Discover the Magic of Brooks Camp in August!

Hey There! I’m Steven, a local of King Salmon and the gateway to Katmai National Park. I wanted to take a minute and talk about why you should consider August when planning your trip to Brooks Falls. I am going to talk about the difference in experiences that I have had when visiting and planning many trips to Brooks Camp.

Nestled in the heart of Alaska's wilderness, Brooks Camp offers an unparalleled experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers. I understand the allure of this amazing location and the desire to explore its wonders. That’s why I want to do my best to educate visitors with accurate season-long information about what it is really like to visit Brooks Camp from June through September! So make sure to check back later for our Bear Viewing reports!

Okay, so let’s dive into why August might be the best month for Bear Viewing at Brooks Falls!

Why August is the Perfect Time to Visit Brooks Camp

Abundant Bear Viewing

August stands out as a prime time to visit Brooks Camp for several reasons, including the opportunity to witness the bears of Katmai in their natural habitat. Contrary to some outdated information the NPS has on its website, August is an excellent time for bear viewing at Brooks Camp. While you may not see 20-30 bears at the falls, you will likely see 5-10 bears at Brooks Camp at any given time.

During this month, the bears are still actively fishing and preparing for the winter, offering guests spectacular views and intimate encounters with these magnificent creatures. The bear population around Brooks Falls is still more than adequate in August, providing excellent opportunities for photography and bear viewing without the crowds!

While there are fewer bears some days than in July, it also means little to no crowds. One of the biggest complaints I hear is that guests don’t get enough viewing time on the main platform. This is easily overcome if you plan your trip for August or September. We often have clients who have spent hours on the main viewing platform with no time limit simply because fewer guests are at Brooks Camp in August and September. Of the many guests we assist in visiting Brooks Camp each year, not once has someone said that they regretted the experience they had at Brooks Camp.

I always want to be completely transparent and upfront about everything Katmai & Brooks Camp related, So the two variables that need to be considered for August are.

You must consider if 100s of fish jumping the falls is necessary for you to see. While in July, there are SOME HOURS SOME DAYS when 100’s fish jump the falls, there are many days in July when very few jump. (THIS DOES NOT MEAN THE RUN IS LATE!!) This does not make July bad for bear viewing, either though. In fact, July, August, and September all offer great opportunities for bear viewing. They are just different!

So please consider whether jumping fish is necessary because it is very rare in August or September to see 100’s of fish jump; while some still do, it is less than in July. This does not mean there won’t be bears; Brooks Falls is a significant obstacle for the salmon, which creates a perfect location for bears to sit and wait for easy meals!

The second thing to consider is whether you need to see 30 Bears at the Falls or whether 5-10 is enough. While 30 bears at the falls is not going to occur every day in July.

It does happen, and for some, they are willing to trade less time on the platform for that opportunity, yes you can re-queue and re-enter the platform if you have enough time on your trip, but I would rather have more time with the bears than to see a couple more.

In Addition to Excellent Bear Viewing, August offers some great Fishing Adventures.

For anglers, August not only brings the thrilling chance to fish for silver salmon, one of Alaska's most sought-after game fish but also offers the perfect setting for beginners to get their feet wet in the world of fishing. We specialize in making these fishing opportunities accessible and enjoyable for all, regardless of experience level. Our guided fishing trips are conducted from the comfort of our boats, providing a stable platform for those just learning the ropes. We equip our guests with high-quality spinning gear known for its ease of use and suitability for beginners, ensuring a smooth introduction to fishing.

Customizable Experiences

At Katmai B&B, we pride ourselves on offering flexible trips that cater to your schedule, budget, and interests. August's mild weather and diverse activities make it an ideal time to take advantage of our customizable packages. Whether you're here for the bears, the fishing, or to immerse yourself in Alaska's natural beauty, we're here to ensure your trip is everything you've dreamed of and more.

Thank you for taking the time to read why August might be the best time to visit Brooks Falls. I hope you found the information helpful while on your journey to plan the perfect trip to Brooks Falls. We, of course, as always, are here to answer any questions you might have, no matter if you are planning your trip with us or someone else. Please use us as your go-to resource when planning anything Katmai / Brooks-related!

Thank you,

Steven Benjamin