Spend your days amongst the bears, who couldn’t care less that you are there, and get to know the habits of individual bears as they fish, rest, and graze along the Pacific Coast. Our favorite area for watching bears is a two-hour plane ride from any road, viewing platform, or lodge. Being the only people for miles in any direction has its benefits. From our cozy and weather-ready camp, we are free to explore as much as we’d like.
The Katmai Coast is like no other place on Earth. Katmai National Park boasts some of the highest densities of brown bears and the largest brown bears in the world. Nevertheless, bear viewing is just the tip of the iceberg for this week-long adventure on the rugged coast of Katmai National Park. The rich waters of the North Pacific have carved long sandy beaches on this volcanic coast. Glacier-encrusted peaks loom above rich grassy meadows, active volcanoes smoke in the distance, basalt cliffs shelter rocky harbors, and wildlife is everywhere. From our camp in the flower-filled dunes, we can watch seabirds fish, observe bears feeding in the tide, hear glaciers cracking on the peaks to the north, and watch the dramatic weather move over this wild landscape.
Our days will be filled with exploration. Tundra hiking is excellent on the headlands to the east of camp. Beachcombing and tide pooling offer twice-daily forays among the clams, chitons, anemones, and glass fishing floats. Several archeological sites are within a day’s walk from camp. A longer hike towards the active volcanoes leads to the base of a glacier. All this, in addition to the stunningly powerful and majestic Katmai bears, which can generally be found either on the beach or in the lush meadows near camp.
Like all our base camp trips, there is as much or as little exertion and adventure as you choose. Your guide will be happy to lead hikes beyond the horizon, accompany you to watch and interpret bear behavior in the sedge meadows, or just provide nourishment and insight while you find your own enjoyment on the beach or in the mountains.
Camping on the Katmai Coast among the numerous bears and formidable weather may seem a little intimidating to some. But, we have found an ideal location and method for enjoying this beautiful and rich coast. We will set up a sturdy and comfortable base camp including a big “cook tent” in the vegetated dunes near the beach. Our camp provides adequate shelter no matter what the weather throws at us. By surrounding our camp with a portable electric fence, we take some of the worry out of having an inquisitive bear investigating our gear. With our qualified guides to teach you bear etiquette and our high-quality equipment, you will be able to relax and enjoy the weather and wildlife in this stunning national park.
Contact us to learn about our other National Parks trips that could combine with this trip.
