Brooks Falls Bear Viewing Platform - , AK

Name: Brooks Falls Bear Viewing Platform
Rating: 4.9

Address: Katmai National Park and Preserve, Brooks Falls, Brooks River, AK.

Website: nps.gov.
Specialties: Wildlife park, Scenic spot, Tourist attraction.
Other points of interest: Hiking, Getting tickets in advance recommended, Good for kids, Kid-friendly hikes.
Opinions: This company has 68 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.9/5.

Location of Brooks Falls Bear Viewing Platform

Brooks Falls Bear Viewing Platform is a wildlife park and tourist attraction located in the Katmai National Park and Preserve, at Brooks Falls, Brooks River, AK. This platform is one of the most popular viewing spots for brown bears in the world, as they gather to fish for sockeye salmon swimming upstream.

At Brooks Falls Bear Viewing Platform, visitors can observe bears in their natural habitat from a safe and comfortable distance. The platform is elevated, providing an excellent view of the bears as they catch salmon in the falls below. There are rangers on-site to answer questions and provide information about the bears and their behavior.

In addition to bear viewing, Brooks Falls also offers scenic spot and hiking opportunities. Visitors can take a short hike to the Upper River Viewing Platform, which offers a different perspective of the bears and the river. The park also has several trails for hiking, ranging from easy to difficult, providing stunning views of the Alaskan wilderness.

When planning a visit to Brooks Falls Bear Viewing Platform, it is recommended to get tickets in advance as the platform has a limited capacity and can get crowded during peak season. It is also a good idea to check the park's website for any updates or changes in operating hours. The park is good for kids, and there are kid-friendly hikes available, making it an excellent destination for families.

According to Google My Business, Brooks Falls Bear Viewing Platform has an impressive average rating of 4.9/5, based on 68 reviews. Visitors have praised the platform for its unique and unforgettable bear viewing experience, as well as the knowledgeable and friendly park rangers.

Reviews of Brooks Falls Bear Viewing Platform

Brooks Falls Bear Viewing Platform - , AK

The Shiny Dog

5/5

Incredible place. If you love watching wild animals in their own home i.e. the wild... then this is one of the best experiences you can get. We couldn't get enough of it. The idea is to patiently and quietly wait, and let the magic happen on its own, as these amazing creatures come out and do their thing.

Pro tip: Go back again several times during the day - it's a different experience every time, and sunrise and sunset are a bonus!

And please, a request if you're going to visit- Wild animals are super sensitive about sounds and human noises. Please show some respect for the animals, the hard working rangers, and others: Please be quiet and enjoy silently!

The bears don't want to hear about your "Saturday night drinking party"... just like you wouldn't want anyone ruining yours. This is a rare magical place, let's keep it that way.

And Katmai park rangers, you all are simply incredible! A heartfelt Thank you!!

B. Fritz

5/5

We went in September - no wait, however - not the 50 bears at a time you may see in July. There still were several bears, but salmon spawn up the river was pretty slow. Didn't see very many fish making the attempt to get up past the falls - but did see plenty of bears fishing. Great lookout here to see some of the best wildlife views! You'll need to make your reservations in December 2024....for 2026!

Thomas Borawski

5/5

Insane, epic, once-in-a-lifetime place you must visit. The platform gets crowded so please be respectful of others and please be respectful of the bears by staying quiet. If the salmon are running you'll see soooooo many bears.

It's a few mile hike to the platform, so please be careful and be bear aware along the way. Keep this spot nice for everyone and don't be like that idiot that went off the platform a few years back.

Operation Freedom Van

5/5

This is a once in a lifetime experience. Go expecting that the pictures don't accurately portray how incredible this experience is. Imagine stepping into the discovery channel. That is what this park is like. INCREDIBLE. You fly in on a plane that lands on water. It looked like there were some guys fishing near the bears, pretty brave but super cool. Not sure if that is a paid-experience but definitely something to look into while you are in this area.

Ed Miller

5/5

Such a beautiful place and so many bears. It gets crowded during the peak bear viewing season, so you may need to demonstrate a little patience or look for bears in other parts of the park.

Saketh Chinni

5/5

Awesome place to watch bears catch salmon as they swim upriver. Multiple spots around here to get truly up, close, and personal with the brown bears.

Shelly Durkee

5/5

Wonderful!!! Have wanted to travel to Brooks Falls/Katmai for years…finally made it! Saw several bears. Float plane trip was a blast. Rangers and staff were fantastic!

Jennifer Ng'andu

5/5

Once in a lifetime experience. Fly in by sea plane, then go to bear school to enjoy the bears at play in the falls. It is amazing to see the bears at play, fishing, and liging in their natural habitats. Park rangers ensure that there is order to the bear viewing, while ensuring that they live as if there wern't humans watching. It is quite incredible. These cell phone pictures give a sense of the magic, but bring your good camera/binoculars AND make sure to put them down to take in the moment with your own eyes.