moderate
Full day (6–8 hours)
Moderate fitness required; comfortable with standing and light hiking on uneven terrain.
Witness brown bears fishing salmon at Crescent Lake in Lake Clark National Park, Alaska. Combine thrilling wildlife viewing with exceptional fishing on this fly-in adventure.
6 Hours • Available 6/20 - 9/30• $750 per person
Experience the breathtaking wilderness of Lake Clark National Park on a unique bear viewing fly-in adventure. Witness the thrilling migration of sockeye and silver salmon, attracting brown bears to Crescent Lake. Enjoy exceptional fishing opportunities and the chance to see diverse wildlife in a stunning natural setting.
6 Hours
This trip is great for any age including younger children.
7/10 - 8/10 Sockeye Salmon 9/1 - 9/30 Silver Salmon
Nestled within the untamed wilderness of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve lies a premier bear viewing fly-in experience. This ruggedly beautiful expanse features active volcanoes, ice fields, and glaciers, set against a backdrop of pristine lakes and teeming streams brimming with trout and salmon. The park's unique allure lies in the awe-inspiring annual migration of sockeye and silver salmon, drawing a remarkable concentration of brown bears to Crescent Lake, where your adventure unfolds.
A brief 40-minute flight from the seaplane base in Soldotna takes you past the iconic Mount Redoubt, known for its spectacular eruption in 2009. Upon arrival, we'll transfer to a river boat where you'll have the chance to encounter cubs, young adult bears, and formidable bruins that command respect from all others. These bears are lured to the lake's edge, where thousands of salmon spawn in the shallows. The aftermath of this salmon spectacle, as deceased fish drift back into the river outlet, attracts even more bears along the riverbank in search of an effortless meal.
Lake Clark, a sprawling 4-million-acre park, is a sanctuary for a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Beyond the salmon and bear populations, you may catch a glimpse of moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and the elusive wolves.
Prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the heart of the Chigmit Mountains at Crescent Lake. This natural wonder offers exceptional fishing and bear viewing opportunities. As summer unfolds, sockeye and silver salmon migrate up the Crescent River, drawing both brown and black bears to the lake's shores and riverbanks in pursuit of sustenance.
There is an additional $12 per person National Parks User Fee.
· Sockeye Salmon: Each angler is allowed a daily bag limit of 3 sockeye per person per day
· Silver Salmon: Each angler is allowed a daily bag limit of 3 silver salmon per person per day
· Daily Departures at: 10:00 AM, 3:00 PM
We will be meeting at one of 3 different float plane bases located in or near the town of Soldotna and will provide you confirmation of which float plane base a few days before your scheduled flight. They are all within a few minutes of Soldotna and which float plane depends upon which plane is being used for the day and how many total passengers for the flight
Depending upon the number of passengers your plane may be a Cessna Caravan, a DeHavilland Beaver, DeHavilland Otter, or a Cessna 207 if you are on one of the early season beach bear viewing trips.
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• Food, drinks, snacks, and water. Alcoholic beverages are allowed but please no hard alcohol or glass • Phones and cameras
• Waders and Boots if needed for your trip • All fishing tackle such as rods, reels, bait, terminal tackle • Knowledgable, experienced guides
Maintain a safe distance from bears and always follow your guide’s instructions to ensure a secure viewing experience.
Alaska’s coastal weather can shift rapidly—pack waterproof layers to stay comfortable during your trip.
Enhance your wildlife viewing and photography with quality optics to capture distant bears and fish activity.
Be cautious around river edges, especially near salmon spawning grounds, to avoid falls on wet rocks and mud.
Lake Clark National Park was designated in 1980 to protect its diverse ecosystems and native heritage.
Visitors are encouraged to minimize impact by staying on designated paths and following wildlife viewing rules to preserve habitat integrity.
Protects against frequent rain and wind common in coastal Alaska during bear viewing season.
summer specific
Provides stability on slippery riverbanks and uneven trails.
summer specific
Essential for clear viewing of bears and wildlife from a safe distance.
Capture high-quality images of dynamic bear and fish interactions.