Brooks Falls in Katmai

August 8-12, 2024
Katmai Brooks Falls, Alaska

THIS is the iconic spot. The place where the famous photo of a bear catching an airborne salmon in his mouth from atop a waterfall was captured by Tom Mangelson over 30 years ago (and now best known for Fat Bear Week, Otis, and Grazer). Mangelson’s image put Brooks Falls on the map, and Katmai became a dream, lifetime destination to see the congregation of bears in the summer months as the bruins fatten up before winter.

Click Here to Watch Katmai Promo Video.

Download the Brochure.

Why August?

The promo video and all of these images were shot in August, when crowds are fewer and the bears still aren’t full. In July, so many people go to Katmai that you have to wait on a list to get your 1 hour on the platform, and you might end up in the back row after all that. In September, the bears are fat and lazy…less action to capture. While we can’t guarantee the salmon runs, don’t let anyone tell you there aren’t any bears at the falls in August. Click Here to See an Image Gallery from August!

The Wild Departures Difference

So, you didn’t win the lottery for lodging at Brooks Falls Camp. No one seems to anymore. To maximize your time at the falls, Wild Departures guests fly to King Salmon where they enjoy a 3-night stay, all meals, and comfortable lodging (no quad bunk beds!), with an early morning water taxi over to Brooks Falls in order to beat some of the day-tripping crowds. This maximizes the opportunities for morning and evening light and an immersion into bear behavior and activity. For wildlife lovers and wildlife photographers, there’s simply no place like this on earth. Weather depending, we’ll enjoy four days at the falls. Our lodge in King Salmon offers alternate activities should weather cause any delays or cancelations. We’ll also include a shared hotel room upon arrival and departure in Anchorage.

Trip Level

When you think of Alaska, you think of bears. On this trip, we guarantee you’ll see them or we’ll refund your deposit or credit it toward another trip! While this trip is perfect for shutterbugs, others who enjoy wildlife viewing will get a true Alaska adventure. To join this trip, you must be able to walk at least 3 miles on level ground and ride comfortably in planes, boats, and shuttles. The activity level is rated 2 / easy to moderate. Avid photography enthusiasts (beginners to professionals) should bring (you can rent them too) a digital SLR camera, a 100-400mm lens or similar, and a tripod, and be familiar with basic manual menu settings prior to the trip.

The Trip at a Glance

• 4 days and 3 nights of safe bear viewing in the heart of bear country.
• Comfortable shared accommodations with modern amenities in King Salmon, along with hardy meals.
• Small group size: 5 tour participants
• 1-hour+, round-trip flightseeing tour to and from Anchorage to King Salmon.
• Daily, round-trip water taxi to and from King Salmon to Brooks Falls.
• Hotel stay in Anchorage on arrival and departure nights.
• Optional other activities not included: Valley of 10,000 Smokes tour, fishing and kayak rentals.
• Daily photography instruction, along with educational dialogue about bear behavior and the flora and fauna of Alaska, while shadowing Corrynn Cochran, Alaska Magazine’s former photo and digital editor.

Airfare to and from Anchorage and your home, travel insurance, and gratuities not included. Full terms and conditions available with deposit. Airport shuttles to and from the airport and Lakefront hotel are available.

For more information or to secure a spot on the trip, please contact [email protected] ASAP or book immediately by submitting your deposit below. Also, consider combining this trip with Lake Clark segment for package discounts. Or, call: 720-635-1380 for additional details.