Katmai National Park's annual "Fat Bear Week" has made global celebrities of its most renowned residents—and you can join us here to photograph Alaska's burliest bears for yourself! After Brooks Lodge closes for the season and crowds have disappeared, dozens of bears still congregate in the Brooks River system, indulging in a final round of gluttony before settling in for a long winter's rest. Fly each morning by private floatplane from our lodge in King Salmon to spend unhurried days in some of the world's most stunning bear habitat around Brooks Camp. Compose thrilling images of tawny bruins against a rich autumn palette of changing foliage, golden light, and perhaps the season's first snow dusting the mountains. On foot and by raft, navigate the winding river system in search of exhilarating close-ups of playful cubs and their mothers, giant males, and plucky subadults who are sated and relaxed, on an epic photo expedition you won’t find anywhere else!
Trip Highlights
In-Depth Brown Bear Photo Opportunities
On foot and by raft, spend full, unhurried days photographing Alaskan brown bears at their biggest, as they gorge on the last of the annual salmon run
Late-Season Solitude & Supreme Access
When people are few and bears have packed on the pounds to become more photogenic than ever, our private chartered floatplane lets us follow them at will!
Shoot Alongside Top Photographer Guides
Our Expedition Leader is not only a talented wildlife photographer but a career naturalist and bear expert whose knowledge enhances your chances for incredible shots
A Different View on the Bears of Brooks...Only with Nat Hab!
Nothing evokes Alaska like bears and salmon. And the brown bears of the Brooks River, devouring the last salmon before winter sets in, are among the planet’s most iconic wildlife photography subjects. While you won't see many fishing in Brooks Falls this time of year, they're still all over the area fattening up for winter on the salmon that remain—and this exclusive bear photography expedition puts you right in the midst of them, after standard tourist facilities are closed for the season.
More Bears, Few People—a Rare Off-Season Opportunity
We take you to the heart of the action near Brooks Lodge, but we arrive after public facilities have closed. We're likely to encounter very few other visitors, even though the bear population remains substantial, as they continue to frequent the river to feast on abundant salmon once Brooks Lodge closes for the season. Though it could be cold and rainy, we might also get low-angle autumn sunlight, lingering fall colors and possible snow dustings. With the bears at their heaviest weight, it's a photographer's dream.An Exclusive Photo-Focused Itinerary
Our itinerary is focused on bear photography from start to finish. On this 6-day trip, we spend four days in the field observing Alaskan brown bears when they are at their heaviest (and most camera-worthy) weight. Our private chartered floatplane is on call to make sure we get close-up views of bears daily, wherever they may be. Even unpredictable late-season weather makes this a coveted adventure, since the prospect of frost or snow can provide a beautiful backdrop.Our Chartered Floatplane Ensures Proximity to the Bears
The special appeal of this trip is that if the bears are not hanging out directly around the Brooks River on any given day, our chartered floatplane will deliver us to where they are. It's like a private "air taxi" that gets us wherever we want to go, maximizing time with the bears, plus photo opportunities from the air on our daily round-trips to from King Salmon to Katmai National Park.On Foot & By Raft, Get Closest to Bears
While we'll have the thrill of watching bears on foot, we also have access to a sturdy raft that lets us float the river system to get even closer to where they are, maximizing our opportunities for exciting shots.Stay at a Comfortable Wilderness Base Lodge
While conditions in the field are rugged, bush-style luxury awaits as we return to King Salmon Lodge each night. A remote retreat near the fly-in hamlet of King Salmon on the edge of Katmai National Park, this warm, well-appointed family-run lodge provides hearty meals, a roaring fire, and a riverside deck that restores you for another day in the backcountry. It's the perfect respite after a day of bushwhacking in the elements as we go in search of bears to photograph.Outstanding Naturalist Guides Who Are Photography Pros
Our Expedition Leaders are outstanding photographers pros and bear experts—the combination you need to get coveted shots. Among Alaska's top naturalist guides, they are bear specialists, too, and their knowledge of bear behavior is key to getting you set up for the best shots. Highly accomplished wildlife photographers, they are gifted at sharing tips with photographer peers. We take pride in employing the most qualified, dedicated and passionate natural history guides, who also receive additional training and resources from WWF scientists. Our Expedition Leaders regale guests with their in-depth knowledge while ensuring safety and comfort in every respect. See Expedition Leader bios and traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.
Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Outstanding Alaska Bear Photo Adventure
Natural Habitat Adventures offers an exclusive guarantee, which clearly states that we will meet the lofty expectations established in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise.
Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey
We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.
Natural Habitat Adventures is WWF's Travel Partner
Because of our commitment to environmentally friendly travel, as well as the exceptional quality of our adventures. World Wildlife Fund—the planet's leading environmental conservation organization—has named Natural Habitat Adventures as its worldwide travel partner, a designation that makes us exceedingly proud!
