Know Before You Go | Alaska

Travel Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about Alaska? We've got answers! We've compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions about brown bears, Alaskan wildlife, lodges, transportation, weather and more.

Wildlife Guide

Wildlife Guide

There is an astounding array of wildlife you can encounter on a trip to Alaska, including coastal brown bears, whales, eagles and so much more!

When to Go—The Ebbs and Flows of Grizzly Bear Season

When to Go—The Ebbs and Flows of Grizzly Bear Season

Learn about the "ebbs and flows" of grizzly bear migration patterns in Katmai, gleaned from more than a decade of operating brown bear trips in Alaska.  

A Closer Look at the Natural
Habitat Ursus

A Closer Look at the Natural
Habitat Ursus

Learn more about the M/V Natural Habitat Ursus—the ideal vessel for exploring the Katmai coast and viewing Alaska’s giant brown bears at exceptionally close range.

Alaskan Wilderness Trivia

Alaskan Wilderness Trivia

Take our Alaska wilderness quiz to put your knowledge to the test, then share it with friends to see who knows the most about the last frontier!

Weather & Climate

Weather & Climate

Find out what the typical weather conditions in Alaska in this month by month breakdown of average temperatures and rainfall.

Packing Lists

Packing Lists

Wondering what to bring to Alaska in the summer or fall? Check out our detailed packing lists for tips from our Alaska experts! 

Travel Stories & Articles

When Is the Best Time to Go to Alaska to See Grizzly Bears?

When Is the Best Time to Go to Alaska to See Grizzly Bears?

—By Emily Goodheart Kautz
An excursion into Katmai National Park and Preserve varies widely from one month to the next due to...

Traveler Story: Surrounded by Bears in Alaska

Traveler Story: Surrounded by Bears in Alaska

—By Bob & Norma Schafer
A mother grizzly bear and her two cubs were walking about 5 feet in front of our line of travelers in Katmai National Park, Alaska. There was a small...

The Coastal Grizzlies of Alaska: A Photo Journal

The Coastal Grizzlies of Alaska: A Photo Journal

—By Candice Gaukel Andrews
Having the opportunity to spend time with Alaska’s big brown bears is one of the most authentic wildlife experiences any...

Traveler Story: Grizzly Bear Drama in Katmai

Traveler Story: Grizzly Bear Drama in Katmai

—By Mary Glaser
I had so many fond memories from our trip to Katmai National Park, but one of my favorite stories was when we went...

5 Tips for Photographing Grizzly Bears

5 Tips for Photographing Grizzly Bears

—By Peter Davis Krahenbuhl
Images of Alaska’s enormous brown bears are among the most iconic wildlife photos on Earth. If you are fortunate enough to...

Traveler Story: Finding a Personal Connection With Brown Bears

Traveler Story: Finding a Personal Connection With Brown Bears

—By Nat Hab Traveler Valerie Van Griethuysen
I experienced countless memorable moments during my Ultimate Alaska...

Fox Island: A Little Piece of Paradise

Fox Island: A Little Piece of Paradise

—By Renata Haas
One experience that far exceeded my expectations was our visit to Fox Island and the Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge. We were welcomed to our private...

Traveler Story: The Magic of Autumn's Solitude at Brooks Falls

Traveler Story: The Magic of Autumn's Solitude at Brooks Falls

—By Phyllis Posner
It is the end of the season. As we walk through Katmai National Park each day, there are several bears left, still filling up on food for winter...

Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, A Must See

Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, A Must See

—By Holly Glessner 
In 2015, I had the privilege of joining an Ultimate Alaska Wildlife Photo Safari for a spectacular 14-day tour of Alaska’s...

Know Before You Go