Know Before You Go

The summer months of June through early September are optimal for visiting Alaska due to warmer temperatures, more hours of daylight, nature in full bloom, and increased chances of encountering a diverse range of wildlife. Every summer month offers something different, so be aware of seasonal and wildlife changes to best satisfy your desires. June is the driest month and offers the most hours of daylight, though late spring snow may linger and some wildlife is not completely active yet. July is the warmest month, while August is generally the wettest month of the summer. In late August/early September weather patterns are changing, temperatures begin to drop, and it’s possible the trees and tundra may begin to take on the brilliant colors of autumn.

The massive size of Alaska means that weather varies greatly, depending on time and place. Coastal Alaska tends to be cooler with temperatures in the 50s and 60s, rainy days are more frequent, and the interior of the state can experience temperatures in the 80s. Be prepared for a range of weather, especially rain in the coastal areas. Fairbanks and Denali are typically drier and more arid than the Katmai and Kenai regions, but both areas can experience warmer, sunny days and cooler, wetter days. In Katmai, temperatures normally range between 45°F and 60°F and rarely fall below 40°F from June through September. The average high temperature at Brooks Falls in September is 55°F, and the average low is 40°F.

Please check the itinerary of your specific Alaska adventure to see which of these destinations are included:

In Katmai National Park, we may spot gray wolves, sea otters, seals, humpback whales, golden eagles, bald eagles and various other bird species.

In Brooks Falls, we might see gray wolves, moose, minks, hares, beavers, porcupines, sea otters, seals, humpback whales, orcas, and various bird species.

Lake Clark National Park is home to Dall sheep, caribou, moose, brown and black bears, wolves, lynx and foxes.

In Kenai, we may encounter both brown and black bears, wolves, coyotes, otters, Dall sheep, moose, caribou, bald eagles and other bird species. The marine environment of Kenai Fjords includes humpback and orca whales, porpoises, seals, puffins and other sea birds, as well as stunning glaciers calving into the icy fjord.

Denali National Park is home to brown and black bears, wolves, coyotes, Dall sheep, mountain goats, moose, caribou, ptarmigans, golden eagles and other bird species.

Leaves can change anywhere from mid-August to mid-September, so depending on the specific Alaska adventure, many of our later departures have the opportunity to view Alaska in its autumn splendor.

In the heat of the summer temperatures inland can reach into the 80s, though it is always cooler on the water. Layers are a good idea, including lightweight, waterproof rain gear, a fleece, as well as long- and short-sleeved shirts. Keep a fleece hat and gloves in your daypack. Pack sturdy hiking boots for extended walks and another pair of comfortable shoes. For further details of what to bring, peruse this helpful packing list and check out Nat Hab’s online Gear Store for some of the key items recommended for your adventure.

While cell phone service and Internet connection is available in major towns, it is limited or nonexistent in the more remote places we’ll visit. We encourage guests to unplug during the adventure to enjoy an immersive experience in nature.

Yes! Families or friend groups can reserve entire departures on a private basis. Please call our office at 800-543-8917 to get details on group size and pricing.

The primary differences are that on our dedicated photo expeditions you’ll be in the company of fellow photography enthusiasts (often ranging from amateur to serious hobbyist) as well as a dedicated professional photographer Expedition Leader. Not only will your guide be versed in wildlife and ecology, but they will also be able to help with photo instruction and get you to the right place at the right time for sensational photos. Between your fellow travelers and your Expedition Leader, not only will you learn about photography and the world around you, but you will also come home with new skills and stunning images.

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it! There is no better way to learn than to practice, and there is no better way to practice than to be in the company of fellow photographers and passionate, helpful Photo Expedition Leaders! We often have a range of experience and abilities from our travelers, so don’t be bashful at all and invest in your photographic learning by joining a photo adventure.

In general, the best camera out there is the one you have with you. While this is overly simple, it’s indeed a great point to keep in mind, as there really is no perfect camera. Rather it has to do with how well you know it and are willing to use it.

This all being said, photography in Alaska does require some telephoto capabilities, so plan on bringing a camera capable of at least 10x or 20x zoom (if using a point-and-shoot) or the equivalent of a 300mm or 400mm if on a mirrorless or DSLR. Also, be sure to have the ability for wide angle shots as well, because landscapes and general travel photo opportunities abound.

Folks who use cameras with interchangeable lenses (mirrorless or DSLR) are generally happier with the quality of their photos, but this comes at a higher camera price-point and more gear to have to bring with you. Those who prefer a more simple setup may enjoy the small size and flexibility of an advanced point-and-shoot, like the one we have in our gear store.

Please check out our dedicated photography site, The Natural Photographer, for up-to-date articles on wildlife and nature photography, as well as general tips on all types of cameras.

The best thing about going with Natural Habitat Adventures is that we get you safely (safe for you and the wildlife) and extremely close to the action. For areas like Lake Clark, Brooks Falls and Katmai, a standard telephoto like a 70–300mm or 100–400mm might be ideal, but medium telephotos such as a 70–200mm can yield equally impressive results for capturing wildlife photos. Thus, when also considering landscape photographs throughout, having a range of capabilities all the way from 18mm to 400mm is best for getting all the potential photos while in Alaska.

Guests are responsible for booking flights from their home city to Alaska. We recommend that you use Natural Habitat Adventures’ Travel Desk, as our Air Travel Specialists are intimately familiar with the requirements of our trips and can arrange the most efficient and cost-effective travel. Please check the Getting There & Getting Home information on the Dates, Prices & Info page for info on required arrival and departure times for this adventure.

Nat Hab is happy to reserve a hotel room for you before your Alaska tour begins, but please note that pre-nights are subject to availability at the time of booking. Please speak with our Travel Desk if you’re interested in booking extra nights.

Katmai National Park is one of the few bear-watching destinations where access is largely unrestricted, so visitors to the park may come within very close contact of grizzlies. Here is a description of our encounters written by Brad Josephs, one of Nat Hab’s top bear guides: “It does seem impossible to fathom—standing at such close range on the ground with these brown bears. Yet we have been running trips to Katmai for many years, and the bears are very accustomed to respectful bear viewers. We have developed the same relationship with the bears as lions that ignore safari vehicles in Africa, or humans sitting with gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda. When we step ashore among the bears, we are the only humans around—and the bears tend to be nonchalant about our presence. That’s because these bears have never been hunted or harmed by humans—they are uninterested in us as they focus their summer feasting on salmon, clams and beach grass. We limit our group size to just eight travelers so that we can approach the bears without disturbing them. Our groups always maintain a careful and respectful distance under the cautious guidance of our naturalist Expedition Leader. You can always trust that on these trips we have safety and respect for the animals as the two highest priorities. This is a place where people and bears respect each other, and bears can show humans their good side, as opposed to other areas where humans and bears have conflicts because humans lack proper respect for bears.

Summer and early fall is the best time of the year to see grizzlies. Because the bears are preoccupied with feeding, they are calmer and more unconcerned with humans than at any other time of year. Each month brings something unique to the viewing experience. June is when bears congregate to socialize, mate and eat from ocean-supplied food sources. Mating season along the Katmai coast peaks in mid to late June, and play behavior among younger bears is at its highest during this time. July is a transitional month that offers diverse bear behavior as well as frequent grazing on wildflowers, which peak during this month. In August bears are focused on feeding on salmon, which run upstream from the sea to spawn. Because of this, intense, feeding bears are mostly oblivious to the presence of humans. September is a great time to visit due to the bears’ filled-out physical appearance and seasonal golden light, which make for wonderful photography opportunities.

There is no ultimate best month for viewing bears because they are present during all summer and early fall months (June-September). However, each month brings something unique to the bear viewing experience. The Natural Habitat Adventures Brooks Falls trip takes place in September because early fall is a great time to watch bears feed on salmon and to photograph bears that boast an impressive physical appearance, as well as take advantage of the lovely seasonal light opportunities. During this time, salmon are not usually jumping at the falls. Due to the weight bears have gained from eating all summer they are large and full, and their coats are thick and dense.

We are likely to encounter few other visitors in September, even though the bear population is often significant this time of year. Brooks Lodge is closed for the season, and the bears continue to lounge along the river and feast on abundant salmon. There is a possibility the weather could be cold and wet. However, we may experience low-angle autumn sunlight, remaining fall colors, and a potential early snowfall. This trip is ideal for photography due to the numbers of bears, their substantial size as they prepare for winter, and the golden September light.

Because Alaska is a massive state and is characterized by various climates and wildlife, you will be guided by world class naturalist guides who are exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced in all things Alaska. They all hold various training certifications to answer your questions and keep you safe while exploring Alaska's wide variety of fauna and landscape. Nat Hab offers several different itineraries for our Alaska tours:

Ultimate Alaska Wildlife Safari
This is the most all-encompassing and diverse Alaska itinerary we—or anybody—offer. It brings you to remote locations and allows you to experience a diverse range of wilderness from both land and sea.

Ultimate Alaska Photo Expedition
Similar to our Ultimate Alaska Wildlife Safari, photo departures are guided by Expedition Leaders who are expert naturalists and photography pros, adept at helping you get memorable images of Alaska's legendary landscapes and wildlife.

Alaska's Grizzly Ship: Kodiak to Katmai
Our private chartered boat offers an exclusive opportunity to follow brown bears along the shoreline of coastal Katmai as they fish, dig for clams and relax along the beach. Ashore, we have an even better vantage point as we observe the bears on foot with our guide from a careful distance.

Grizzly Ship Photo Expedition: Kodiak to Katmai
Following the wild Katmai coast aboard our private chartered boat, travelers have unparalleled access for bear photography in this roadless wilderness.

Nat Hab's Alaska Bear Camp
A secluded immersion with brown bears in the wilderness of Lake Clark National Park—enjoy total privacy and comfort at our deluxe fly-in wilderness camp accessed via chartered bush plane.

Alaska Bear Camp Photo Expedition
Alongside expert photo guides, photograph bears from our private inholding within Lake Clark National Park, where they roam, fish and forage in view of camp.

Alaska Fat Bear Photo Expedition
This itinerary focuses primarily on brown bear photography in the Brooks Falls area. We spend extended days photographing brown bears late in the season when they are at their fattest and furriest. Tourists are scarce at this time of year after Brooks Camp facilities have closed, creating an exceptionally quiet, wild encounter with bears.