ALASKA BEARS – LAKE CLARK
AUG. 4TH - 9TH, 2027
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Experience one of the most intimate and rewarding bear photography opportunities in the world in the remote wilderness of Lake Clark National Park. This five-night photography expedition is designed for photographers who want extraordinary access to coastal brown bears in a wild, untouched setting — without the crowds.
August is a prime time at Silver Salmon Creek. Bears are actively feeding, often at close range, as they roam the coastline, dig for clams, forage in the sedge meadows, and interact naturally with one another. The open landscape allows for eye-level photography and clean backgrounds, creating powerful, story-driven images that showcase bear behavior, personality, and scale.
We will spend our days on foot with experienced local guides, positioning ourselves thoughtfully and ethically for incredible photographic opportunities. Unlike bear viewing from platforms or vehicles, this experience allows you to move slowly with the bears, adapting to changing light, weather, and behavior — ideal for photographers seeking variety, creativity, and depth in their images.
Our home for the expedition is Silver Salmon Creek Lodge, a remote, family-owned lodge accessible only by bush plane. The lodge offers comfortable accommodations, excellent meals, and immediate access to prime bear habitat right outside the door. With only a small group of photographers, you’ll enjoy personalized instruction, ample shooting space, and time to fully immerse yourself in the rhythm of the bears and the landscape.
This expedition is about more than photographing bears — it’s about slowing down, tuning in, and experiencing Alaska’s wild coast in a way few people ever do.
About your tour leader…
5 Participants
$9,450
Rooms at Silver Salmon Creek are double occupancy with shared bathrooms
ITINERARY
AUG. 4TH - 9TH, 2027
Arrival Note
Guests should plan to arrive in Anchorage on August 3rd, one day prior to the expedition. This allows for weather flexibility and ensures a smooth connection to the lodge flight the following morning.
Day 1 – August 4 | Anchorage → Lake Clark National Park
Guests will be picked up in Anchorage and flown by bush plane to Silver Salmon Creek, arriving at the lodge at approximately 10:30 AM.
Upon arrival, we’ll begin with an orientation, safety briefing, and gear check, after which guests will be assigned their local bear-viewing guide. You’ll then settle into your rooms before heading out into the field for a short introductory bear excursion to get familiar with the terrain, light, and bear activity.
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1:00 PM – Lunch at the lodge
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Afternoon bear photography and observation until approximately 6:00 PM (guests may return earlier if desired)
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6:00 PM – Optional happy hour (limited wine and beer available; guests may bring their own)
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7:00 PM – Dinner
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Optional short evening outing if conditions and bear activity are favorable
Days 2–5 – August 5–8 | Bear Photography & Optional Activities
These full days are dedicated primarily to coastal brown bear photography, with flexibility built in to follow light, weather, and bear behavior.
Daily rhythm typically includes:
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Early morning bear photography
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outing before breakfast
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8:00 AM – Breakfast
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Morning field sessions photographing bears in the meadows, along the coast, and in dynamic behavioral situations
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1:00 PM – Lunch
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Afternoon bear photography until approximately 6:00 PM
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6:00 PM – Optional happy hour
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7:00 PM – Dinner
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Optional short evening excursion when conditions allow
Day 6 – August 9 | Lake Clark → Anchorage
On the final morning, guests will have time for a short early excursion before breakfast, depending on weather and bear activity.
Bush plane departures begin around 10:00 AM, returning guests to Anchorage by late morning.
RESERVE SPACE
INCLUDED
- Air transport to and from Anchorage to Silver Salmon Creek, Day 1 and 6
- Meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6
- Accommodations Day 1-6
- Expert bear guiding service
- Professional photography instruction
EXCLUDED
- Airfare to Anchorage, Alaska the day before the tour begins and departure from Anchorage on Day 6
- Hotel accommodation in Anchorage on Aug. 3rd
- Breakfast on day 1
- Alcoholic beverages
- Trip Insurance
ACTIVITY LEVEL
This photography expedition involves moderate physical activity and is well suited for guests who are comfortable walking on uneven natural terrain at a relaxed pace.
Bear photography at Silver Salmon Creek Lodge is conducted on foot, primarily in coastal meadows, along the beach, and on gently rolling terrain. Walks are generally short and unhurried, with frequent stops to observe and photograph wildlife.