Bear watching in Alaska is an exciting aspect of any Alaska travel itinerary, but unlike moose, bears are rarely seen from the roadside—you must visit the backcountry. This bear-watching tour guide notes that Denali National Park is a suitable place for long-distance bear sightings, while flights in small planes can carry you to remote areas—like Katmai National Park - for truly memorable experiences where bears can be observed closely. Brooks Falls in Katmai is known for bears fishing for salmon, while Hallo Bay allows for nice coastal views of bears.
Grizzly bears emerge from hibernation in the spring and are most commonly viewed from July through September during the salmon spawning season. Denali, Katmai, Tongass National Forest, and Great Bear Rainforest are all highly recommended bear viewing areas. This Alaska travel guide states that grizzlies may weigh upwards of 1,200 lbs, can run 40 mph, can live up to thirty years, and should be at the top of your list to observe on a wilderness tour!
