The best time to do bear viewing in Alaska is from June through early September. During these months, salmon swim up rivers and streams, which brings brown and black bears to these areas to feed. You can often see bears in places like the Inside Passage, Tongass National Forest, and remote areas such as Katmai and Admiralty Island. Whether you're on a guided tour, flying over forested areas, or watching from a cruise ship, these bear sightings are some of the most memorable wildlife experiences in Alaska.
The popular bear viewing tours in Alaska know the best time to watch bears in Alaska, which is during summer. During this time, salmon come back to rivers to spawn, which draws bears to feed along the rivers and coastal areas. Each type of bear has its own schedule, but most activity happens between June and early September, making this the best time for nature lovers and photographers.
May through June (Bears Coming Out of Hibernation)
As the snow melts and the weather gets warmer, bears come out of their winter sleep. This time is great for seeing bears in Alaska walking around meadows and along the shoreline, eating grass or searching for food along the coast. Black bears are especially active in May and early June near places like Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point.
July through August (Salmon Runs)
Summer is the best time to see bears. Many salmon return to Alaska’s rivers, and this attracts large numbers of brown and black bears. In Katmai National Park, Brooks Falls is a popular spot where bears catch salmon. Other places like Anan Creek and Pack Creek also offer chances to watch bears wading in the water to catch their food.
September (Preparing for Winter)
As the season ends, bears eat a lot to build up fat for hibernation. You might still see them near rivers and places where berries grow, especially in Southeast Alaska. Seeing bears in late September can be quieter and the light is softer, which is good for taking photos.
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