Feared and admired for its strength, hunted for its fur and flesh, or adored by children, few species in the animal kingdom stir as much passion, myth, and legend. Indeed, the famous and dreaded Yeti is said to be a brown bear from the Himalayas.
The brown bear comes in several subspecies. First, the grizzly, found in the northern United States and Canada. The tips of its fur often have a grey tinge, which gives it its name (from the grey wig once worn by English judges). Its distinctive trait is its ability to stand upright on its hind legs for extended periods. Then there is the Kodiak bear, a subspecies specific to the islands of the Kodiak Archipelago.
While the brown bear can be observed on several continents, Alaska is THE essential region for encountering it.
For those wishing to experience this in the best possible conditions, here are four locations carefully selected by Bénédicte, North America specialist for Étendues Sauvages.
Katmai
Brooks Falls is world-renowned for its remarkable salmon concentration, which draws dozens of grizzlies for an annual feast.
From observation platforms strategically positioned just a few metres from the falls, you can witness this striking spectacle as fish leap in their attempt to swim upstream.
Katmai Wilderness Lodge offers one of the most remarkable bear-watching experiences in Alaska. It is accessible only by floatplane, from Kodiak Island.
Kodiak
The primary brown bear sanctuary in Alaska, the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge covers the southern two-thirds of the island. A landscape both rugged and striking, this wilderness supports a bear population that lives in a natural environment, shielded from human interference. Your base camp for this extraordinary journey: Kodiak Bear Center. Hosting only six guests at a time, it offers an exclusive experience at the heart of Alaska.
Denali
Countless naturalists and wildlife enthusiasts converge on Denali to observe wildlife typical of North America. Here you can see grizzlies, black bears, caribou, moose, Dall sheep, marmots, and countless bird species, including migratory ones. An exceptional diversity for all nature lovers. At the heart of the national park, Camp Denali (the first business in Alaska to commit to nature education) invites you to experience this immersion. Long before the term “ecotourism” gained popularity, this place has been a touchstone for travellers seeking harmony with nature.
Redoubt Bay
Redoubt Bay Lodge, Alaska
Located about an hour’s flight from Anchorage, Redoubt Bay is certainly one of the most accessible bear-watching areas in Alaska. From Redoubt Bay Lodge, set on the Big River Lakes near Lake Clark National Park, this unique experience awaits you. Beyond bear-watching, you can also fish or observe birds here.
With quality and exclusivity in mind, these sites and properties, open only for a short summer season, welcome very few travellers. For this reason, it is essential to plan your stay and bookings well in advance.
For example: if you wish to meet these giants of the forest during summer 2025, we recommend starting your bookings now.
© Redoubt Bay Lodge
© Camp Denali
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© KWL
© KBBC
