"Bear watching" Katmai National Park and Preserve Things to Do Tip by MTrav

An easy 2 mile trail runs from Brooks camp to three elevated bear viewing platforms.

The first is just across the river from Brooks camp, at one end of a floating bridge. This floating bridge is a big part of the character at Brooks camp. The bridge is usually attended by a ranger. If a bear gets within 150 yards of the bridge, it is closed temporarily, sometimes for an hour or more until the bears leave. (a bear jam) There is a perpetual group of people stranded at one end of the bridge, watching bears or watching their flight back to King Salmon leaving without them.

The other two bear viewing platforms are at the end of the 2 mile trail. An elevated boardwalk leads to either platform at the river's edge.

Bears were everywhere during our visit in early July. There are two peak times for bear viewing. The first is late June through late July. The second is in September. Both times correspond to Sockeye Salmon runs. Bears generally dont like to be packed in so close to other bears, so when the salmon are gone, they disperse.

The upper falls, in this photo, is fished mostly by large adult male bears. The Salmon are almost as much fun to watch as the bears, as they leap out of the water trying to get over the falls. Occasionally one succeeds, and occasionally one is caught midair in a bear's teeth.

Just downstream from here, at the other viewing platform is a rocky area that is fished by female bears, thier cubs, and adolescent bears.

Address: Brooks Camp
Phone: 907 246 3305
Website: http://www.nps.gov/katm/