Bear Viewing

Brown bears are some of Alaska’s most sought after scenery. Get a close-up view of brown and black bears with a scenic flight across Cook Inlet to the Alaska Peninsula. Do not miss a chance to see Alaskan brown bears and other wildlife in their natural environment.

During July and September, we provide regular charter service to Brooks Camp in Katmai National Park to watch brown bears fishing for salmon in lakes and rivers. This trip to Brooks is guided by National Park Rangers and provides access to some of the most famous brown bear viewing in the world. Plan on six hours for your trip to Brooks Falls. The flight from Homer to Brooks Camp is one and a half hours, crossing the Cook Inlet and a large, beautiful section of Katmai National Park, passing volcanoes, glaciers and waterfalls. You will have three hours on the beach, where a National Park Ranger will give you a briefing on bear safety, and then you will be free to walk the trail to Brooks Falls, viewing bears playing on the beach and fishing in the river en route. At the falls, there is a viewing platform giving you a dramatic view of bears snatching fish out of the falls. It is a short hike back to the beach for your return flight to Homer. Price for this trip is $599 per person.

In August, our passengers enjoy a guided bear viewing experience at Redoubt Mountain Lodge in Lake Clark National Park, where the lodge’s experienced bear guides provide access to stunning bear viewing via a pontoon lake cruise.  Crescent Lake, the location of the lodge, is beautifully set amidst mountains in Lake Clark National Park. Bears fish and play along the shores of the lake. You get a unique view of the bears from the lodge’s boat. After your bear viewing cruise, you’ll enjoy a gourmet lunch at the lodge before your flight back to Homer.  We also offer bear viewing daytrips to Redoubt Bay Lodge, on Big River Lakes at the mouth of the famous Lake Clark Pass. Price for lodge bear viewing trips is $599 per person.

Steller Air also provides service to McNeil River Game Sanctuary for permit holders. McNeil River is a spectacular site for viewing brown bears and access is only open to those who win a permit lottery. This site is only accessible by float plane, and Steller Air will be happy to safely escort you to and from your bear viewing adventure. Please view our McNeil River page for more information.