Anchorage to Brooks Falls

Question

Hi there....we are in the very early stages of planning a trip to Alaska..we are a couple in our mid 60's and would love the opportunity to see some bears. We are contemplating at the moment whether to have a week in Anchorage before boarding a cruise to go down the Inside Passage to Vancouver. Can you please tell me what is the best way to get to Brooks Falls from Anchorage or whether you think there would be anywhere else closer to Anchorage that we could see some bears.

Thank you all in advance

Answer

Traveling from Anchorage to Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park is not a straightforward drive, as Brooks Falls is located in a remote area with no road access. The most common way to reach Brooks Falls is by flying into a small bush plane from King Salmon, which itself is accessible via a regional flight from Anchorage.

Here’s how a typical trip would look:

Fly from Anchorage (ANC) to King Salmon (AKN) on a scheduled regional flight. This is roughly a 1-hour flight.
From King Salmon, arrange a bush plane transfer to Brooks Camp, the gateway to Brooks Falls. These flights are usually coordinated with the National Park Service or local air taxi operators and take about 20–30 minutes.
At Brooks Camp, you can access Brooks Falls via short boardwalks designed for safe bear viewing. There are viewing platforms that allow you to see the bears fishing for salmon without disturbing them or putting yourself at risk.

Because of the logistics, many visitors plan at least two full days in the Brooks Camp area to ensure enough time for travel, acclimation, and bear viewing. Keep in mind that accommodations at Brooks Camp are limited, often requiring advance reservations at the campground or the small lodge.

If you prefer to see bears closer to Anchorage and without such complex travel, there are a few alternative options:

Lake Clark National Park: Accessible via flightseeing tours from Anchorage, Lake Clark offers brown bear viewing along the Chulitna River system. Flights are shorter than going all the way to Katmai, and guided tours provide safe observation opportunities.
Kenai Peninsula: Around the Russian River and some areas near Homer, you can see bears during salmon runs. Guided tours are recommended, particularly for safety.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: Located about 1 hour south of Anchorage near Portage, this center has brown and black bears in a semi-natural environment. While not the same as wild bear viewing, it’s convenient and safe for a one-day trip.

For first-time visitors interested in seeing bears in a natural setting, Brooks Falls is still the gold standard, but it requires planning, overnight accommodations, and coordination with regional flights. If you have limited time or prefer less logistical complexity, the Kenai Peninsula or Lake Clark area offer closer alternatives with guided viewing options.

Anchorage to Brooks Falls

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