| Where: | Register Now! Lake Clark National Park, Alaska | |||||||
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| Brochure: | Bears of Lake Clark National Park | |||||||
Alaska Brown Bear Photo Expedition in Lake Clark National Park
Experience the Majestic Brown Bears For years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing the impressive bears of Alaska. There are places in the world that leave you profoundly different. One of my most cherished destinations is Silver Salmon Creek Lodge in Lake Clark National Park. The opportunity to immerse with nature is inspirational. Nestled in pristine wilderness, this lodge provides first-class amenities that harmonize perfectly with the breathtaking natural surroundings, creating a sanctuary where both the spirit and senses are nourished.
Discover more of my bear photography at: barbaraeddyphotography.com. Stay updated on my workshops via Facebook: Barbara Eddy Nature Photography Workshops
Life at the lodge.
Our lodge provides cozy, delightful accommodations with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included—some of the finest meals you’ll find in a wilderness setting. Nestled near prime bear viewing areas, we can capture perfect lighting conditions at a moment’s notice.
Memorable moments abound, like the morning in 2021 when my guests and I awoke to curious bear eyes peering through our lodge window. Observing these majestic creatures up close, yet safely, was an unforgettable thrill. We all returned home with incredible photographs and lasting memories.
Each outing is guided by an experienced bear expert. We’ll capture images of bears during low tide as they dig for clams, graze in meadows, or fish for salmon. Every day offers unique opportunities, and we’ll be positioned perfectly to seize them.
The bears, habituated to human presence, allow for a safe, respectful approach. Our guides carry bear spray as a precaution, though it has never been needed. For optimal photography, an image-stabilized camera system is ideal for capturing fleeting moments, while tripods help achieve tack-sharp images.
We’ll travel comfortably in wagons pulled by four-wheelers to key bear habitats. Minimal walking is required on generally flat, easy terrain. To ensure the best photographic angles and safety, we move slowly and stay grouped, maintaining at least 40 yards of respectful distance from the bears—close enough to fill your frame with these impressive animals. Occasionally, bears may come even closer, providing extraordinary photo opportunities.
After a rewarding day in the field, we return to the lodge for gourmet meals and time to review, download, and recharge—both our camera batteries and ourselves.
Our journey begins and ends in Anchorage
Embark on an unforgettable adventure, beginning and concluding in Anchorage with a brief flight to our secluded lodge. Nestled in prime bear territory, the lodge affords unparalleled opportunities to observe these amazing creatures. During late summer and fall, bears thrive as they fish, graze, and clam, offering exceptional moments for photography enthusiasts.
When conditions are favorable, including ideal weather and tides, we may venture on an afternoon excursion to Bird Island. Here, the vibrant seabirds, such as puffins, provide captivating subjects alongside sea otters, enriching your photographic portfolio with diverse wildlife.
Daily Schedule - Itinerary
We will dedicate the best hours of light and weather to photography. We will take meal breaks to keep us warm, relaxed, and nourished.
Itinerary
Optional Extension in Seward - Craving more Alaskan magic? Embark on an Unforgettable Alaskan Adventure!
Join Barbara for an exclusive adventure filled with discovery and excitement! Prepare to immerse yourself in Alaska's wild beauty, experiencing breathtaking landscapes, awe-inspiring wildlife, and extraordinary photo opportunities that will create lifelong memories.
You don’t need a lot of equipment to photograph bears. The ideal lens is a 200-600mm. These particular lenses allow you to zoom in on more distant bears as well as animals close by. A tripod helps hold the camera and lens in position while awaiting an attractive pose. If you are using a camera with a crop factor (small sensor), consider what it does to your focal length. If your camera has a 1.5x crop factor, the field of view of a 300mm lens is similar to a much longer 450mm lens. The focal length is still 300mm, but the bear will be much larger in the viewfinder!
Alaska is often cool and wet, especially in late July and early August. You won’t be too hot. Don’t overdo what you wear. Hiking boots that resist water, rain pants, a rain jacket that can go over your normal warm jacket, and a rain hat for both you and the camera will come in handy. Even waterproof gloves might be helpful.
Bring warm clothes to prepare for the worst. On our last visit in August, it rained a couple of days, and we enjoyed temperatures in the low fifties. The lodge provides hip boots for making walking in tall wet grass drier and more comfortable. I wear these hip boots the entire time when viewing and photographing bears, as it makes stream crossings and standing in wet meadows easier.
Packing List - Upon receipt of your deposit, we will provide a detailed list of recommended camera equipment and clothing to ensure a comfortable and well-prepared adventure.
Fitness and Health - Physical Level: EASY Hiking
Special Considerations - This journey requires minimal long-distance hiking, yet participants should be prepared to walk at least two miles daily. The varied terrains include sandy beaches, cobblestones, mudflats, and tall grass flats. Your camera bag and tripod will be your companions, necessitating self-carrying.
Though not suitable for those with significant mobility challenges, individuals with average fitness levels will find the activities manageable and rewarding.
Journey to the Lodge. Arrival in Anchorage:
Fly directly into Anchorage and plan to stay overnight near the airport, as we will depart on a small plane the following morning. This flight to the lodge, included in the package price, will take about one hour and land on a sandy beach close to the lodge.
Important Travel Tip:
It’s highly recommended to arrive in Anchorage the day before our scheduled flight to Lake Clark National Park. While it is possible to find flights that arrive the same day, tight connections can be risky. I’ll be arriving at least one day early myself. If you plan to do the same, let me know—we could meet up, and I can assist you in finding lodging.
Heading Back Home
Our return flight from Lake Clark is scheduled for late morning on July 16. Upon arriving back in Anchorage, you may choose to overnight or catch a late flight home that evening.
Extend Your Adventure:
If you're interested, I'm organizing an extension to Seward for a boat trip into Kenai Fjords National Park—an incredible area filled with wildlife and glaciers. Let me know if you'd like to join, and I’ll handle the details. This extension will occur before our time with the bears.
Meals
The lodge provides three delicious meals daily. For safety reasons, no food is allowed during bear-viewing excursions. This ensures that bears do not associate humans with food, maintaining a safe environment for all.
Sleeping accommodations
Rooms at the lodge will be assigned, all offering comfortable amenities. Bedding, towels, and coffee are provided to ensure a cozy stay.
Cost - $7,895 per person
Main Workshop Inclusions:
Exclusions:
See the brochure linked above for more details, including cancellation policies.