cheerful

We are interested in a day trip to Katmai National Park. It is quite expensive. The cheapest we can find is about $500 per person at http://www.alaskatours.com/wildlife/bears/knp.htm

Can anyone comment if the trip is worth it?

Thanks!

akvisnet

If your interest is in seeing bears, there are less expensive options. But, if there is something that is drawing you to Katmai other than the bruins, it is hard to place a value on it. Each person has their own perception of value.

The fish are in (Kings) in the Susitna Drainages and I've seen plenty of bear tracks already up above Talkeetna.

cheerful

Thanks for the quick reply. Sorry for my ignorance. This is my first trip up there so my research is limited.

Yeah, we are interested in bears. Is there some trails along Susitna Drainages that is safe and not too diffuclt?

We would also be interested in other activities at Katmai if it can be done in a day trip. I am also thinking a view from the air should be great. Isn't it?

Thanks!

momwithkids

I was thinking about doing this trip too since it sounds just incredible, but the cost is a real sticking point. AKVISNET - what other bear tours would you recommend for mid-July, for me and my 2 children (ages 5 & 9)? We'll be in Anchorage, Denali, Talkeetna, Seward and Girdwood, so we can take the tour from any of these places.

Thanks!

cheerful

Is there any cheaper options? $500 pp is a little too much for me.

akvisnet

I'm thinking that if you are willing to try Rust's Flying Service or Ketchum Air in Anchorage, you'll find better deals.

Out of Talkeetna, try Talkeetna River Guides.

These people will put you in bear country. However, you aren't going to get the same assurance of sighting as you will in Katmai. Still, during salmon season, pretty much any salmon stream, including the Russian River where there are MANY people even provide bear sightings.

And, except for the Russian River, I wouldn't recommend hiking in...especially with kids. But, the Russian River trail is fairly easy, and because of the crowds (downstream aways), you'll never be too far from help or a cell phone.

BudgetQueen

I wouldn't do this on a day trip, but take an overnight, there is a good tour out of King Salmon that gets raves, pricey yes but excellent viewing. There are several operators out of Anchorage, request their visitor guide, www.anchorage.net I would verify- what the sightings are at the other locations, I know out of Talkeetna- they are far from 100%, maybe 50%?? Best bargain for browns (nonsalmon eaters) is Denali Park.

cheerful

Rust's Flying Service to Katmai cost $569. And I can't locate Ketchum Air website (www.airketchum.com does not have any info). Guess it will cost at least $500 for a day trip.

We probably won't have time to stay over night. Maybe next time.

How is the view during the flight?

Has anyone heard of the company "Alaskatours"?

Thanks!

lilipad

hallo bay does trips to katmai for $375 if it's more than 2 people - u can try to find somebody to split the trip with ... www.hallobay.com

cheerful

Can't find enough people for Hallo Bay. Guess $569 is cheapest 1-Day trip from Anchorage. From Homer, it is about $40 cheaper.

akvisnet

I wasn't recommending Katmai..... anywhere across the inlet on the salmon streams is good.

I saw two bears (3 counting the cub) near Byers Creek over the kast two days. One blackie while heading south, and one griz with cub when heading home...... no, neither would have been a photo opportunity as they were moving off of the road in front of me. However, between those two sightings, I also saw a griz at Willow Creek crossing one of the sloughs ahead of me. He was totally unaware of my presence. And, I was totally aware that my gun was left in the car because I assumed there'd be a bunch of people around. Still, were a photographer, I could have a couple of really nice pictures right now of that guy.

People need to start thinking outside of the envelope a bit and let some of their "adventure" unfold. Too many people trying to get into the same two or three places to take pictures of the same bears that will look the same as they did the year before on someone else's photos. These animals are creatures of habit. There is one that dives, one that spalshes, one that stands on the rock as the fish jumps into his mouth. There are 10,000 pictures of them that look identical.
Find new bears, areas, etc.

Clearwater Creek across from Homer is loaded with brownies. Ugak Bay on Kodiak is as well. Price vs. value.