Brooks Camp Brown Bear Viewing Location
& Access
The Park Headquarters is in King Salmon, about 290 air miles southwest of
Anchorage. Several commercial airlines provide daily flights into King Salmon
as there is no road access. Brooks Camp, along the Brooks River approximately
30 air miles from King Salmon, is a common destination for visitors to the
Park and is the only Federal Fee Area within Katmai. Brooks Camp can only
be reached via small float plane or boat.
For those visitors arriving in King Salmon on a commercial flight from Anchorage,
additional transportation arrangements typically must be made to reach Brooks
Camp. These arrangements, however, are already made and paid for with your
workshop fee.
Air transportation costs vary depending on which community is your point of
origin. Commercial airlines flights from Anchorage to King Salmon will cost
$250 and up for roundtrip airfare with the peak of the season being the most
expensive.
Float plane flights from King Salmon are only a few minutes long since the
distance is only 30 miles.
One thing to remember, flights to Brooks Camp using air charter services provide
an exceptional flight-seeing experience going to and returning from Brooks
Camp. The commercial jets and twin engine planes which provide commuter service
from Anchorage to King Salmon always fly at commercial altitudes. Air charters
are smaller planes and fly much lower. This will provide the visitor with
many great opportunities to photograph Alaska's wilderness, see ice fields
and glaciers up close and perhaps even view wildlife passing below during
the flight.
Although the Brooks Camp bear viewing area has been managed by the National
Park Service for many years, some changes to the programs, activities, and
regulations may occur from time to time.
Brooks Camp Visitor Center and Programs
Brooks Camp Visitor Center is located on Naknek Lake near the mouth of Brooks
River, 30 air miles from King Salmon and is open early June to mid-September.
It is just a short walk from the seaplane base, the campground and the lodge.
All visitors to Brooks Camp are required to attend the Brooks Camp School
of Bear Etiquette offered at the Visitor Center. This fifteen to twenty minute
orientation provides visitors with basic information to help keep themselves
safe and bears out of trouble. Books, cards, posters, and videos are just
some of the items available at the Alaska Natural History Association (ANHA)
Bookstore..
Katmai has over 4 million acres of wilderness in which to hike, but only two
maintained hiking trails. Dumpling Mountain trail starts at the Brooks Camp
Campground and climbs 1 1/2 miles to an overlook, then continues another 2
1/2 miles to the summit. The 1 1/2 mile Ukak Falls Trail begins at Three Forks
Visitor Contact Station and drops 700 feet down to the edge of the Valley
of 10,000 Smokes. Hikers then can go to Ukak Falls and/or the Three Forks
Convergence Overlook. The Trail is fairly steep and strenuous.
Tips You Should Know When Entering Bear
Country
Bear Behavior
Brown/Grizzly bears are found from the islands of southeastern Alaska to the
arctic. Black bears inhabit most of Alaska's forests. Polar bears frequent
the pack ice and tundra of extreme northern and western Alaska.
Bears are curious, intelligent and potentially dangerous animals, but undue
fear of bears can endanger both bears and people. Many bears are killed each
year by people who are afraid of them. Respecting bears and learning proper
behavior in their territory will help so that if you encounter a bear, neither
of you will suffer needlessly from the experience.
Most bears tend to avoid people. In most cases, if you give a bear the opportunity
to do the right thing, it will. Many bears live in Alaska and many people
enjoy the outdoors, but surprisingly few people even see bears. Only a tiny
percentage of those few are ever threatened by a bear. A study by the state
epidemiologist showed that during the first 85 years of this century, only
20 people died in bear attacks in Alaska. In the 10 years 1975-85, 19 people
in Alaska were killed by dogs.
Female bears can be fierce defenders of their young. Getting between a female
and her cubs is a serious mistake. A female bear may respond aggressively
to any threat she perceives to her cubs.
Most people who see a bear in the wild consider it the highlight of their
trip. The presence of these majestic creatures is a reminder of how privileged
we are to share some of the country's dwindling wilderness.
Bears and People
Bears Don't Like Surprises! If you are hiking through bear country, make your
presence known-especially where the terrain or vegetation makes it hard to
see. Make noise, sing, talk loudly or tie a bell to your pack. If possible,
travel with a group. Groups are noisier and easier for bears to detect. Avoid
thick brush. If you can't, try to walk with the wind at your back so your
scent will warn bears of your presence. Contrary to popular belief, bears
can see almost as well as people, but trust their noses much more than their
eyes or ears. Always let bears know you are there.
Don't Crowd Bears! Give bears plenty of room. Some bears are more tolerant
than others, but every bear has a "personal space"- the distance
within which a bear feels threatened. If you stray within that zone, a bear
may react aggressively. When photographing bears, use long lenses; getting
close for a great shot could put your inside the danger zone.
Bears Are Always Looking for Something to Eat! Bears have only about six months
to build up fat reserves for their long winter hibernation. Don't let them
learn human food or garbage is an easy meal. It is both foolish and illegal
to feed bears, either on purpose or by leaving food or garbage that attracts
them.
Close Encounters: What to do
If you see a bear, avoid it if you can. Give the bear every opportunity to
avoid you. If you do encounter a bear at close distance, remain calm. Attacks
are rare. Chances are, you are not in danger. Most bears are interested only
in protecting food, cubs or their "personal space." Once the threat
is removed, they will move on. Remember the following:
Identify Yourself Let the bear know you are human. Talk to the bear in a normal
voice. Wave your arms. Help the bear recognize you. If a bear cannot tell
what you are, it may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better
look or smell. A standing bear is usually curious, not threatening. You may
try to back away slowly diagonally, but if the bear follows, stop and hold
your ground.
Don't Run You can't outrun a bear. They have been clocked at speeds up to
35 mph, and like dogs, they will chase fleeing animals. Bears often make bluff
charges, sometimes to within 10 feet of their adversary, without making contact.
Continue waving your arms and talking to the bear. If the bear gets too close,
raise your voice and be more aggressive. Bang pots and pans. Use noisemakers.
Never imitate bear sounds or make a high-pitched squeal.
Surrender If a brown bear actually touches you, fall to the ground and play
dead. Lie flat on your stomach, or curl up in a ball with your hands behind
your neck. Typically a brown bear will break off its attack once it feels
the threat has been eliminated. Remain motionless for as long as possible.
If you move, a brown bear may return and renew its attack and you must again
play dead. If you are attacked by a black bear, fight back vigorously.
Protection
It is illegal to carry
firearms in Katmai National Park. The Park Service has two armed officers
on-duty at Brooks Falls Lodge. They are equipped with handguns, bear spray
and compressed-air horns.
Brooks Camp Visitor Tips, Recommendations,
and Rules
Viewing brown bears in their natural habitat and sport fishing are very popular
activities in Katmai. Safety and preparation for varying weather conditions
are the most important considerations when visiting a wilderness area like
Katmai National Park & Preserve.
Although a bear may be encountered anywhere in Katmai from late May into December,
the best times for bear viewing at Brooks Camp is in July and September. There
are few, if any, bears around Brooks in June and August, though they are seen
occasionally during these times. July and September are crowded with both
bears and people.
Katmai is bear habitat, and they always have the right-of-way. Delays in getting
to and from the bear viewing platforms are common and can occur at any time,
although such delays offer opportunities for viewing other wildlife and the
spectacular scenery all around Brooks Camp. The Brooks Falls bear viewing
platform has a maximum capacity of 40 persons at a time. During times of high
usage, visitors must check in at the lower bear viewing platform before going
to the Falls platform. Visitors are also limited in how long they may remain
at the Falls during these times. Weather and bears are always a factor at
Katmai, so plan extra time to work around delays.
People may not intentionally approach or remain within 50 yards of a single
bear, or 100 yards of a sow (female) with cubs, except when on the bear viewing
platforms. Inadvertent encounters do happen. Clapping hands, singing, or loudly
and repeatedly saying "Hey Bear" prevents most of these encounters.
"Bear Bells" and other noise making devices are not as effective.
The purpose of clapping and singing is to let bears know you are human and
in the area, not to scare them or change their direction of travel.
If a "too close" situation does occur, do not run from a bear or
make direct eye contact. Wave your arms and speak firmly to the bear while
slowly backing away, letting the bear know you are neither a threat nor possible
prey. If the bear continues in your direction, move off into the woods at
least 50 yards (100 yards from a sow with cubs) until the bear leaves the
area.
Capsicum bear spray (pepper spray) is not allowed on commercial airlines and
has not proven very effective in situations likely to occur at Brooks Camp.
Bear spray may not be taken within the cabins of air taxis. Let your pilot
know if you are carrying bear spray so it can be placed in the floats of the
plane. No firearms of any kind are allowed within the National Park, except
when carried by authorized National Park Service designated personnel as part
of their official duty.
Pets are not allowed in Brooks Camp, or within 5 miles of Brooks Camp due
to the high concentration of brown bears and people. Bears and pets do not
do well in close proximity. Pets are allowed elsewhere in Katmai National
Park & Preserve; however, individual lodges and air taxis may limit or
prohibit pets.
Klondike Kid's Field Notes for Brooks Camp Bear
Viewing
Everyone visiting Brooks Camp to view the large numbers of brown bears feeding
on migrating salmon and interacting with each other will want to maximize
this once in a lifetime experience. This section of information is derived
from firsthand experience and may provide those who plan to visit Brooks Camp
the opportunity to capitalize on every moment they will be there. We'll give
you an idea of how things are set up, what the routines usually are, and a
few personal tips scattered about.
Dress for the weather. Although its summer, temperatures can be in the 50's
and 60's, the wind can blow and there is always the chance of rain. Lightweight
rain gear will keep you and your camera gear dry as well as act as a windbreaker
to keep you warm.
The first viewing area, the lower bear viewing platform, is located at the
mouth of the Brooks River where it enters Naknek Lake. Bears that use this
area for fishing and feeding are generally the younger bears who have little
seniority in the pecking order of brown bears. They are usually quite energetic
as all youngsters are and their inexperience at catching fish can provide
some wonderful video footage of their antics. The platform is quite large
and will accommodate many more visitors than the upper platform. Bears may
come quite close, sometimes even resting right beneath the support pillars
which can provide some very close viewing and photos. The platform is built
to prevent bears from entering it. This is also the viewing area where handicapped
persons in wheelchairs have access.
Access to the lower viewing platform requires crossing a floating bridge
on the river. Quite often bears will learn to fish quite close to this structure
where salmon are schooling and easier to catch. They may even use the bridge
themselves which will create delays in visitors accessing the lower viewing
platform or wanting to leave to go to the upper viewing platform at the falls.
Expect delays due to the proximity of bears on the trail or around the viewing
platforms. Bears always have the right-of-way and caution is always exercised
by the park personnel assigned to managing the movement of visitors to and
from each of the areas. Close encounters can occur at any time so keep those
cameras and video gear handy.
The upper viewing platform is located at the upper end of Brooks River where
there are a series of waterfalls. This is the classic bear fishing area you
have seen on National Geographic wildlife programs. The platform is much smaller
than the lower one, accommodating a maximum of 40 persons at one time. Delays
can be frequent and lengthy for visitors. This is a high density bear area
where animals move about frequently. Park personnel on the trail and at the
platform coordinate the movement of guests in small groups, sending some out
at the same time as a replacement group coming in.
The Brooks Falls area of the river is where the big males and the sows with
cubs congregate to fish. Interaction between bears at this location is frequent
and personalities as well as fishing techniques of each bear can be quite
diverse. Close-up viewing is also possible here as bears move from one area
to another.
Viewing times are much shorter at the upper viewing area due to its smaller
capacity than at the lower platform. During the peak visitation periods in
July, viewing may be reduced to as little as 20 mins. per group. Bear encounter
delays can provide those on the platform some additional bonus viewing time.
You will be staying overnight in the lodge and your opportunities for more
viewing are increased over the Day Use visitors. Rising early and beating
the crowds, especially before the Day Use visitors arrive by plane, and viewing
late in the day after these visitors have left will give you more quality
time. Also early risers may get the chance to see brown bears walking along
the lake shore on their way to the fishing grounds; something that doesn't
happen after visitor activity increases later in the morning.
Brooks Camp Bear Viewing for Handicapped Persons
Due to the remote wilderness nature of Katmai National Park & Preserve,
handicapped accessibility is limited but still provides a rewarding experience
for those with impaired mobility.
Brooks Camp lodging, camping, visitor center, and auditorium facilities are
accessible to visitors using wheelchairs; however, the narrow dirt walkways
can be rough and become muddy during bad weather. Brooks Lodge has the only
flush toilet public restrooms in the Park. They are wheelchair accessible.
The lower bear viewing platform, located at the mouth of Brooks River across
the floating bridge from Brooks Camp, also has a wheelchair accessible ramp;
however, we caution those of limited mobility that inadvertent very close
encounters with brown bears are possible and require visitors to move quickly.
The trail to Brooks Falls and the Falls bear viewing platform are not handicapped
accessible. The Trail is also not appropriate for visitors unable to move
quickly off the trail and into the woods, especially during high bear density
in July. There is a steep grade on the Falls Trail just before the Falls platform,
which is in an area of high bear use and the site of many lengthy bear delays
to and from the bear viewing platforms.
But of all the opportunities to view brown bears in the wilds of Alaska, the
facilities and arrangements at Brooks Camp are most likely the best for handicapped
individuals.
3
day, 2 night Photo Workshop with air, lodging and photographic instruction:
Packages include round trip air transportation between
Anchorage, King Salmon & Brooks Lodge, all park fees, taxes and lodging.
Meals are NOT included. Meals are served three times
a day buffet style in the dining area of the lodge. Breakfast is $14, Lunch
is $20 and Dinner is $30
Other than Quadruple booking, husband & wives could be separated into
same gender cabins. If you are husband & wife and desire to stay together,
there must be another couple to share the cabin with.
Deposit Information:
A deposit of $1000.00 (click here for PayPal payment to fletcher@linkline.com) is required to reserve your space at the workshop. The final balance is due on or before January 5, 2009. If you cancel your reservation 6 months or more prior to the workshop, your non-refundable deposit is transferable to another workshop (must be used within 12 months of your cancellation).
July 15, 2009 with a July 18, 2009 Return to Anchorage (tentative
dates)
Click
here to see Brooks Falls Photos
Typical Itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrive in Anchorage one day prior to Brooks Lodge departure (you're on your own here).
Day 2 - Arrive at the airport approximately 7:00 am for a 9:00 am departure to King Salmon and then onto Brooks Lodge. You will arrive at Brooks Lodge about noon and immediately attend a "Grizzly Orientation". From there, you will be assigned to your cabin. After unpacking your gear, we will meet in the Lodge for a quick lunch and then head out to "bear country". We will spend the afternoon at the rapids and the falls pursuing our passion of photography. Sometime in the early evening we will return to the Lodge for dinner and discussion.
Day 3 -
This is a full day of photography. I usually like to skip breakfast and go
immediately to the falls platform (the bridge opens at 7am) as this is the
time with the fewest number of people on the platform. It's about a 30 minute
leisurely walk from the Lodge to the platform at the falls (approximately
1 ½ miles). We will photograph until about 11 am and then return to
the Lodge for lunch and discussion. About 3:00 pm we will return to the platforms
and photograph until we are tired of taking pictures of bears. We will then
return to the Lodge for dinner and discussion.
Day 4 - This is our last
chance to see the bears and I usually like to spend the first part of the
morning at the falls and then return to the first platform at the bridge about
9:00 am. We don't want to get caught on the other side of the bridge by a
wandering bear because you don't want to miss your return flight to King Salmon!
After all, bears do have TOTAL control over your comings and goings in and
around the Lodge! Packing up your gear and leaving it at the Lodge in preparation
of your noon departure is usually accomplished before we head out to the platforms.
Check out is usually completed about 10:00 am (after our return from the platforms).
The plane usually leaves about noon for King Salmon. You will return to Anchorage
between 3:00 and 4:00 pm. I would suggest an overnight stay in Anchorage along
with a little sight seeing of the city.
Suggested Camera Gear
Backpack - suggest
Moose Peterson's WRP MP-1 Photopack
Photo Vest - suggest
Newswear Chest Vest Foul Weather
Camera Body with batteries and charger (if digital)
CF
cards (minimum 10 GB) / or film (minimum 60 rolls 135/36)
Wide angle lens (16-35mm range zoom)
Standard Lens (24-105mm range zoom)
Medium Telephoto (70-200mm range zoom OR 100-400mm range zoom)
400mm fixed focal lens (this is the maximum needed at Brooks)
1.4 and/or 2.0 X tele-extenders
flash head (with needed batteries)
Tripod (I would suggest a Gitzo
carbon fiber with a good
ball head and a Wimberley
head
Storage
Tank (40 GB minimum) for digital storage of your CF cards
Delkin
CD/DVD BurnAway
Sensor Cleaner Arctic
Butterfly by Visible Dust
Refund Policy: All deposits
and payments are non-refundable, even if flights between King Salmon and Brooks
are cancelled due to weather. However, flights between Anchorage and King
Salmon/Brooks Camp are generally very reliable in any weather and you will
eventually get there.
Bear Viewing: While bears
are typically seen in the area all summer long, sightings are NOT guaranteed.
Prime viewing is typically from the end of June through July and the end of
August through mid-September, when the salmon are running.
Airplane Information:
The flight from Anchorage to King Salmon is a bigger wheeled plane. The flight
from King Salmon to Brooks is on a small, 6 to 10 passenger float plane. Due
to limited space, visitors are asked to keep their luggage to a minimum and
bring only soft-side luggage. Please do NOT bring hard-side suitcases!
Food and Meals: Visitors
are not allowed to bring food items to the workshop since you are not allowed
to carry food while at the park. Bears can smell a wrapped piece of candy
inside your pocket for two miles! DO NOT EVEN THINK OF HAVING FOOD ON YOU
DURING YOUR STAY AT BROOKS LODGE! The lodge has a dining area that serves
breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets daily.
Accommodations: Cabins
at Brooks Lodge have 2 sets of bunk beds (4 single beds total), a sink, toilet,
shower and heater.
You can see photographs of the cabin and accomodations By
Clicking Here
Television, Internet and cell phone service is NOT available at the Lodge.
The atmosphere at the lodge is casual, so bring comfortable medium weight
sport clothes. By dressing in layers, you can add or subtract clothing and
be comfortable regardless of the weather.
Most of the public buildings in Brooks Camp, including the restroom facilities,
are accessible, via ramps; however for those with limited mobility, the narrow
dirt paths in Brooks Camp are rough and can become very muddy and slippery
during the frequent rainy days. All bear viewing platforms, which are between
1/4 mile and two miles from the Visitor Center across a floating bridge, are
accessible, but we caution those with physical difficulties that unintended
very close encounters with brown bears are possible and may require visitors
to move quickly. Portions of the bear viewing platforms are accessed along
elevated walkways with ramps. The trails to the Brooks Falls and Riffles platforms
are accessible, however there is a strong possibility visitors will need to
leave the trail and enter the woods to allow bears to pass, especially during
high bear densities. Bears do have the Right of Way!
For additional information