Bears of the Katmai Coast
Hiking/Trekking in Alaska with Arctic Wild
Full Description
Bear Viewing and Camping Trip in Katmai National Park
The Katmai Coast is like no other place on earth. Katmai boasts some of the highest densities and largest Brown Bears in the world. But Katmai 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 sea-birds fish, observe Katmai 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. Beach combing and tide pooling offer twice daily forays among the clams, chitons, anemones, and glass fishing floats. Several archeological sites are within a days walk from camp. A longer hike towards the volcanoes (still active) leads to the base of a glacier. And of course there are the stunningly powerful and majestic Katmai bears which can always be found either on the beach or back in the lush meadows near camp.
Camping on the Katmai Coast amongst the numerous bears and formidable weather may seem a little intimidating to some. But we believe 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 which 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 quality equipment you will be able to relax and enjoy the weather and wildlife in this stunning national park. 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.
Includes:
- Transportation beyond Homer, Alaska
- Outstanding guide service
- Wholesome, delicious, and mostly-organic food while in the wilderness
- Stoves, cooking & eating utensils
- Repair and safety equipment such as firearm (guide will carry) and one bear spray/ flare per guest
Excludes:
- Non-camp lodging
- Non-camp meals
- Personal clothing, and footwear
- Sleeping bag & sleeping pad
- Three-season tent
- Large waterproof dry bag (one with shoulder strap recommended)
- Waterproof camera case
- Fishing gear and fishing license
- Gratuity for guide(s)
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Meet in Homer for a pre-trip meeting. Lodging on your own.
Day 2: Depart Homer and arrive on the beach around low tide. Set-up camp and watch some bears.
Days 3-5: Explore and enjoy from our basecamp. Beach walks, hikes up to the glacier, searching for Aliutiq house pits, beach combing for glass fishing floats, watching bears grazing on the sedge meadows, walking the sea-cliffs out by the cape, and who knows what else.
Day 6: Weather permitting our pilot arrives at low tide for the flight back to Homer.
and/ or
Day 1: Meet in Homer for a pre-trip meeting. Lodging on your own.
Day 2: Depart Homer and arrive on the beach around low tide. Set-up camp and watch some bears.
Days 3 - 6: Explore and enjoy from our basecamp. Beach walks, hikes up to the glacier, searching for Aliutiq house pits, beach combing for glass fishing floats, watching bears grazing on the sedge meadows, walking the sea-cliffs out by the cape, and who knows what else.
Day 7: Weather permitting our pilot arrives at low tide for the flight to Hallo Bay. This is one of the most beautiful flights in the world and once at Hallo Bay we get to see densities of bears like nowhere else, and because these bears are habituated to human presence we will be able to get close and see details of their lives not possible with wilder bears elsewhere in Katmai. After several hours of bear watching and photography we head back to Homer.
About The Operator:
Arctic Wild
Headquarters:
Fairbanks, AK
Established:
January 1998
Arctic Wild is a wilderness guiding company based in Fairbanks, Alaska. We specialize in 1 to 3 week, fully guided and outfitted adventures in arctic Alaska. Our professional guides can take you to the most remote, beautiful and wildlife rich areas in Alaska. Our dedication to your enjoyment and learning is why people return year after year to enjoy the arctic with us. Groups are small, we travel quietly, and the focus is on the land and its inhabitants. Whether you join us for a basecamp trip, river rafting, canoeing or backpacking adventure, there is plenty of free time for you to explore, bird watch, photograph, fish or do whatever pleases you most. Our simple and efficient camps are comfortable, and wholesome camp meals are as filling as delicious. Our itineraries are as varied as our clients. Rigorous mountain expeditions, serene lake paddling, wildlife photography, whitewater rafting—we are always thinking of fun new trips and new ways to experience one of the largest wilderness areas on earth.
Arctic Wild is fortunate to have an astoundingly skilled, informed and passionate group of guides working with us. Some only work one trip a year while others have hiked and paddled with us all summer long for decades. Our guides' skills are born of both experience and solid training. In addition to completing our annual in-house training all of our lead guides carry a Wilderness First Responder medical certificate and many of them are have Swiftwater Rescue training as well. Some guides also work as biologists or mountaineers, professional conservationists, and educators. All of our guides have the experience and knowledge to make your trip safe, fun, and educational. Since 1998 Arctic Wild has been the leader in Natural History and adventure travel in northern Alaska.