Bear viewing in Alaska depends on the season in which you are visiting Alaska. Though Alaska has more than 10,000 brown bears and mountain bears, so at any given season you could easily see at least one of them in any given season, but it is better to plan your trip in the right season to see them in large numbers. Most of the bear lodges are located in the areas where bears go to fish, search for food, or group together.
In most areas in Alaska, bear viewing season runs from July to September during the salmon run towards the streams and waterfalls. Pack Creek is one of the most astonishing areas to spot bears, and to visit Pack Creek, you need a permit from April 1st to September 30th, and only 24 people can go each day. Groups that have guides will get permits for their visitors before they arrive. The best time to visit is in May through mid-June. At this time, plants near the sea start growing first, which brings bears to the beaches where they are easy to see. Adult bears also mate during this time, which brings more large male bears than later in the summer.
You can buy permits in Juneau, but it's better to book your guided trip or apply for a permit early. Guides can get you permits, plan your travel, and offer expert knowledge about the area. Guides are especially helpful outside of the busy season when there may not be rangers on the island.
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