Trygg Air can arrange activities and accommodations in King Salmon so that you can make the most of your visit. When we visited, we saw bears from the very beginning of our trip - on the trails, on the river, at the waterfall, and even in front of the door of a small gift shop where we were stuck inside for a while. Compliance with their rules greatly reduces the risk of any problems. Anchorage/Brooks Camp. With offices in Anchorage and King Salmon, and a fleet consisting of both land-based and float-equipped aircraft, we're here to service all of your air transportation needs across the great state of Alaska. During the planning they listened to what we wanted to do, then set everything up. If youd like to see walrus and bears, July is the perfect time to come. Brooks Camp is a small area within Katmai National Park. Marketing by LeapUp. 1 Map Website Season: May to Mid September $945+ 6 - 10 hrs Take off by seaplane for an all-day bear-viewing expedition. Alaska Bear Adventures | Bear-Viewing Day Tours | ALASKA.ORG Gated boardwalk area with brown bear and angler in distance. There is also an option to camp in the backcountry outside Brooks Camp if there is no availability at the campground or the lodge. BrooksFalls is located inland on glacial fed Naknek Lake and only accessible by float planes like ours. Flying from Anchorage. The route can take much longer, especially if bears are on the trail. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, The 9 Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse! Our trip required two flights, one from Anchorage to King Salmon. Alaska Bear Viewing Tour: Katmai National Park | Regal Air 2023 Flight Rates. Mountain and volcanoes stretch into the distance as you fly down the Bering Coast, along a big sandy beach where you may see whales and other sea life. Overwhelmed by choices? (tax/fees included) All air travel to Brooks Lodge via Anchorage or King Salmon is provided by third party air carriers and is not considered a visitor service as part of Katmailand, Inc.'s concession contract with the National Park Service. To maximize your bear viewing at Brooks falls, the most number of bears can typically be seen in the months of July and September. We use cookies to ensure you the best possible experience on our website. This solution can sometimes avoid the obstacle of bad weather. Can you spot the brown bear taking in the view with the other visitors? Travelers can fly to King Salmon either on Katmai Air or Ravn Alaska. If you are interested in learning more about visiting Brooks Falls contact us! a day excursion from Anchorage, Katmai Air, $1350.00 roundtrip per person (tax/fees included), $450.00 roundtrip per person (tax/fees included). In the beginning, most visitors were sport fishermen but as word spread of Katmais brown bears during the 1980s, the Brooks River became a popular wildlife viewing destination. This tour includes all of the round trip air transportation needed to reach Brooks from Anchorage. Alaska Flightseeing Tours & Air Charters | Rust's Aviation Youll then have time to walk around and feel what this moon-like landscape is like. Brown bear walking below a viewing platform. Formally known as Katmai National Monument, Katmai National Park and Preserve was proclaimed a National Monument in 1918 after the eruption of Novarupta (now known as the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes). Bears often use the same trails as humans in Brooks Falls, so you can meet them almost anywhere. Car, train, or group tour. In September, most bears are seen at the mouth of the Brooks . How to get to Katmai National Park (VIDEO) Bound For Nowhere Home City-Based Day Tours Anchorage Katmai and Brooks Falls Bear Viewing. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. Despite this, Brooks Falls is a place that is easily accessible, provided that you have the right amount of time and a decent budget. Today's the day! However, visitors must keep in mind that the number of bears will always depend on whether the salmon have arrived in these areas, so it is impossible to give a specific date. The time allowed on the viewing platform depends on the number of people. EN. Please contact us for dates, pricing, and availability. An alternative observation location is the Riffles Platform, which offers a slightly different view of the wildlife and the waterfall. For thousands of years, Native Alaskans inhabited the land in this region. Park rangers will present all information about how to travel in the park safely. We visited Brooks Falls at the end of June 2022 and saw many more bears there than we expected and were able to avoid the crowds. During our flight, each guest will be fitted with a headset to listen in on our narrated tour by Pilot Wes! It is possible to stay at Brooks Lodge or Brooks Camp Campground. Most companies now offer these services, but books are recommended well in advance. Smokey Bays bear tours last about five hours totalincluding flights and about three hours on the ground. From Anchorage, take a scenic flight to Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park for a spectacular bear-viewing adventure. Your continued use of this site presumes you are ok with this. You can hire a taxi that takes you directly to Katmai National Park from Anchorage, Homer, or other towns in Alaska, or fly through King Salmon, which is the main transportation hub for Katmai. Once you land, your pilot/guide will take you to an optimal spot to watch and photograph these magnificent creatures in their natural environment, hunting, playing, and relaxing. During your 200-mile journeythe flight takes two to three hoursyou can often spot numerous bears from the air (along with gorgeous scenery) as well. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. 4525 Enstrom Circle Recommended Fly, travel Fly from Anchorage (ANC) to King Salmon (AKN) Travel from King Salmon to Brooks Falls 2h 8m The large number of bears so close together makes Brooks Falls an attractive destination for photographers and visitors from around the world. Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. Although the company has been established longer, we have continued to provide safe and reliable float transportation from Homer, AK since 2013. Brooks Falls Trip. But Trygg Air can fly you straight in from King Salmon, about a 45-minute flight. They can also fly you out to two other iconic places: Brooks Falls, to see grizzly bears swatting at salmon as they swim upstream; and the dramatic, ash-filled Valley of the Ten Thousand Smokes. Larger groups can easily charter a small plane for their needs. Rust's Bear Viewing | Scenic Flightseeing & Great Bear Viewing Because there are so many people, the park rangers monitor the platforms to rotate visitors. Call or email us anytime to get your questions answered or to customize your Alaskan vacation. Ask when booking one of our Alaska Railroad tour packages or self-drive tour vacations! The downside is that there may be a limit to the amount of time you can spend on the upper bear viewing platform, but with our schedule we do our best to minimize wait times by providing this tour in the afternoon. In this case, there is a reservation system, which is important to book well in advance. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. During the month of July and again in September migrating salmon fill the Brooks River on the journey to complete their life cycle, come see this magical phenomenon. Subscribe to the Under the Midnight Sun Newsletter, Round trip flights between Anchorage and Brooks Lodge. Brooks Falls bear viewing is an experience you'll never forget and is one of the premier . Which one is right for you? When you reach your destination, Cape Seniavin, youll land on the beach with a 100-foot cliff towering above you. Each seasonBrookscan be very crowded and our goal is to provide the best visitor experience possible! Everyone loves to watch the Brooks River bears - Anchorage Daily News . Anchorage/Brooks Camp . Your flight path initially takes you southwest . Privacy Policy. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. Fly to Brooks Camp and walk along a wooden boardwalk to the river, where you'll have the perfect vantage point to watch the bears. Tours visit one of two destinations: Lake Clark National Park or Brooks Falls in Katmai NationalPark. Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Brooks Falls via plane - Rome2rio Privacy Policy. For more details on how to get to Brooks Falls, read our Things to Do in Katmai article. This is very fortunate for the bears, which do not have to work hard to eat well. The month of July often sells out within a few hours of the system opening. Your continued use of this site presumes you are ok with this. In theory, the time of the platform is limited to one hour, but in practice (such as the 2022 season), it was limited to 20 to 30 minutes. Brooks Falls Katmai: Bear viewing & flightseeing - Alaska Collection Watch bears digging for clams, wandering the sedge grass, or nursing their young all in ashort flight from Homer to Katmai or Lake Clark National Park. There is 1 way to get from Seward to Brooks Falls by bus or plane Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Many travelers visit Brooks Camp daily during some parts of the summer, especially in July. A waterfall is a natural obstacle for fish, meaning many salmon are gathered in a relatively small area. At this time, you should expect the largest number of bears as well as the largest number of visitors. $450.00 roundtrip per person (tax included) For information about other activities at Brooks, or to learn about multiple day trips, check out the Brooks Lodge website by clicking right here. In addition to numerous other remote locations in Southwest Alaska. Watch bears digging for clams, wandering the sedge grass, or nursing their young all in ashort flight. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Recommended option Bus, fly, travel 5h 43m Take the bus from Seward Cruise Terminal - Alaska to Anchorage, AK - Airport Be sure to use them before you set out on the trail. Three bear-viewing platforms connected by raised boardwalks allow for close, unobstructed and extraordinary viewing of bears in the Brooks River. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. The cost for a one-day trip out to Brooks Falls and back currently ranges between $1000 to $1500 per person, depending on the company, length of the trip, and departure location. Click Here to Book our Katmai Bear Viewing Day Tour or Visit www.FlyKatmai.com. You can also get to Brooks Camp from King Salmon by air taxi. Click here to accept. 34 reviews 14 helpful votes Day trips to Brooks Falls from Seward, Homer or Anchorage? The platform has two elevated levels where visitors congregate. Brooks Falls, the main waterfall, is located within Brooks Camp. The flight is mainly over Cook Inlet, but you will see volcanoes and interesting rivers/glaciers as we near the Katmai Coast and potentially other wildlife can be spotted during the flight. The nearest community is King Salmon, which is about 5 miles from the park entrance. Getting Here | Brooks Lodge - Katmailand Anchorage Bear Viewing Tours | Fly Out To See Bears Hunt | ALASKA.ORG You can visit Katmai in a day from Anchorage, Homer, or King Salmon to see the bears. Cost: $1135.00 per person Dates of Operation: June - September Landing: Brooks Lake or Naknek Lake Seating: 5 - 9 Passengers per aircraft Brooks Falls Itinerary This is just an example of a "typical" day - it can change for any reason including weather, your choice of time management, or a variety of factors. In addition to our air taxi and charter services, during the summer months we operate bear viewing tours at the legendary Brooks Falls and flightseeing tours of the renowned Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes alongside our sister operation, Brooks Lodge.. Katmai Air also provides all of the air transportation to our family of fishing lodges across Bristol Bay, including the air support for all of . All Rights Reserved. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. Remember that this area is the only place where toilets are located. Brooks Falls Trail is the area's most popular trail, leading to the famous observation platform. Katmai National Park Flying to Katmai. Chris was born into a flying life. Please check . Reservations usually start in early January. Directions and Transportation. Anchorage to Brooks Falls via plane - Rome2rio Only then, if everyone works to take care of this unique place, will we still have the opportunity to admire brown bears in these wonderful and natural habitats. Spend aday watching magnificent Alaska bears in their natural habitat, including ascenic flight from Homer, withthis, Spend several hours or afull day watching bears in the wild on aquintessential Alaskan adventure with afamily-run company. Continue reading to learn why you should visit, how to get there, when to visit, and everything else you need to know about going to Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park. Re: Cheapest way to get to Brooks falls 11 years ago Top Left: Food storage closet Top Right: Designated eating area with electric fence Bottom Left: Damian with Brooks Camp sign Bottom Right: Pin from park rangers received after attending informational session, We found a larger group to walk with on the Brooks Falls Trail. Seward to Brooks Falls via bus, and plane - Rome2rio If you have the opportunity to spend the night at the campground or Brooks Lodge, it is worth taking advantage of this opportunity. Start with ascenic flight out of Homer over Kachemak Bay and into Katmai or Lake Clark National Park. It was perfect. Trygg Air Walrus Viewing | ALASKA.ORG Everything went perfectly with not one little hitch. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. The only way to access this national park is by plane or boat. This image is on the front of postcards, travel magazines, posters, and more. Alaska Tours & Aviation Services. We use cookies to ensure you the best possible experience on our website. 1-800-544-2299 907-243-1595 Fax: 907-248-0552. We thank you everyone for their support! It does happen that bears are at the waterfall in the second half of June or in August. 2023 Alaska Tours. Brooks Falls: Katmai National Park Bear Viewing Tours This book is intended to present the basic life histories, habits, and identifying characteristics of some of the most frequently seen bears along Brooks River within Katmai National Park. Alaska Bear Adventures is located on the Homer Spit . We use cookies to ensure you the best possible experience on our website. Anchorage, Alaska 99501. At Brooks Camp, there is also a campground surrounded by an electric fence to deter bears from entering. Pair amagnificent sighting with agorgeous helicopter flightseeing ride and youll have an unforgettable experience. Bring the family to enjoy many great activities for kids and adults!!! Either way, the experience is truly personalized. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. With day trips, there is always the risk of cancellation due to bad weather, which can happen regularly. From. Doing this as a single-day trip from Anchorage is possible, but its better to fly from King Salmon. Hes worked at various air-taxi companies but wanted to offer something a little different with his own companyand hes done just that. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. Theres a good chance you have seen the iconic photo of a large brown bear standing on the edge of a waterfall, waiting for a fatty salmon to jump into its mouth. Privacy Policy. Two brown bears fishing at the top of Brooks Falls. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. You can read more about backcountry camping here. Brooks Falls Trail is 1.2 miles round trip (nearly 2 kilometers) and takes an average of 20 to 35 minutes to hike. Katmai National Park and Preserve is located on the Alaska Peninsula, about 300 miles as the crow flies, southwest of Anchorage. Privacy Policy. Most visitors access this natural wonder by flying to Brooks Camp and then taking a bus. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? You still should expect some walking and be prepared to be out in the elements on the platforms. This option is best for those with limited time to explore Alaska. . We provide flights throughout Alaska and we specialize in flights to Katmai National Park and bear viewing tours. Katmai National Park | Fly Rusts Fly from Anchorage to one of Alaskas most famous bear viewing destinations, Katmai National Park and Brooks Falls! Its recommended you come in June, as good weather that month makes the flight easier. Book a Flight to Brooks Falls, Alaska Beluga Air Alaska bear viewing in Katmai National Park provides some of the highest densities of foraging brown bear populations for public viewing. Big ship or small ship? There is more to Katmai National Park than just Brooks Falls. Fly past glaciers and volcanoes to the brown-bear country of southwest Alaska. Learn More. The world's largest salmon run floods this river and draws up to 15 bears at a . The majority of the trail is flat. 1 fti Alaska Destination Expert for Alaska Level Contributor 19,335 posts 39 reviews 102 helpful votes 1. If you're looking to stay longer, book into Brooks Lodge for a multi-day bear viewing experience. In this situation, guests are offered an option to reschedule their flight (usually the next day) or a full refund of the unused services. . Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. For clarity - Katmai National Park and Preserve is the large National Park on the Alaska Peninsula. With offices in Anchorage and King Salmon, and a fleet consisting of both land-based and float-equipped aircraft, we're here to service all of . #belugaair. The flight from Anchorage typically takes about two and a half hours, while the flight from Homer is only one and a half. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. Soar around the peaks of enormous volcanoes and get an aerial view of Novaruptathe volcano that erupted in 1912, creating the ashy valley below. Katmai Brooks Bears visit Brooks Camp (also known as Brooks Falls) every summer for the salmon run. Alaska is the only place in North America to see the Pacific Walrus in its natural glory, and Trygg Air can take you to see them safely. The eruption of the Novarupta Volcano in this area was the worlds largest volcanic eruption of the 20th Century. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. Witness these iconic creatures playing or fishing as you take pictures and learn more about their habits and habitat. Brooks Falls is located in Katmai National Park, which is about 290 air miles southwest of Anchorage, Alaska. Discover the real, raw, untouched Alaska aboard aprivate yacht for spectacular fishing and uncrowded bear viewing. With offices in Anchorage and King Salmon, and a fleet consisting of both land-based and float-equipped aircraft, we're here to service all of your air transportation needs across the great state of Alaska. There is a campground, overnight lodging, a small cafe and shop, and a ranger station. However, there is an unusually high concentration of brown bears around rivers from July to September as they congregate to feed on spawning salmon, making Brooks Falls bear viewing tours the perfect trip for seasonal adventurers. To hopefully minimize wait times on the upper platform, our plan is to leave Homer during the late morning when weather and schedule permit. 7 years ago Save I am hoping to figure out a day trip on a sea plane or helicopter from Anchorage or Seward or Homer to Brooks Falls. 2-5 day small ship explorations. Acommercial flight from Anchorage takes you to King Salmon where youll switch to asmall float plane for aquick 20-minute flight to Brooks Camp. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Part of it is located on a special elevated boardwalk with lockable gates (so that bears do not enter them), and part of the trail is in forested areas. The number of people interested in staying at the lodge far exceeds the amount of availability, especially in the high season. Most destinations are directly accessed via air taxi flights from Anchorage, Dillingham, Homer, King Salmon, Kodiak, and other nearby Alaska towns and villages. Brooks Falls is famous for the site of brown bears bulking up for winter by feeding on salmon trying to make their way upstream. There are currently two ways to get to Brooks Falls: Fly from Anchorage or Homer to Brooks Camp (Day Tour). Either way, youll be met at the airport upon arrival, for an unforgettable 90-minute flight over rolling tundra and along the west side of the Alaskan Peninsula. Viewing brown bears in their natural habitat is one of the most amazing things you can do in Alaska. We use cookies to ensure you the best possible experience on our website. Combine bear viewing, flightseeing, and fly-in fishing (guided or unguided) in Katmai National Park or one of the surrounding areas. A portion of the trail is located on an elevated and gate-enclosed boardwalk, a nice area to watch some of the bears. Big ship or small ship? Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. Fly to Brooks Camp and walk along a wooden boardwalk to the river, where youll have the perfect vantage point to watch the bears. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, The 9 Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse! After a scenic flight on a float plane you will land at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park. Depart Anchorage early on a scheduled flight to King Salmon (approximately 1.5 hours). Brown bear taking a break in the middle of the river. Your continued use of this site presumes you are ok with this. Brooks Camp has some amenities including shelter, a picnic area, food storage cache, vault toilet restroom facilities, a small gift shop, food for purchase, and a visitor center. Water taxi companies pick up passengers from King Salmon airport and transfer them by boat to Brooks Camp in just 45 minutes. The staff at Alaska Tours was very professional and helpful during the planning stages. Once on the ground you will have four hours of self guided bear viewing where you can view the bears at the iconic Brooks Falls. For this reason, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the rules of safe travel in bear country and, above all, to comply with them. During this time, the bears feed primarily on dead fish that float down the Brooks River. The fastest way to get here is by plane. Welcome to Katmai Air | Katmai Air It all just depends on the time you have available and your budget. When the platform is full, the park ranger starts a waiting list for visitors. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. We did the driving tour with several changes. Not to worry, there are bears all over camp! This is where water and air taxis will take passengers. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks, Katmai National Park Day Tours & Attractions, Alaska Ultimate Safaris Helicopter Bear Viewing. Welcome to Katmai Air. To stay at Brooks Lodge, you need to consider the high price (in 2022, it was $850 per night for four people) and luck. We fly you directly to Brooks Camp where the world-famous Brown Bears of Katmai National Park are feeding on migrating salmon. After abrief safety orientation, you can watch bears from several viewing platforms, jointhe Sample cost of flights from Anchorage to Brooks Falls in 2023: Fly Rusts: $1202 (including taxes) Sample cost of flights from Homer to Brooks Falls in 2023: Alaska Bear Adventures:: $1100 (including taxes) Sometimes the planes are objects of interest for bears. If you decide to stay more than one day, it is also worth taking a coach tour to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. To reach Brooks Falls, you must venture off the beaten path. Your continued use of this site presumes you are ok with this. 50-minute flight from Anchorage, about $725+ for a 6-hour tour . Which one is right for you? Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. Brooks Falls (First 3 wks of July, last 3 wks of September) Many of the most famous shots of bears pouncing for salmon swimming up waterfalls were taken at Brooks River Falls, in Katmai National Park. You will learn a lot about the Homer area, Kachemak Bay, the Cook Inlet, Katmai National Park and many more historical and geographical facts about Alaska! Bear viewing at Brooks Falls and Redoubt MountainLodge. Learn more. Go bear viewing with Brooks Lodge for aless-expensive experience that gives you more time with the magnificentbears, Brooks Lodge offers their own bear viewing tours which are less expensive than most, and give you more time at Katmai National Park to watch bears feasting on sockeye salmon from several viewing platforms. The walrus is an unmistakable creature: 4,000 pounds, huge ivory tusks, and a singular-looking face. Spend anywhere from 1.5 to 9hours onthe Roundtrip Flights to Brooks Camp / Brooks Lodge | Katmai Air Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. The downside to this is the price. Numerous bears flock to the Brooks River in the summer in anticipation of the arrival of sockeye salmon. You can expect about 1 mile each way to and from the furthest viewing platform, the Upper Falls. The experienced pilots of Rusts Flying Service will whisk you off into the Alaskan wilderness for aday of, Take off by seaplane for an all-day bear-viewing expedition. The spectacle that happens at Brooks Falls is truly unique. The area provides nearly flat gravel pathways and raised wooden platforms for the best viewing potentials. Anchorage Bear Viewing Day Tour | Fly to Katmai National Park Alaska Bear Trips offers the most luxurious and fastest flight available from Anchorage to Brooks Falls, 90 minutes each direction. See chart. However, we must remember that we are only guests in the natural habitat of these wild animals. Our fly out Katmai bear viewing adventure takes you to Brooks Falls, where three bear viewing platforms connected by elevated boardwalks allow for close, unobstructed and extraordinary bear viewing in Katmai National Park.