Southwest - Kodiak - Katmai National Park

Bears, Pribilof Island Birding, Ring of Fire, Lake Clark & Katmai, Aleutian Islands

Alaska’s Southwest region includes the Aleutian Islands, the Yukon and Kuskokwim River deltas, and the Alaska Peninsula. This area is particularly famous among birders and brown bear wildlife photographers. Each year, dozens of rare bird species fly through Southwest Alaska on their migration route to summer in the Arctic. Large brown bears are consistently spotted at such locations as Brooks Falls, McNeil River and Lake Clark, drawing wildlife enthusiasts from around the world.

The Southwest region of Alaska is part of the Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire” and is dotted with volcanoes. The largest eruption in North America occurred at Novarupta Volcano in Katmai National Park in 1912. Mt. Redoubt has been recently active, as well as Mt. St. Augustine and Mt. Kasatochi.

The two national parks in Alaska’s Southwest are Lake Clark National Park and Katmai National Park. Both parks are renowned for fishing and bear viewing. Brooks Falls, located in Katmai National Park gives visitors the chance to see bears fishing for salmon at the top of a waterfall. Numerous other nationally and state protected lands keep much of Southwest Alaska wild. The communities in this area are predominantly Alaska Native villages with communities including the Aleut, Alutiiq, and Yupik tribes.

Fishing in Alaska, including crabbing as seen on the Deadliest Catch television show on the Discovery Channel, is a major industry in the region. Alaska fishing lodges, such as Zachar Bay Lodge, offer both an excellent opportunity to fish in Alaska’s wild waters, but also to see the abundant wildlife.

There are no roads connecting southwest Alaska to the rest of the state. While there is limited state ferry service and some cruise ships visit this region, the vast majority of visitors fly from Anchorage or Homer to their destination. There is scheduled air service to Dutch Harbor, Adak, Kodiak, King Salmon, and St. Paul on the Pribilof Islands. Private lodges, bear viewing areas, and remote fishing streams can only be accessed by float planes and bush planes.

 

Choose from 10 vacations in Alaska related to Southwest - Kodiak - Katmai National Park

All tours
Save to Favorites

Chinitna Bay Bear Viewing

Depart from Anchorage by wheeled plane for a 90-minute scenic flight southwest over Cook Inlet toward the Chigmit Mountains. Enjoy spectacular views of the Alaska and Aleutian Mountain Ranges and two active volcanoes – Mt. Redoubt and Mt.... Browse itinerary

Save to Favorites
Unique Itinerary

Alaska’s National Parks Tour by Car

Visit 4 National Parks: Kenai Fjords, Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias and Katmai (or Lake Clark National Park for bear viewing). Plus, an add-on opportunity for a 5th national park with a visit to Gates of the Arctic National Park... Browse itinerary

Save to Favorites

Redoubt Bay Bear Viewing (Half Day)

Depart Anchorage on a half-day bear viewing trip to Redoubt Bay Lodge. Redoubt Bay is one of the most straightforward and accessible locations for bear viewing from Anchorage. You will travel by seaplane for a one-hour flight along... Browse itinerary

Save to Favorites
a Kodiak brown bear sow and her cub

Kodiak Brown Bear Center

The Kodiak Brown Bear Center in the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge was developed to offer unparalleled opportunities to observe and learn about the legendary Kodiak Brown bear. Enjoy deluxe private cabins with all meals while at the lodge.... Browse itinerary

Save to Favorites
People at a log-cabin lodge watching a float-plane take off from an adjacent lake

Redoubt Bay Lodge

Departing from Anchorage's Lake Hood, it is just a 50-minute flight by seaplane over Cook Inlet to the entrance of Lake Clark Pass. Nested in a 171,000-acre critical habitat area, Redoubt Bay Lodge has three rustic cabins and... Browse itinerary

Save to Favorites

Experience Kodiak Island

Fly from Anchorage on a scheduled flight, then embark on an excursion aboard a classic seaplane to enjoy a bird's eye view of the Island's scenic coastline and soaring mountain peaks. Kodiak is the second largest Island in... Browse itinerary

Save to Favorites

Katmai and Brooks Falls Bear Viewing

Fly from Anchorage to one of Alaska’s most famous bear viewing destinations, Katmai National Park and Brooks Falls!  Depart Anchorage early on a scheduled flight to King Salmon (approximately 1.5 hours).  On arrival, a local representative will transfer... Browse itinerary

Loading Tours...