BEAR VIEWING & FLy-OUT FISHING
Join us for an unforgettable experience
Take a flight with Alaska West Air, Inc., where our bear viewing and photography trips consistently stand out as extraordinary adventures.
Traverse from our picturesque local salmon fishing streams to the serene shores of numerous lakes, as we transport you to unparalleled bear viewing havens. Year after year, both seasoned photographers and avid spectators find themselves drawn back to witness the majestic giants of the wilderness.
Wolverine Creek/Big River Lakes
Embark on an unparalleled bear viewing adventure at Big River Lakes, where our trips promise an experience best described as "up close & personal." Your journey kicks off with a 25-minute flight across Cook Inlet, setting the stage for a remarkable 6-hour experience. Don't forget to bring a fully charged cell phone or a high-quality camera, as the photo opportunities are nothing short of amazing!
Prepare for an up-close experience with Alaskan brown and black bears as they actively fish for sockeye salmon and impart vital skills to their adorable cubs. Positioned in the complete safety of your guide's boat, you'll be in close proximity, offering a front-row seat to witness these majestic creatures in action as they engage in the natural activities of fishing and relaxation.
But the magic doesn't stop there. The expansive and breathtaking wilderness surrounding you is home to a variety of wildlife, including eagles, moose, and more, creating a truly immersive experience. Our bear viewing fly-in trips are meticulously designed to leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
Crescent lake
This is one of our premier bear viewing fly-in experiences, nestled in the untamed beauty of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. This rugged yet enchanting region boasts sleeping active volcanoes, sprawling ice fields, and glaciers, creating a dramatic backdrop for an adventure filled with abundant wildlife. The park's lakes and streams teem with trout and salmon, including massive runs of sockeye and silver salmon that migrate upstream to Crescent Lake, drawing a remarkable concentration of brown bears.
Your journey commences with a short 40-minute flight from our seaplane base in Nikiski, taking you past the awe-inspiring Mount Redoubt, whose spectacular eruption captivated Alaskans and viewers worldwide in 2009. As you explore this wilderness, the possibilities are endless—you may encounter cubs, young adult bears, and imposing bruins, their presence commanding respect from all others. These bears are lured to the lake shore, where thousands of salmon spawn in the shallows, creating a spectacle of nature's cycle. Additionally, as spawned salmon drift back into the river outlet, more bears traverse the riverbank in search of an easy meal.
Lake Clark, spanning 4 million acres, is a treasure trove of flora and fauna. Beyond the fish and bear populations, your eyes may catch sight of moose, caribou, Dall Sheep, and even elusive wolves. Secure your spot for this once-in-a-lifetime experience in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness.
Chinitna bay
An exceptional destination for incredible brown bear encounters in their pristine natural habitat. Tailored for those with limited time, this option provides a thrilling flightseeing experience during both the outbound and return journeys. The plane elegantly touches down on the beach, leading to a short walk to the designated viewing area within the boundaries of Lake Clark National Park.
Immerse yourself in the captivating sight of bears actively fishing and imparting crucial survival skills to their adorable cubs during a mesmerizing hour-long observation. This unique opportunity creates unparalleled photo opportunities against the stunning backdrop of Chinitna Bay's estuaries, where mountain rivers meet the sea, forming bustling hubs for these majestic creatures.
Explore the rich habitat, where food is abundant from early spring until the bears retreat to their dens in the fall. From late spring through mid-summer, witness bears feasting on protein-rich sedges and other edible plants in the salt marshes, with tidal flats filled with clams just a stone's throw away.
Board the plane for the return flight, treating yourself to breathtaking views of the active volcanoes, Mt. Redoubt and Mt. Iliamna, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. From the air, catch glimpses of bears and the potential excitement of spotting whales in the waters of Cook Inlet. The entire journey spans approximately 3 hours, offering a condensed yet exhilarating adventure in the heart of Alaska's extraordinary natural wonders.