Prime Bear
Photography Spots
With decades of experience photographing bears, leading photo tours nationwide, I'm frequently asked about the ultimate bear photography spots in North America. Having photographed nearly half a million bear images, I've honed in on prime locations such as Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Smoky Mountains, Canadian Rockies, Alaska, and North Carolina. Yet, my heart remains steadfastly drawn to Alaska for the ultimate bear photography experience.
Alaska boasts the largest population of grizzly bears in North America, estimated between 50,000 to 60,000, with approximately 30,000 of them residing there. However, despite their abundance, locating these majestic animals requires a detailed understanding of bear behavior and impeccable timing.
Covering vast expanses, Alaska demands strategic planning to maximize your chances of encountering bears in their natural habitat. Here are some top grizzly bear destinations, along with my recommendations for an unforgettable photography experience.
Denali National Park lies about a 4-hour drive from Anchorage and approximately 2 hours from Fairbanks. However, I seldom venture to Denali for grizzly bear photography due to its challenging logistics. While access into the park is straightforward, once inside, you're restricted to driving only the initial 15 miles—an incredibly frustrating limitation. If you wish to proceed further, you're required to board a bus, which adheres strictly to designated stops except for wildlife sightings along the roadside. Photography from a bus window often yields subpar images, and if you wish to lave the bus, you're dropped off at least a mile away, adding another layer of inconvenience.
Lake Clark National Park presents another enticing option for bear photography, albeit with its own set of challenges. Accessible only by small plane, Lake Clark offers two prominent sections—Chinitna Bay and Silver Salmon Creek—where bears can be observed feasting on sedge grasses in spring and salmon from summer through mid-September. However, be prepared for extensive walking.
For me, Katmai National Park holds a preference for several reasons. Here, optimal timing and location can yield encounters with a multitude of bears. While many visitors spend several days at Lake Clark photographing a handful of bears, at Katmai, I've experienced days with sightings of over 40 bears, making it an unparalleled destination for bear photography enthusiasts.
Katmai National Park stands out as the premier destination to witness bears in Alaska, if not the world. Accessible only by floatplane or boat, the journey may come with a hefty price tag, but the experience is truly priceless. The floatplane ride not only provides breathtaking aerial views but also offers glimpses of other wildlife along the way.
When planning a visit to Katmai, you have several options, each with its own advantages and drawbacks, all of which come at a significant cost.
1. Day Trip: Many tour companies operate day trips from Homer, Soldotna, and Anchorage, offering a convenient way to catch a glimpse of bears if you're short on time. However, the limited duration of the trip leaves little opportunity for extended bear photography.
2. Overnight Stay at a Bear Lodge: Opting for an overnight stay at a bear lodge can be an excellent choice under optimal conditions. However, there's a degree of risk involved, as factors like tidal changes or delayed salmon runs can significantly affect bear sightings.
3. Multi-day Floatplane Expedition: Embarking on a multi-day floatplane expedition allows for exploration of multiple locations, enriching your photography portfolio with diverse scenes. Yet, this option is contingent upon favorable weather conditions; adverse weather may ground the planes, leading to potential delays lasting several days in Alaska's unpredictable climate.