Know Before You Go

Photo by Daniel Bunker

There are lots of different comfort levels to viewing bears in the wilderness. There are those who can pitch a tent in the middle of bear country and sleep soundly and then there are others who are fine with seeing a bear in the distance while sitting safely in their car. Walking, camping and hiking in Alaska often requires a level of experience. Trails can be slippery and difficult to navigate and the weather, not to mention the wildlife, can both be unpredictable. If you are with a group that has multi-generations, then the comfort/experience level of each member should be taken into consideration.

Level 1- The Sunday Morning Stroll

If you drive along the Alaska highway for any length of time, you are bound to see wildlife. Bighorn sheep, elk, moose and even bears have all been encountered. If it’s safe to do so, pull to the side of the road and take pictures. Other areas such as Hyder, offers visitors a chance to pull into a designated area and possibly see bears from an overlook. Keep a lookout for signs along the highway that give you an opportunity to pull off and take in the beauty of Alaska and maybe see some wildlife.

Level 2- Cruising Along

There are many tour operators that operate sight seeing from the safety of a boat. From the Stikine River tours in Wrangell, Alaska to the Misty Fjords, tours out of Ketchikan, offer visitors a chance to see incredible scenery and wildlife, safely and comfortably, from a boat. Many tours do not involve any debarking onto land and could be suitable for elderly visitors. This level is for those who may like to see bears/wildlife but are also interested in having an overview of the natural beauty of the area.

Photo by Daniel Bunker

Level 3- Taking Flight

Hopping a plane and going to another city or area of Alaska is a way of life for people who live in this vast state. Dubbed “sky taxis”, flight seeing operators are numerous and offer visitors a bird's-eye view of Alaska, as well as the experience of landing on the water and disembarking for a bear viewing adventure. Anan Bear Observatory includes a hike through the rainforest to a bear viewing platform and Brooks falls in Katmai National Forest has many day visitors. Out of Homer, there are flight seeing adventures to Katmai and Lake Clark which are unique for their remoteness and lack of tourist congestion. Tour groups are small and intimate to these areas and guests spend several hours walking around trails, in mud and in grasslands, or wherever the bears happen to be. An experienced guide accompanies you at all times. Out of Ketchikan and Juneau, there are also operators who will fly you into an area and guide you to the best bear viewing spots.

Level 4- One With the Bears

Imagine being dropped off in the middle of nowhere to a campsite that includes a couple of tents surrounded by electrical wire with bears strolling just feet away from where you are sleeping. For many people, this is a piece of heaven and several operators, such as Sasquatch Alaska Adventure Company, can make this a reality. Their highly experienced guides stay with you while you sleep, eat and take walk-a-bouts with the bears. These areas are extremely remote, with no services. Emergency calls are made by satellite phone and if foul weather rolls in, your flight out may be delayed by several days.

Level 5- You Are the Bear

There are many reality TV shows that show extreme living in Alaska and unless you have experience living off of the grid, it is not recommended you take up residence in a tent in the middle of nowhere. Stay safe and stay with a guide.

Photo by Daniel Bunker