A trip of a lifetime. Although we did not see as many bears due to a late cool spring, we loved every minute in Katmai. Walking the trails in solitude, chilling in the lodge trading stories and watching rainbows in the river were the highlights of our time. Simply an incredible journey.

I actually went in July 2022. It was absolutely amazing. The first full day was raining, and a salmon boat had caught a lot of fish in Naknek lake, so they weren't making it to the falls, and the bears were coming into camp, walking right past people. I actually saw one cub chasing another one with a huge fish in his mouth. The park rangers, at least 5 of them were busy keeping the bears at bay. We got incredible photos. Top of my bucket list checked!

From social media you get the idea that this place has a bunch of bears at the Brooks Falls all the time. Well, it probably does at some points, but not always. I am not sure if the salmon just started to come here and there would be more salmon and hence bears a bit later. We waited for 3 hours but oh boy was it worth it when the bears finally arrived to the falls. Totally yeah! Your options here are to arrive by flying or I guess with a boat. We took a tour with Rusts and they were great. I would totally go there again.

Be patient, but it is a must do; It can be busy at the platforms, however you get very close to the bears. Tip: after "bear school" (mandatory) at the ranger station, walk straight to the central platform, and have the ranger put your name on the list for the controlled access to the north platform. While waiting you can go to the south platform, and watch there too. The views are spectacular, BUT PLEASE adhere for north platform to the total stay time (provided by the ranger when you enter), so others can also enjoy this.

Coming from Australia to this unique part of the world is a once in a life time experience. Very well managed and highly organised Park. Committed volunteers assist all us navigate safely in this bear 🐻 rich environment. Flew in via a float plane from King Salmon - 40 minutes Flew from Anchorage to King Salmon - 50 minutes

Have watched the bears for years on the webcams and we finally pulled the trigger on making a visit and it did not disappoint. You have to sign up to get on the Brooks falls viewing platform once the platform is at 50 people. But the crowd is controlled by the rangers and they do a great job getting it moving. We made it on to the platform for 2 30 minute viewings. We saw 30 bear while we were there. Amazing views getting to see the bears do there thing.

July salmon run is the time to go - unfortunately, that means ALL the photographers who have camera lenses that are so huge they can barely lift them are there completely obscuring anyone else’s views. And believe me, they won’t move and let anyone else get around them. Have fun looking at huge camera lenses and some bears in the background. This is what I experienced this past July. Made me question if it was worth the $$$. Just be prepared - you’ve never seen so many people think they all work for National Geographic!

The program to educate you with unforeseen encounters with the bears was excellent. The park rangers were very helpful, especially Payton who directed us to great viewing locations. We were very fortunate as the weather was great when we arrived dispite being very overcast when we left Homer

My absolute highlight to our Alaska vacation. Note that it is not cheap or easy to get there and that weather can advesely affect times. We departed from the Anchorage airport at 7AM from Concourse C - not wait, no TSA and no problems. I guess there are few terrorists headed to visit the bears. Two short flights later, your seaplane pulls up on the beach and off you go. First thing is a mandatory "Bear Briefing". It was well done and fun. Then, you are turned "loose" for your 1+ mile hike to the falls along a nice path. Make sure you listen to directions as the bears get playful in the evenings and might knock down a sign or two. Sen a scout ahead to get your name on the access to the falls overlook. There is a secondary look out called the riffles. I really enjoyed my time there as you get a real overview of what is going on. I could watch all 20+ bears and learned who was in charge and who was on the "outside". When your name is called, your group walks a short distance to the fall overlook. We had 30 minutes to view the bears though you can sign up more than once. They limit the number f humans at the overlook - thank goodness. This really is a chance of a lifetime. If you get there, tell Chunk hello. He will, most likely, be in the deep end sitting thee waiting a salmon to bump into him. He isa called Chunk for a reason.

Words Cannot Explain! This amazing adventure to Brooks Falls it was unforgettable! Once you check in at Anchorage, you won’t see your luggage again until you get to Katmai, before you board you and your luggage get weighed. I only took two backpacks: one for camera gear and one for clothes. From Anchorage, you fly into King Salmon, then jump on a seaplane for a 20-minute flight to Katmai. Before you board the seaplane, make sure to use the restrooms, which are very clean and tidy, as there are none on the seaplane. Once there it’s straight to bear school then head to pick up your luggage. We were lucky to have 3 days at Katmai we stayed in one of the cabins with 2 bunk beds. The cabins were clean and comfortable, with a shower and toilet inside and plenty of power points to charge your camera gear. A camera is a must; please don’t rely on your phone! It’s only a short walk to the falls where, We went in the middle of July, and at one point, we saw over 31 bears. The salmon were so abundant that the next day, the bears were in a sushi coma. We found the best times to head to the falls was early morning and late afternoon , this way you miss all the day trippers. Definitely take rain clothes as it was drizzling most of the time we were which was fine as that meant no mosquitoes!