Lake Clark National Park is one of the best coastal brown bear viewing places on the planet. During the summer season bears seem to be everywhere. This will be my third visit to this remarkable area along the west shore of Cook Inlet, about 150 miles from Anchorage, accessed via bushplane (included in the fee). We land right on the wide beach. Snow-covered peaks form a spectacular backdrop. On the flights, I strongly suggest photographing the amazing, convoluted mud flats.
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This year we’re timing our visit for August, at the height of the sockeye salmon run, so bears will be busy fishing. Our base will be the intimate Homestead Lodge. We are a small group, up to six persons plus me. There likely will be one other small group at the lodge.
The lodges severely restricts the number of attendees (so no jostling with crowds). The region teems with wildlife, not just bears. We stay in a home-like setting, with all modern amenities (including gourmet food, (with accommodations made for special dietary needs) and sweeping views of the muddy, tidal shores of Cool Inlet. Experienced guides well-versed in bear behaviors will be with us throughout our excursions, which can take place from dawn until dusk. Weather permitting, some of us will also be making a boat trip to nearby islands loaded with nesting puffins, colorful birds nicknamed “sea clowns.” Often, sea otters frolic in nearby waters. There is a surcharge of $150 per person (four-person minimum) for this trip.
The bears here are especially photogenic, as many have light brown fur coats. The bears, although wild, are fairly acclimated to humans, as they are not hunted in this area. These beautiful animals–always to be respected–have their own personalities.They’re a joy to watch and photograph. Often the cubs put on lively displays as they wrestle with one another. At Lake Clark we don’t work with blinds or viewing platforms as we don’t need them.
We travel via an ATV pulling little trailers that gets us out to the prime bear viewing areas. Even so, some walking is involved, sometimes in mud, sometimes on rocky ground. We’ll have a mile-long walk along one of the rivers, where we search for those bears fishing for salmon. Rain can be expected, so it’s important to bring raingear and warm clothing. Boots are provided. Summer temperatures are typically in the 50s and 60s F.
You’ll want a telephoto lens (300mm to 500mm or more) and perhaps a tripod or (more portable) a good quality monopod. A backup camera might be a good idea, as camera malfunctions can happen. And definitely bring plenty of camera cards. Don’t forget an extra battery or two along with a charger.
You’ll need to arrive in Anchorage at least a day early, as we fly out at 9 a.m. (weather permitting). Because we’re in a small plane, we do have weight restrictions, 60 pounds per person. We also suggest reserving a hotel room for an extra day after the trip to allow for bad weather between Lake Clark and Anchorage, and also to enjoy the magnificent attractions of Southcentral Alaska.
There’s much more to see in this part of Alaska. Anchorage’s Museum of Fine Arts offers spectacular displays of arts in many mediums, often showcasing Alaska Native artistry. 500,000-acre Chugach State Park forms a mountainous backdrop to the city and features great tundra hiking, as does Hatcher Pass in the Talkeetna Mountains, about an hour’s drive from Anchorage. Hatcher Pass has amazing wildflowers. Fifty miles from Anchorage, Portage Lake and Glacier (the glacier is accessible via a short boat ride) offer looks at ancient glacial ice and mighty peaks. The Alaska Sea Life Center in Seward offers great photo ops; you can practically touch the puffins here. An even further drive brings you to Homer, one of the most beautiful communities in this part of the world. You’ll need a car to get around to most of these Anchorage-area destinations.
I’m requesting a $1000 deposit when you sign up, and then the balance of $5000 due December 31, 2025. Not included in price: commercial airline travel to/from Anchorage, Anchorage hotels, and gratuities (local guide, housekeeping and kitchen staff–cash preferred and I’ll suggest some amounts). you’ll need to fill out my waiver forms (automatically sent to you as part of this enrollment process) as well as those provided by the lodge.