bear viewing, solo gal traveling in the fall

Question

i am trying to get to alaska before winter, where to go to see the bears and not be a tourist, i am a travel agent just looking to have my own fun.

Answer

Visiting Alaska in the fall for bear viewing can be spectacular, especially if you want a more personal and less touristy experience. Since you are a solo traveler and a travel agent familiar with planning, there are several options to consider where bears are active but crowds are lighter.

Haines is a great choice in the fall because it is quieter than more heavily visited areas like Katmai or Brooks Falls, yet offers excellent bear viewing opportunities, particularly for brown bears feeding on salmon in the Chilkat River.

Here are some suggestions for a more off-the-beaten-path experience:

Chilkat River near Haines: This area is renowned for late-season bear activity, especially in October during the late salmon run. You can often spot bears fishing along the riverbanks.
Katmai National Park (remote access): If you want to avoid crowds, consider chartering a small plane to lesser-visited areas outside Brooks Camp. Many operators offer day trips or multi-day stays in remote lodges, which dramatically reduces interaction with large tourist groups.
Katmai Coast or Lake Clark National Park: These areas are more remote than the main Brooks Falls viewing and are ideal for those seeking solitude while still seeing brown bears in their natural habitats.

Tips for solo travelers in Alaska’s fall season:

Consider guided small-group tours with experienced local guides; they provide safety, wildlife insight, and access to locations that are off the main tourist paths.
Be prepared for cold and variable weather; early fall can be chilly, especially along rivers and in the mountains.
Use a good pair of binoculars and camera with a zoom lens so you can observe bears safely from a distance.
Plan for flexible itineraries: in the fall, wildlife can be unpredictable, and certain roads or trails may be closed or less accessible.

In summary, Haines and the Chilkat River are excellent for solo travelers wanting a quieter, more natural bear viewing experience. For a more adventurous option, consider remote lodges or chartered trips in Katmai or Lake Clark where you can immerse yourself in bear habitat without the heavy tourist presence.