Fat Bears of Brooks Falls Photo Expedition

A very important feature of our Alaska brown bear photography expedition is the small group size, as this intimate wildlife encounter is best and most safely experienced with fewer travelers.

• Trip price includes: Accommodations, services of Nat Hab's professional Expedition Leader(s) plus local guides and lodge staff, all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day, some gratuities, airport transfers on Day 1 and final day, all rafts, all activities and entrance fees, all taxes, permits and service fees. If necessary due to weather or high water levels, Nat Hab will provide chest waders and boots, as well as waterproof gloves for use during bear-viewing excursions. If you require an especially large or small size, please let us know when you are booking. 
  

• Internal air cost includes: Flights from Anchorage to King Salmon and all floatplane flights within the itinerary (this will be listed separately on our invoicing).

Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip, alcoholic beverages at King Salmon Lodge, some gratuities, passport and visa fees (if any), optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry and internet, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes (if any), optional travel protection and medical evacuation insurance.

Moderate
This expedition to photograph bears at the end of the season in the Brooks Falls region involves terrain that can be difficult to navigate, requiring travelers to be confident on their feet in varying and challenging conditions. A full day of bear viewing typically involves walking up to six miles on multiple outings to daily bear-viewing locations. When conditions are dry and water levels in the river are low, we will wear chest waders to wade up the Brooks River to view bears. When water levels are higher, the bears will typically be at the falls, and walking to view them will be less taxing. At any time, however, conditions can include rough, uneven terrain, bushwhacking through heavy brush, walking in shallow water, and walking through mud—while carrying all of your own gear, including camera equipment. Weather is highly changeable at this time of year and may be inclement, with rain or even snow possible. You must also have sufficient balance and strength to climb into and out of floatplanes and the raft we use to observe bears from the water.

In order to maximize bear photography opportunities, we will spend long days in the field without access to shelter. Once at the bear-viewing site, physical activity is quite limited. We may spend several hours sitting on the ground in essentially one spot with little movement. For safety reasons, it is not possible to split the group: individuals may not opt to return to the lodge early or to stay in one place while the rest of the group moves on. Travelers must be of sound health and able to maintain a positive attitude in a wild, remote and unpredictable setting.

This adventure is very different from the typical Alaska tour where motorcoaches move long lines of cruise ship clients to crowded destinations. The focus here is specifically on brown bears—the world's largest coastal grizzlies—which, naturally, must be treated with caution and respect. You will always be in the company of our expert naturalist guides who will coach you on how to comport yourself safely in bear territory, and who will offer photography techniques that yield the best shots, providing insight and wisdom on bear behavior that is critical to anticipating and capturing the action. Please note that weather can be unpredictable during this time of year and there is always a possibility of delayed or cancelled flights. With this in mind, we have created an itinerary that includes multiple days of bear viewing.

Important note about restroom facilities:  At this time of year, Brooks Lodge has closed for the season, and there are no flush toilets available—only basic outhouses near Brooks Camp will be available during the day while we are observing bears in the field. 

This trip begins and ends in Anchorage, Alaska. Arrive in Anchorage by 4 pm on Day 1 in order to attend a 6 pm orientation with our Expedition Leader followed by a welcome dinner. You are free to depart Anchorage at any time on the final day.