2026 Alaska Bears, Cubs, Wildflowers, and Puffins
Dates: July 6-12, 2026
Location: Lake Clark National Park
Focus: Photographing coastal brown bears with cubs, puffins, eagles, fox, otters, moose
Limit: 5 persons
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
July is the perfect month to see newly emerging spring cubs playing on the beach, nursing, riding on top of mom, and learning to clam. It’s also an ideal time to capture jaw-dropping images of bears foraging among the purple lupine wildflowers which are in full bloom. And, depending on the fish runs, you might have a chance at one of those famous “fishing bear” photos. Need more convincing? As a bonus, we take a special trip out to “puffin island” to view hundreds of puffins (horned and tufted) flying with silvery lances in their beaks to their nests to feed chicks. Other animals out and about include moose, fox, wolves, and bald eagles. Oh, and did we mention the flight seeing on the way to and from the park? Our 1.5 hour flight offers outstanding views and aerial image opportunities of several volcanoes on a clear day.
Trip Level
When you think of Alaska, you think of bears. On this trip, we guarantee you’ll see them or we’ll credit your deposit toward a future trip! While this trip is perfect for shutterbugs, others who enjoy wildlife viewing and fishing will get a true Alaska adventure. To join this trip, you must be able to walk up and down stairs, and ride comfortably in planes, small boats, and shuttles, and walk a mile. The activity level is rated 2-3 / relatively easy.
The Trip at a Glance
- 6 days and 6 nights, including fully guided, safe bear viewing in the heart of bear country.
- Comfortable accomodations with modern ammenities and gourmet meals.
- Small group size: 6 tour participants
- 1-hour+, round-trip flightseeing tour to and from Lake Clark and Anchorage.
- Daily photography instruction, along with educational dialogue about bear behavior and the flora and fauna of Alaska, while shadowing Michelle Theall, Alaska Magazine’s executive editor and award-winning photographer for the title.
- 4xs per day+ bear-viewing excursions along the coast and rivers, depending on tides.
- 1x boat trip out to puffin island to photograph horned and tufted puffins, kittiwakes, sea otters, and bald eagles.
Airfare to and from Anchorage and your home, trip insurance, and gratuities, not included. Full terms and conditions available with deposit.
For more information or to secure a spot on the trip, please contact info@wilddepartures.com ASAP or book immediately by submitting your deposit below. Or, call: 720-635-1380 for additional details.
2026 Alaska Bears, Cubs, Wildflowers, and Puffins
$9,500.00
5 in stock
Your Guides
We understand animals, but we also know what it takes to make photographers and wildlife-lovers happy. A couple decades in the field working with humans and critters allow us to make your trip easy, fun, and awe-inspiring. And while you’ll see amazing creatures, it’s also what you won’t see that will make your trip successful. Our team’s exceptional planning, logistics, and nimble problem solving skills create worry-free travel for our clients.
Michelle Theall
