Lake Clark Bear Camp
- Destination: Great Alaska Adventure Lodge
- Duration: 3 days/2 nights
- Price: $1,795
- Available: June 01, 2012 — September 01, 2012
Our remote Brown Bear viewing camp is located on the shores of Lake Clark National Park in a rugged wilderness. Named the #1 bush camp in North America by Outside Magazine and one of America's Best Adventures" by National Geographic traveler. This amazing camp sits in a virtual time machine...between the towering snow capped mountains of the Alaska Range and the ice cold waters of Cook Inlet. You may enjoy the trip via one of our 5, 7 or 10 day packages, or as the perfect 1, 2 or 3 day add-on to your independent tour of Alaska.
OUR FAMOUS RESIDENT BROWN BEARS
In the early spring, female Brown Bear (Ursos Arctos) leave their dens with young in tow, to feed on the succulent saltwater and sedge grasses found around our camp. This allows us the opportunity to view and photograph these magnificent animals without impacting them, i their own environment. Like the grasses and salmon they feed upon, the bears are transitory - following the most available food source. One day trips to the camp take place in June and July only, with overnight stays all throughout the season (6/01-9/01).
The 50 minute flight carries you over Cook Inlet, home of one of the world's largest tides and skirts the ancient glaciers of Mt. Illiamna and Mt. Redoubt. The beach landing at our private camp in Lake Clark National Park begins your time at one of the world's great wild animal experiences. Our guests and their guides will spend 24 to 36 hours with these marvelous creatures before returning to civilization to share their experience.
The Bearcamp experience is included in some of our most popular itineraries: the Ultimate Combination, Lodge Wilderness package, Cruise Extensionas well as the National Park Safari and Wilderness Safari.
Our Bear Camp...Home sweet home
Our bear camp is located in a copse of trees between the mountains and the shoreline. Custom "Weather-Port" cabin/tents are on raised platforms with small decks out front and accommodate two guests each. The tents feature carpeted, wooden floors, solid doors, propane heat and light and twin beds.
Meals are brought in daily by plane and finished off by the staff at camp. Meals are family-style, and feature fresh seafood, meats, pasta and even a glass of wine for those who like. Battery charging is available via solar panels and some limited generator time but we highly recommend bringing a few spare batteries for your digital cameras. You can also give them a final charge at the main lodge prior to boarding the plane for the flight.
The Bear Camp experience can be shared by those on independent itineraries. Our vans leave Anchorage daily from both downtown and airport locations, while those on independent itineraries with their own car may check in at the main lodge, get directions and that day's flight schedule.
Sample 3 Day Itinerary
Day 1
You’ll be met at 7:30AM at the Millennium Hotel by our private van for the scenic 2 ½ hour trip to Great Alaska. (Please note- the ”no transfer” version begins at noon at our riverside main lodge on the Kenai river) Lunch and orientation is followed by a flight to our incredible bear viewing camp in Lake Clark. Following your arrival at camp and a thorough orientation at the camp, you’ll spend the afternoon viewing the amazing coastal Alaskan Brown Bears at the very base of - Mt. Illiamna, one of Alaska’s most beautiful mountains. You’ll overnight in an electrified fence perimeter of high-tech Weather-Port tent cabins with heater, toilet, writing desk, and twin beds.
Day 2
Today is that special day…in the wilderness with no travel plans! Wake up at your own pace to hot coffee and a wash basin of steaming water. After a hearty breakfast, you guides will discuss the best viewing options, then it’s off to one or both of our special viewing locations. Lunch and dinner will be served back at the main camp with an evening fire on the beach, then overnight with the staff of Bearcamp.
Day 3
A final days with the bears….you and your guides will perhaps choose another viewing location, walk the beach, journal or pace, and spend the morning in true wilderness beauty with the royalty of Alaskan wildlife. After lunch it’s back to the planes for the trip to our riverside main lodge. You’ll have a few hours there to sort your gear and ready for the van trip back to Anchorage. Arrive in Anchorage in the evening (some may choose the no transfers option, and will join up with their car upon return to the main lodge in the early afternoon.
