Bear Mecca of Alaska
Viewing the majestic brown bears in Alaska has been on my bucket list for decades. Katmi, Brooks falls is the hands-down BEST place to fulfill this wanderlust dream. Here I met travelers from all over the world who shared the same desire. While home to viewing several thousand brown bears, there is amazing fishing hiking, and camping. It’s also a professional photographer’s dream.
Snorkeling
A stroll on the water
How Do I Book Brooks Lodge?
It might be hard to imagine the amount of people who have brown bear viewing on their bucket list like WE do. Unfortunately, folks from around the world plan years ahead to experience this and it does take tenacity and planning. Remember there are only a few months the bears are active here, so space is very limited, 16 cabins to be exact.
First, you need to start planning your visit in December two years before you’d like to visit. So, if you want to visit in Summer 2026, start planning in December 2024. That is if you are limited to specific dates. The application will allow you to list any dates you wish to visit. If you can be flexible, you can plan your visit with less lead time, but you’ll be limited to cancellations and late season dates (which is when we went, September). We booked a cabin with a three month lead time. Begin your planning the standard way by clicking the link below.
Brooks Lodge Lottery System
Due to high demand, Brooks Lodge holds a lottery for overnight accommodations. You’ll have plenty of time to plan your trip as notification is by email by January 31st if you won a slot or are put on a wait list. For those that have been selected for a spot, this email will include a reservation and invoice for the date you’ve been given within the date range listed in your application. For those that are not selected, this email will let you know what number you are on the wait list. There are 7 days to hold that reservation with a 50% deposit.
INSIDER TIP Don’t give up yet! Consider how many folks have to cancel; they win a lottery spot and lack the time off, finances, or simply life has changed. Even on the waitlist, we called every two weeks. One of those calls resulted in having two consecutive nights available in September!
Also be flexible, a queen size bed is hard to come by. My husband and I shared a 4 bunk cabin as this picture shows. Have a few friends or family that want to come? Share a room with the bunk beds.
What you can’t do, is transfer a reservation from one person to another. If you can’t go on the dates you “won”, you are not allowed to gift or sell your reservation to anyone else.
INSIDER TIP if you have a group, have each person hit the application dates with individual reservations. Then if you are awarded a space, the extras decline and any extra reservations are released to those on the waiting list. This is short period between December and January, so those waiting will hear quickly.
One of the elevated viewing platforms to see the bears in the water and river banks
Click below to learn about how the salmon run and spawn to make the most of your trip. The bears follow the Salmon
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there food available?
Yes, there are meal plans available. Breakfast, Lunch and Diner are buffet style and each meal can be purchased ahead of time or once on site. A bar, with limited selection is open around dinner/evening time.
Can I rent gear at the trading camp?
Yes, binoculars, rod & wheel, chest waders, canoes and kayaks are all for rent. There are also basic snacks to purchase as well as souvenirs.
Click here for rental prices https://katmailand.com/rates-and-services/trading-post/
Is there internet available?
No, seriously no.
Do I have to share a bathroom?
No, Every cabin comes with a flush toilet, sink and shower with hot water. Bonus points, it’s super clean, although basic.
Picture of the buffet
Discover the bears
Try to Catch the Cubs
*Photo of inside cabin curtesy of katmiland.com. All other photos are through our Android phones.