An Unforgettable Day Trip from Anchorage
When I think back on my Alaska travels, the day I spent bear viewing at Redoubt Mountain Lodge in Lake Clark National Park stands out as one of the most extraordinary, and not just from this trip… from all my trips. From the moment the red floatplane lifted off in Anchorage, every moment felt like being in my own National Geographic special. The turquoise waters of Crescent Lake, the towering volcanoes and the brown bears fishing just yards away combined into a wild, unforgettable experience.
This full-day tour is operated by Rust’s Flying Service and takes you from Anchorage to Crescent Lake in Lake Clark National Park via floatplane, then on a guided shoreline excursion for bear viewing. The day also includes a delicious lunch at Redoubt Mountain Lodge and a return flight over some of Alaska’s most dramatic scenery. It’s a seamless blend of adventure, wildlife observation and wilderness immersion. Want to know more about the tour, the flight and the bears? Read on for all the details and my unique discount code to get 10% of this bear-y fun adventure!
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Why Lake Clark National Park Is a Top Spot for Bear Viewing
Many travelers head straight to Katmai National Park to see the famous brown bears as they bulk up for their winter hibernation. While Katmai is iconic – and home to annual Fat Bear Week – Lake Clark National Park offers similar remarkable wildlife encounters in an even less crowded, even more remote setting. The park spans roughly four million acres of glaciers, volcanoes, jagged mountains, rivers, waterfalls and coastal marshes, and the only way in is via plane. There’s not a road for miles. Streams packed with salmon draw bears into shallow water, making it easy to spot them doing all the cute bear things just feet away. You literally don’t even need binoculars or much of a zoom lens (although we had both) – the bears are really THAT close.
Crescent Lake, where Redoubt Mountain Lodge is located, is one of the most reliable sites for bear sightings. Its glacier-fed waters and surrounding salt marshes attract bears during the salmon run. Unlike Katmai, where viewing platforms can be crowded, the experience at Lake Clark feels intimate. You are a small group quietly drifting along the shoreline in a very comfortable, covered pontoon boat, observing brown bears in their natural environment without distractions. Here’s my review of the Lake Clark Bear Viewing tour along with some tips on making the best of your day with the brown bears.
What’s the difference between a Brown Bear and a Grizzly Bear?
Brown bears and grizzlies are actually the same species, but “grizzly” usually refers to the inland populations of brown bears, while coastal brown bears tend to be larger thanks to richer food sources. Grizzlies often weigh between 400 and 790 pounds, while coastal brown bears can tip the scales over 1,500 pounds. Diets overlap, but grizzlies tend to rely more on berries, roots, and small mammals, whereas coastal brown bears gorge on salmon and other fish, which helps them grow huge. You’re more likely to spot grizzlies in Alaska’s interior, Yellowstone and parts of Canada, while the massive coastal brown bears roam Alaska’s shoreline and river valleys, especially where salmon runs are abundant.
How to Get to Lake Clark National Park from Anchorage
The tour begins at Rust’s Flying Service, located on Lake Hood, near Anchorage International Airport. Rust’s offers hotel shuttles and cruise port pick-ups, which makes getting to the floatplane base easy. Parking is very limited so if you must drive yourself as we did (we drove in from Alyeska Resort about 45 minutes south), keep that in mind and arrive early. At check-in, the staff reviews weight distribution, provides a safety briefing and introduces your pilot. Make sure you pay attention to the info they send you BEFORE the trip about what you can bring. There are weight limits and things to consider, so keep an eye out for those pre-trip emails.
The floatplane flight itself is such a fun part of the adventure. From takeoff, you soar over Cook Inlet, the Chigmit Mountains and on clear days, the volcanoes Mt. Redoubt and Mt. Iliamna. We spotted Beluga whales rolling in the waves beneath us as we passed river mouths emptying into the Cook Inlet. Our pilot knew exactly which river mouths are beluga hangouts, too, so we knew just where to look. The flight takes an hour or so, and if you’re there in September like we were, you’ll note the landscape is dotted with bright yellow birch trees.
Having flown on many smaller planes in my day, I was surprised at how smooth and easy the flight was. Our pilot Mike narrated the whole way, sharing about the different rivers and mountains we were passing, as well as islands and oil platforms in the Cook Inlet.
My favorite part of any float plane experience is landing on the water! I’m always in awe that this is a thing technology allows us to do, you know? It just feels so miraculous that we can fly across miles of wilderness and then land on a jewel-toned lake that doesn’t have a single road leading to it. It may well be the most remote place I’ve ever visited – it’s certainly one of the least visited national parks in the U.S.
I almost passed out when I saw two bears as we were landing and motoring over to Redoubt Mountain Lodge. If that was all I did the whole day, I could have gone home happy. But there was much more to come!
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What to Expect on a Lake Clark Bear Viewing Tour
After landing, the Rust’s pilot hands you over to the bear guide for the day, who greets you and gives a brief orientation on local wildlife and safety. We had a few folks in our group who were nervous about getting too close to bears, but they were quickly put at ease. The bears aren’t concerned with us in the least – all they want that fat juicy salmon!
It was sprinkling off and on when we arrived, so we grabbed some bright yellow Helly Hansen raincoats from a supply shed and boarded the covered pontoon boat. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t a boat this comfortable. Probably because a few hours on our little fishing boat makes my tailbone hurt for a week. Not this boat! This pontoon has leather swivel chairs and long comfy sofas so you can stretch out and move around easily. It’s also covered, which came in very handy in the intermittent chilly rain.
The first bear encounter happened less than 10 minutes after we pushed off from shore. We saw a large female patrolling the shallows for salmon while her cub tumbled along the bank, practicing hunting skills under her watchful eye. I started snapping pictures and never stopped. (My memory cards can attest!)
Book Rust’s Lake Clark Bear Viewing Adventure
We’ve partnered with Rust’s and Redoubt Mountain Lodge to offer an exclusive discount code for 10% off this tour! Use code ANGIEAWAY to book online or over the phone.
Where Is Redoubt Mountain Lodge Located
Redoubt Mountain Lodge is the only privately owned lodge on the 9-mile, glacier-fed Crescent Lake, right in the heart of the Chigmit Mountains, with sweeping views of 10,197-foot Mt. Redoubt just eight miles away. The property has a storied past: originally a 5-acre parcel, it started with a simple log cabin. Over the years, it operated as a fishing lodge under a few different owners before being purchased in 1999 and reopened in 2000 as Redoubt Mountain Lodge. While the Rust’s bear tour is just for the day, it certainly got us thinking about coming back to the lodge next season for fishing, hiking, stand-up paddleboarding and yes, even more bear viewing. We’ve may or may not have already researched pricing and availability for next summer…
Watching the Brown Bears at Crescent Lake
The main attraction of the tour is observing Alaska brown bears in their natural habitat. Our guide Mike (yes, our pilot was named Mike, too, so don’t get them confused) are knowledgeable and ensure safe distances without compromising the experience.
Crescent Lake is fed by glaciers, hence the vivid, practically Caribbean hue. The lake and surrounding salt marshes attract brown bears during salmon season, as well as bald eagles and other wildlife. The combination of dramatic mountain scenery and abundant wildlife makes this one of the most memorable locations for bear viewing in Alaska.
The guides adjust the boat route based on bear movement. You can witness a mix of behavior, from fishing to social interactions, providing a complete view of how these animals thrive in a wild environment.
Bears may move along the shoreline to different fishing spots, while cubs continue to practice their skills. Bald eagles soar overhead, swooping to grab fish. The water reflects the surrounding mountains and sky, creating endless photographic opportunities.
Brown bears dominate the scene, but Lake Clark National Park is full of other wildlife. You could see moose along the shoreline, foxes moving through the brush and more than 200 species of birds, from bald eagles to migratory waterfowl. Much of what you’ll see depends on the season, so if there’s something specific (other than bears!) you want to see, research in advance.
Lunch at Redoubt Mountain Lodge
After the morning bear-viewing session, we returned to the lodge for a hearty, home-cooked lunch. We had the most incredible salmon with a tasty sauce. The dining room overlooks Crescent Lake, so even while eating, you are immersed in wilderness scenery. Lunch is a welcome break, offering warmth by the fire, a chance to recharge your phone/camera and time to discuss wildlife sightings with your guide and fellow travelers.
Photography Tips for Alaska Bear Viewing
Whether you’re a pro with a whole setup or you just have an iPhone, this tour is ideal. A telephoto lens (at least 200–400mm) allows close-up shots without disturbing the bears, but the newest iPhone has such a great zoom so that works, too. And you almost don’t even need it most of the time. Bring extra batteries if you have a camera and a cord for phone charging at lunchtime inside the lodge. (There are a few outlets.)
The floatplane flight to and from Anchorage also offers incredible aerial photography opportunities, including glaciers, volcanoes and Cook Inlet. Take precautions if you get motion sickness, as looking at screens can really get you and you don’t want to. I always have a little nausea goodie bag with ginger candy, non-drowsy dramamine, motion sickness patches and these motion sickness glasses. (I’m not sure if they fully work yet but they’re only $9 so I figured they’re a good addition to the kit.)
Best Time to Visit Lake Clark National Park for Bear Viewing
The best months for bear viewing are early July through late September. Salmon runs are at their peak and bears gather along the shorelines. July offers lush green landscapes, while August and September provide a balance of bear activity and stunning fall colors. Later in the season, bears begin preparing for winter hibernation.
Weather can be unpredictable, and floatplane access depends on conditions. I recommend scheduling at least one flexible day in Anchorage in case of delays or cancellations.
Logistics for Alaska Bear Viewing Tour in Lake Clark National Park
- Trip Time: ~11 hours
- Availability: Aug. 1 – Sept. 25 (subject to change so check with Rust’s)
- Activity Level: There is a small amount of walking and guests must be able to load into pontoon boat and float plane.
- Departures: 8 a.m. in August and 9 a.m. in September
- Price: $1,395 +3% transportation tax & $15 NPS fee (Use code ANGIEAWAY for 10% off!)
What to Pack for a Bear Viewing Tour
Layered clothing is essential! While I was warmed with excitement every time we spotted a new bear, the in-between moments when we were motoring around the lake could get a bit brisk. Base layers should wick moisture, mid-layers should provide warmth and outer layers should be waterproof – and don’t worry too much about being fashionable. You may end up wearing a bright yellow Helly Hansen raincoat over your snazzy attire anyhow. Footwear should be sturdy and comfortable for boat and dock activity.
Other essentials include:
- Hat (Obsessed with this bear-inspired beanie)
- Gloves (I used these mittens so I could use my camera and iPhone with ease)
- Sunglasses (polarized are helpful to see the salmon under the water)
- Insect repellent (we didn’t need it in September but the summer mosquitoes in Alaska are legendary)
- Binoculars
- Camera and extra batteries (We used GoPro 13 | iPhone 14 |Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera with EF 75-300mm Lens
- Charging cord for phone to juice up at lunch time
Rust’s provides life jackets and, if needed, rain gear. Keep your bag light so you can have hands free for photography.
Is Rust’s Bear Viewing Tour Worth It?
Is this one of the pricier Alaska excursions? Sure – it’s not a cheap day out! But having done it, I can tell you a few things. I haven’t stopped thinking about it since we got home. It was so much more than sightseeing. From the floatplane over Cook Inlet to observing bears fishing and interacting, every element feels immersive. The guides were all knowledgeable, patient and prioritized safety without diminishing the authentic wilderness experience. We saw more than 20 bears! And while the count changes every day, that’s part of the fun – it really is the wilderness and you never know what bears or what behaviors you might get to see.
Gourmet lunch at Redoubt Mountain Lodge breaks up the day, allowing you to refuel before heading back to the lake for the afternoon session. By the end of the tour, you’ve seen multiple big adult bears, precocious cubs and eagles, all set against a backdrop of volcanoes and glaciers.
At around $1,400 per person plus fees, it is definitely a splurge, but the experience of seeing brown bears up close in one of the most remote parks in the U.S. makes it worth every dollar. If you’re prioritizing which Alaska experience to splurge on, you really can’t go wrong with this one.
Flying back to Anchorage, the sun sinking behind the mountains, I thought about pinching myself. Not since… well, yesterday flying to the center of Denali National Park with K2, have I been so overwhelmed with wonder. Alaska is truly in a category of its own and one of those destinations you will want to visit more than once.
If you want an accessible yet immersive Alaska wildlife experience, the Rust’s bear viewing tour at Redoubt Mountain Lodge is unparalleled. I see why people say it’s the No. 1 bear tour in Alaska!