flight from Anchorage takes you to King Salmon where youll switch to asmall float plane for aquick 20-minute flight to Brooks Camp. You still should expect some walking and be prepared to be out in the elements on the platforms. Witness these iconic creatures playing or fishing as you take pictures and learn more about their habits and habitat. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. more. But here, the walrus is the star. Be sure to use them before you set out on the trail. We offer a seat fare rate to Brooks Falls during the most active part of the season during most of July. Click Here to Book our Katmai Bear Viewing Day Tour or Visit www.FlyKatmai.com. You can not drive to Brooks Falls as no roads connect this part of Alaska. Once on the ground you will have four hours of self guided bear viewing where you can view the bears at the iconic Brooks Falls. This is very fortunate for the bears, which do not have to work hard to eat well. The bears are full and do not want to waste their valuable energy. There is 1 way to get from Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Brooks Falls by plane Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Doing this as a single-day trip from Anchorage is possible, but its better to fly from King Salmon. Wahoo, both planes have their webbed feet and we are ready for summer!, N77BA is back in the water! Your Seaplane Bear Safari will take you to Brooks River Falls in Katmai National Park, home of the world slargest salmon run. However, there is an unusually high concentration of brown bears around rivers from July to September as they congregate to feed on spawning salmon, making Brooks Falls bear viewing tours the perfect trip for seasonal adventurers. The world's largest salmon run floods this river and draws up to 15 bears at a . Ideally this means we will be arriving at camp in the early afternoon to spend our 4 hours on the ground when other operators are leaving, opening the area up for our guests! Recommended option Fly, travel 3h 33m Fly from Anchorage (ANC) to King Salmon (AKN) ANC - AKN Travel from King Salmon to Brooks Falls However, we must remember that we are only guests in the natural habitat of these wild animals. An alternative observation location is the Riffles Platform, which offers a slightly different view of the wildlife and the waterfall. The Katmai Bear Viewing Tour takes you to Brooks River Falls in Katmai National Park, where during salmon runs, the fish pool under the waterfall or in other words, bear-viewing central. Established in 1974, Katmai Air has been the premier air transportation provider for Katmai National Park and the greater Bristol Bay region of Alaska for over forty-five years. For thousands of years, Native Alaskans inhabited the land in this region. A waterfall is a natural obstacle for fish, meaning many salmon are gathered in a relatively small area. We couldn't be more proud to announce we are kicking off our 10TH SEASON being owners to Beluga Air! We visited Brooks Falls at the end of June 2022 and saw many more bears there than we expected and were able to avoid the crowds. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. Brooks Falls bear viewing is an experience you'll never forget and is one of the premier . To maximize your bear viewing at Brooks falls, the most number of bears can typically be seen in the months of July and September. During the planning they listened to what we wanted to do, then set everything up. We provide flights throughout Alaska and we specialize in flights to Katmai National Park and bear viewing tours. Travelers can fly to King Salmon either on Katmai Air or Ravn Alaska. This image is on the front of postcards, travel magazines, posters, and more. Damian and Elizabeth on the Brooks Falls viewing platform, Brown bear fishing as seen from Brooks Falls viewing platform. For those who want to save a little bit of money (and maybe increase your chances of getting to Brooks Falls despite the weather), an interesting option is to fly Alaska Airlines from Anchorage to King Salmon and then take a water taxi to Brooks Camp. . We use cookies to ensure you the best possible experience on our website. Which one is right for you? You can read more about backcountry camping here. World-famous Brooks Falls is a quick 30-minute flight from King Salmon. On any given day there will always be amorning outing (leaving at 8a.m. at the latest) and possibly one that leaves around 2p.m. With offices in Anchorage and King Salmon, and a fleet consisting of both land-based and float-equipped aircraft, we're here to service all of your air transportation needs across the great state of Alaska. Fly from Anchorage to one of Alaskas most famous bear viewing destinations, Katmai National Park and Brooks Falls! It is possible to stay at Brooks Lodge or Brooks Camp Campground. Today's the day! Alaska Bear Trips offers the most luxurious and fastest flight available from Anchorage to Brooks Falls, 90 minutes each direction. 7 years ago Save I am hoping to figure out a day trip on a sea plane or helicopter from Anchorage or Seward or Homer to Brooks Falls. Privacy Policy. From. Go bear viewing with Brooks Lodge for aless-expensive experience that gives you more time with the magnificentbears, Brooks Lodge offers their own bear viewing tours which are less expensive than most, and give you more time at Katmai National Park to watch bears feasting on sockeye salmon from several viewing platforms. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. After this time, participants are asked to leave the platform, and others take their place. more, Take ascenic flight to Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park or aremote lake to see bears inthe. You can also fly 70miles southwest of Anchorage to Lake Clark Wilderness Preserve for amazing bear viewing and luxurious accommodations at the Redoubt Bay Lodge. His grandmother came from Norway on a boat when she was 15. Subscribe to the Under the Midnight Sun Newsletter, Round trip flights between Anchorage and Brooks Lodge. We use cookies to ensure you the best possible experience on our website. It all just depends on the time you have available and your budget. Recommended option Bus, fly, travel 5h 43m Take the bus from Seward Cruise Terminal - Alaska to Anchorage, AK - Airport $1207 / per person Duration: 10 hours Departure time: 8:00am Dates: June 25 - July 31, 2023 (except for July 4) Child rate: $1155 Child age: 6 to 11 years old Tour overview: Depart from the Lake Hood seaplane base in Anchorage, Alaska, for a scenic flight to the prime bear viewing habitat at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park & Preserve. Highlights plus less visited destinations. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. We booked through Katmai Air and left from Anchorage. At Brooks Camp, there is also a campground surrounded by an electric fence to deter bears from entering. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. 3409 Lampert LoopHomer, AK 99603(907) 235-8256, Guided Bear WatchingBrooks Falls Bear ToursFlightseeing ToursAir CharterAlaska Fishing ToursFlight InstructionMcNeil River TransportationMarriagesMemorial ServicesCamping Gear Rental, N1083H joined the beaver today on Beluga Lake! The platform has two elevated levels where visitors congregate. Because there are so many people, the park rangers monitor the platforms to rotate visitors. Part of it is located on a special elevated boardwalk with lockable gates (so that bears do not enter them), and part of the trail is in forested areas. Privacy Policy. It is also one of the simplest solutions that does not require additional transfers. Larger groups can easily charter a small plane for their needs. The bears regularly use the same trails as visitors. The fastest way to get here is by plane. Either way, youll be met at the airport upon arrival, for an unforgettable 90-minute flight over rolling tundra and along the west side of the Alaskan Peninsula. There is a campground, overnight lodging, a small cafe and shop, and a ranger station. To stay at Brooks Lodge, you need to consider the high price (in 2022, it was $850 per night for four people) and luck. Water taxi companies pick up passengers from King Salmon airport and transfer them by boat to Brooks Camp in just 45 minutes. They can also fly you out to two other iconic places: Brooks Falls, to see grizzly bears swatting at salmon as they swim upstream; and the dramatic, ash-filled Valley of the Ten Thousand Smokes. Brooks Falls is located in Katmai National Park, which is about 290 air miles southwest of Anchorage, Alaska. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. The cost for a one-day trip out to Brooks Falls and back currently ranges between $1000 to $1500 per person, depending on the company, length of the trip, and departure location. The walrus is an unmistakable creature: 4,000 pounds, huge ivory tusks, and a singular-looking face. Youll also be looking for shorebirds, waterfowl, and possibly even bears. June 1st - September 18th, 2023 $1350 per person Travel to Brooks Lodge and experience the world famous bear viewing at Brooks Falls. The flight from Anchorage typically takes about two and a half hours, while the flight from Homer is only one and a half. Brooks Falls (First 3 wks of July, last 3 wks of September) Many of the most famous shots of bears pouncing for salmon swimming up waterfalls were taken at Brooks River Falls, in Katmai National Park. Such a beautiful day on the Kenai Peninsula! ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. You will learn a lot about the Homer area, Kachemak Bay, the Cook Inlet, Katmai National Park and many more historical and geographical facts about Alaska! Tourism increased dramatically in the 1950's after aviation pioneer, Raymond Petersen, established several camps around the Katmai region. Alaska is the only place in North America to see the Pacific Walrus in its natural glory, and Trygg Air can take you to see them safely. Either way, the experience is truly personalized. For this reason, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the rules of safe travel in bear country and, above all, to comply with them. Brown bear outside the gift shop at Brooks Camp. Seat fares are round-trip and include 4 hours on the ground at camp viewing bears. However, visitors must keep in mind that the number of bears will always depend on whether the salmon have arrived in these areas, so it is impossible to give a specific date. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. During your 200-mile journeythe flight takes two to three hoursyou can often spot numerous bears from the air (along with gorgeous scenery) as well. The downside to this is the price. The eruption of the Novarupta Volcano in this area was the worlds largest volcanic eruption of the 20th Century. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. . The first archaeological evidence dates the presence of people in the area from 6 to 9 thousand years ago. Spend anywhere from 1.5 to 9hours onthe Youll then have time to walk around and feel what this moon-like landscape is like. In this situation, guests are offered an option to reschedule their flight (usually the next day) or a full refund of the unused services. The time allowed on the viewing platform depends on the number of people. There is more to Katmai National Park than just Brooks Falls. Brooks Falls is famous for the site of brown bears bulking up for winter by feeding on salmon trying to make their way upstream. Bears are regularly encountered on this trail, so following all safety rules from the beginning of your stay is necessary. Your continued use of this site presumes you are ok with this. BrooksFalls is located inland on glacial fed Naknek Lake and only accessible by float planes like ours. A portion of the trail is located on an elevated and gate-enclosed boardwalk, a nice area to watch some of the bears. There is also an area to leave all unnecessary items. This solution can sometimes avoid the obstacle of bad weather. In September, most bears are seen at the mouth of the Brooks . By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use. Can you spot the brown bear taking in the view with the other visitors? The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. This book is intended to present the basic life histories, habits, and identifying characteristics of some of the most frequently seen bears along Brooks River within Katmai National Park. The large number of bears so close together makes Brooks Falls an attractive destination for photographers and visitors from around the world. Sometimes the planes are objects of interest for bears. Katmai National Park & Preserve (view park map) is located on the northern Alaska Peninsula, northwest of Kodiak Island and southwest of Homer, Alaska. Cost: $1135.00 per person Dates of Operation: June - September Landing: Brooks Lake or Naknek Lake Seating: 5 - 9 Passengers per aircraft Brooks Falls Itinerary This is just an example of a "typical" day - it can change for any reason including weather, your choice of time management, or a variety of factors. The experience of witnessing the magnificent walrus begins in either Anchorage or King Salmon. Gated boardwalk area with brown bear and angler in distance. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Operating June 1 - September 18, 2023. The second half of July is often a safe period to choose. In addition to our air taxi and charter services, during the summer months we operate bear viewing tours at the legendary Brooks Falls and flightseeing tours of the renowned Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes alongside our sister operation, Brooks Lodge.. Katmai Air also provides all of the air transportation to our family of fishing lodges across Bristol Bay, including the air support for all of . After a short safety briefing about bears by a park ranger, you are free to explore the nature preserve and enjoy unguided bear viewing for about 4 to 6 hours. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks, Katmai National Park Day Tours & Attractions, Alaska Ultimate Safaris Helicopter Bear Viewing. [{"slug":"anchorage","title":"Anchorage"},{"slug":"katmai-national-park-and-preserve","title":"Katmai National Park & Preserve"}], [{"slug":"anchorage","title":"Anchorage"},{"slug":"katmai-national-park-and-preserve","title":"Katmai National Park & Preserve"},{"slug":"homer","title":"Homer"}], Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. Privacy Policy. Katmai is the fourth largest National Park in the United States, covering over 4.3 million acres of land. 7-10 days is the most common. a day excursion from Anchorage, Katmai Air, $1350.00 roundtrip per person (tax/fees included), $450.00 roundtrip per person (tax/fees included). In theory, the time of the platform is limited to one hour, but in practice (such as the 2022 season), it was limited to 20 to 30 minutes. The flight from Anchorage typically takes about two and a half hours, while the flight from Homer is only one and a half. Copyright 2023 Anchorage Aero - All Rights Reserved. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. Our fly out Katmai bear viewing adventure takes you to Brooks Falls, where three bear viewing platforms connected by elevated boardwalks allow for close, unobstructed and extraordinary bear viewing in Katmai National Park. In the past, we have chartered planes for our guests from Trail Ridge Air in Anchorage and Emerald Air in Homer, and we can confidently recommend both companies. For the traveler that is looking for the iconic shot of a bear standing in the waterfall catching a salmon with its paws this is the trip for you. We use cookies to ensure you the best possible experience on our website. In the beginning, most visitors were sport fishermen but as word spread of Katmais brown bears during the 1980s, the Brooks River became a popular wildlife viewing destination. Many travelers visit Brooks Camp daily during some parts of the summer, especially in July. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. Your continued use of this site presumes you are ok with this. The park's history dates back to 1918 and is tied to The Great Eruption, which took place in 1912. Lured by spawning salmon, as many as fifty bears can be seen at once during peak . 1 Map Website Season: May to Mid September $945+ 6 - 10 hrs Take off by seaplane for an all-day bear-viewing expedition. Start with ascenic flight out of Homer over Kachemak Bay and into Katmai or Lake Clark National Park. Smokey Bays bear tours last about five hours totalincluding flights and about three hours on the ground. Our trip required two flights, one from Anchorage to King Salmon. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. Highlights plus less visited destinations. 600 Barrow Street, Suite 200. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. We use cookies to ensure you the best possible experience on our website. 7-10 days is the most common. In the peak of the summer, the lines to the platform can be very long, and the waiting time can be well over an hour. Despite this, Brooks Falls is a place that is easily accessible, provided that you have the right amount of time and a decent budget. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. Discover the real, raw, untouched Alaska aboard aprivate yacht for spectacular fishing and uncrowded bear viewing. I guess there is no road there from Anchorage? Theres a good chance you have seen the iconic photo of a large brown bear standing on the edge of a waterfall, waiting for a fatty salmon to jump into its mouth. After abrief safety orientation, you can watch bears from several viewing platforms, jointhe Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? #belugaair #alaska. The area provides nearly flat gravel pathways and raised wooden platforms for the best viewing potentials. If you feel you had too little time, you can again add your name to the waitlist. Pair amagnificent sighting with agorgeous helicopter flightseeing ride and youll have an unforgettable experience. The eruption created the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, which you can easily visit on a bus tour within the park. Which one is right for you? This luxurious yacht will be your home base for spectacular bear viewing and fishing in uncrowded waters. After ashort, scenic flight from Anchorage on Regal Air, you can be watching enormous brown bears swat salmon. Car, train, or group tour. By air you will get a better understanding of how vast this beautiful country is in Katmai National Park! To reach Brooks Falls, you must venture off the beaten path. Depart Anchorage early on a scheduled flight to King Salmon (approximately 1.5 hours). Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. The second was a float . Katmai National Park is located on the Alaska Peninsula about 250 miles southwest of Anchorage. In addition to numerous other remote locations in Southwest Alaska. Soar around the peaks of enormous volcanoes and get an aerial view of Novaruptathe volcano that erupted in 1912, creating the ashy valley below. Alaska Airlines' times don't work for the day tours. You can visit Katmai in a day from Anchorage, Homer, or King Salmon to see the bears. It was the Read more. Youll spend the next two to three hours with the walrusas close to them as safely possiblebeing amazed by their biology, and equally awed by the mountains and volcanoes that surround you. During our flight, each guest will be fitted with a headset to listen in on our narrated tour by Pilot Wes! Mountain and volcanoes stretch into the distance as you fly down the Bering Coast, along a big sandy beach where you may see whales and other sea life. Continue reading to learn why you should visit, how to get there, when to visit, and everything else you need to know about going to Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park. August is usually a pretty quiet month, but the bears return to the waterfall in September to gain weight before retiring for the winter. All visitors to Brooks Camp are required to attend a brief presentation on park safety. $1350.00 roundtrip per person (tax/fees included) King Salmon/Brooks Camp. Watch bears digging for clams, wandering the sedge grass, or nursing their young all in ashort flight. In addition to our air Learn More The spectacle that happens at Brooks Falls is truly unique. With our expert Katmai region experience we know all of the bear viewing and fishing locations but the premier destination is Brooks Falls (seasonal destinations may vary). Note that trips from Anchorage will take longer as they involve a much longer flight to Katmai National Park than from Homer. Flying from Anchorage. Can anyone suggest tours? Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. 2023 Alaska Tours. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. During the month of July and again in September migrating salmon fill the Brooks River on the journey to complete their life cycle, come see this magical phenomenon. Although the company has been established longer, we have continued to provide safe and reliable float transportation from Homer, AK since 2013. Reservations usually start in early January. In 2023, a round-trip water taxi costs $330 per person. Most companies now offer these services, but books are recommended well in advance. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. The number of people interested in staying at the lodge far exceeds the amount of availability, especially in the high season. Viewing brown bears in their natural habitat is one of the most amazing things you can do in Alaska. Brooks Falls is a picturesque waterfall on the Brooks River in Katmai National Park and Preserve. Learn More.