9 Person group
1,495 / person
5 hours on the ground
Our Signature Trip
Venture to Brooks Falls, also known as Brooks Camp, to see the iconic moment of salmon fighting their way upstream, leaping up water falls only to be caught in the jaws of Coastal Brown Bears. Bear numbers typically peak in mid-July. Once you arrive from a scenic flight in our float plane, you will be given a safety briefing by Park Rangers at the Visitor's Center. After that, you can enjoy the park at your own pace. The falls where the bears congregate most densely for fishing are an easy 1 mile walk away from the Visitors Center. In addition to watching the bears fish at the falls, you can attend one of the ranger-led programs, walk along the beach, and even enjoy a hot meal or cup of coffee at Brooks Lodge.
some videos taken by our guests
Explore World-Famous
Brooks Falls
Detailed Schedule
*Subject to weather and group delays
7:30am: Check-in
8:00AM: Departure
4:30PM: Return
7:45AM
Check-in at the office, sign paperwork, weigh-in
Briefing from office staff to go over current camp platform conditions and bear etiquette
Load plane and receive safety briefing from pilot
Take off
9:30AM
Land at Brooks Camp
Deplane and head towards visitor center
Ranger Briefing — All camp visitors must do this in order to visit the area
Rangers provide instruction on where to store your lunch
Exploring / Bear viewing / Visiting platforms
8:00AM
10:00AM
7:30AM
Return to plane and embark
Take off
3:00PM
4:30PM
Land in Homer and deplane
4:45PM
Debrief, Q&A, goodbyes
Where is brooks Falls?
Brooks Falls
Preparing for Hibernation
A Salmon-filled river
Arrive at Naknek Lake, a premier destination for history, fishing, and brown bear viewing. The bears congregate around the Brooks River corridor starting in June, awaiting the 200,000 to 400,000 salmon who will make their way up the falls. Watch the bears dive, run, splash, and attempt to catch as many fish as they can. You may see bears on the shores of the lake, around the camp, crossing in front of you along the pathways, and of course, from the platforms. Perched above the river, you'll have incredible views to see them and grab those iconic shots that Brooks Falls is famous for.
What to pack
Day Pack
All of the following items should be carried in a hands-free pack.
Lunch, Snacks, and Water
Nothing that crumbles easily and no fish products.
Rain Gear
Bring a jacket and pants. Your ranger will not only come in handy during a shower, but acts as a windbreaker while keeping you dry as you walk in tall, wet grass and sit on the ground. Light coated nylon is best for Alaska. Unlike Gortex, it really is waterproof and is considerably less expensive.
Layer Clothing
Fleece is great in Alaska. It is light, warm, protects from wind, and dries quickly after getting wet. Click here for find more information about Katmai weather.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
You will be on maintained paths and will not need to cross creeks.
Binoculars
View bears more closely, or at times we can spot wolves and other wildlife further off.
Camera and memory cards
Brooks Falls is a renowned photography location. Take advantage of it! A 200mm lens will normally get you really close to the bears.
Insect repellant
Not usually a problem, but be prepared. Other bug avoiding tips: don't wear cologne, use unscented fabric softener, and avoid wearing bright colors.
Medication
Bring enough for two days of anything you need on a regular basis. It has never happened in Emerald Air Service's history, but any time you are in the Alaskan bush, weather can potentially cause overnight delays.
Sunscreen
Hopefully you'll need it!
No smoking or vaping at any time
Please bring nicotine patches or gum if you anticipate discomfort.
*bear spray and firearms are not permitted
Check out the video below for more on what and how to pack for your trip.
POLICIES
AGE LIMITATIONS POLICY
Brooks does not have an age requirement. This trip is ideal for families and those who may not otherwise be physically fit for the Guided Expedition. However, it is not recommended for children younger than 3 years old.
WEIGHT LIMITATIONS POLICY
The aircraft has a limited weight capacity. For guests who exceed 260lbs (102kb) including gear, please call our office to complete your booking. We do our utmost to accommodate guests while ensuring that we do not exceed our weight limit.
If a guest has intentionally or unintentionally misrepresented their weight including gear, and as a result the weight capacity of the aircraft is exceeded, that guest will be unable to go on the trip and will not be reimbursed.
PAYMENT POLICY
At time of booking you have the option to pay a 50% deposit or pay in full. If a guest books their trip directly online, there is an online convenience fee of 6%. You are welcome to call our office and book with one of our staff to avoid this fee.
We also offer a Military Discount of 10% for members and their dependents. Call our office to book directly in order to receive this discount. Thank you for your service!
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations due to weather will be refunded in full. Cancellations made up to 30 days prior to trip are refunded minus a fee of $100 per person. Cancellations within 30 days are non-refundable. We commend purchasing travel insurance for your adventure.
See what others have to say
Cindy W
— Aug 2021 —
The Most Awesome Trip
Most awesome experience with the bears at Brook’s Falls! The bears fishing for salmon was like a scene straight out of a movie and the different interactions between the bears (bears chasing each other away, exchanging spots, momma bear with cubs) were also the best to witness! The flight there and back was also amazing, as it was our first time on a hydroplane. Everyone at Emerald Air Service was super welcoming & nice! Making sure our trip starts with a call the day before, and warm, home-made cookies when we came back. A huge thank you to everyone at Emerald, and especially to our pilot, Dave!
