Platform Viewing
Bear viewing at Brooks Falls is an unforgettable experience. From the safety of a raised platform, you’re close enough to feel the power of Alaskan brown bears as they fish for salmon in the rushing waters below.
You can watch them swipe with precision and plunge into the water, salmon flashing in their jaws—a scene straight out of a nature documentary. With each bear’s unique fishing style and personality on full display, standing on the Brooks Falls platform offers an intimate window into one of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife spectacles.
Salmon Runs
The salmon run at Brooks Falls is a spectacular event, peaking in July when thousands of sockeye salmon surge upstream to reach their spawning grounds.
As the waters churn with fish, the iconic Alaskan brown bears gather to take advantage of their greatest feast of the migration. During peak season, the bears are at their most active, skillfully positioning themselves at the falls to catch leaping salmon. It’s a breathtaking scene where nature’s cycles unfold in front of you, creating a wonderful opportunity to witness both the strength of the salmon and the power of the bears as they interact with each other.
Park Rules
Bear viewing at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park follows strict guidelines to ensure the safety of both visitors and wildlife.
Upon arrival, visitors are required to attend a brief bear safety orientation led by park staff, where essential rules are outlined—such as maintaining a minimum distance from bears, remaining calm and quiet, and keeping all belongings secured to avoid attracting wildlife. Viewing is organized around platforms along the river, offering safe vantage points for observing the bears as they fish and interact. Rangers are on hand to manage flow, ensuring that the experience is respectful and safe, allowing for unforgettable close encounters with Alaska’s iconic wildlife.
Safety
The park requires everyone to stay at least 50 yards away from bears at all times. Special viewing platforms along the river keep visitors at a safe distance while providing an ideal vantage point.
Visitors are also instructed to avoid making loud noises, never approach bears, and keep all food, drinks, and scented items secured to avoid attracting wildlife. These safety measures, managed by on-site rangers, and our guides, create a respectful environment that allows people to safely observe and appreciate the bears in their natural habitat.
Seasons
The best time to visit Katmai National Park for bear viewing, especially at Brooks Falls, is from late June to early September. During July, the salmon run is at its peak, drawing numerous bears to Brooks Falls as they fish for migrating sockeye salmon leaping up the falls.
This concentration of salmon brings dozens of bears to the river, offering a world-class opportunity for bear viewing as they fish, play, and interact in close proximity. In September, as the salmon spawn, bear activity increases again, with bears feasting on the remaining salmon and fresh coho, before winter. These months make for an unforgettable bear-watching experience in one of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife settings.
