Experience the awe-inspiring sight of Kodiak brown bears in their natural habitat with Kodiak Island Resort, one of Alaska’s premier adventure lodges. We pride ourselves on delivering a level of service that is refreshingly old-fashioned, with a strong emphasis on quality and guest satisfaction. From the moment you arrive until your reluctant departure, we ensure a luxury wilderness vacation adventure that is second to none.
Kodiak brown bears, renowned for their impressive size, owe much of their grandeur to the abundant salmon and marine-based foods available on the island. Isolated since the last ice age, these bears have evolved into a distinct subspecies, flourishing in the rich habitat provided by the Kodiak Archipelago. With an estimated population of 3,500 bears, many reside within the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding areas like Frazer Lake and Brooks Falls in Katmai National park can be accessible by a scenic float plane trip from Kodiak Island Resort.
Best Times to Go Bear Viewing in Kodiak Alaska
Bear viewing on Kodiak Island is a must-do activity, especially during the peak months of July, August, and September. These months provide the best opportunities to see the magnificent Kodiak bears in their natural habitat. For an enriching and safe experience, joining a knowledgeable guide is highly recommended, as they can lead you to the prime viewing spots and ensure your safety.
One of the top bear-viewing destinations is Frazer Lake, accessible via a 30-minute float plane journey followed by a ¾ mile hike. This spot offers an excellent vantage point to observe the bears. Remember to bring sturdy hiking boots and a camera with a long lens to capture the bears from a safe distance. Another premier location is Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park, just a 40-minute float plane ride from the Kodiak Island Resort Lodge. At Brooks Falls, you can witness bears catching salmon in mid-air, providing an unforgettable spectacle.
While bears can occasionally be seen from the road at Humpy Creek near our local river in Larsen Bay, it’s crucial to never approach a bear and always maintain a good distance, especially if you’re not with a guide. At Kodiak Island Resort, we are dedicated to providing a safe, thrilling, and unforgettable bear-viewing adventure that showcases the majestic beauty and wildlife of Kodiak Island. Join us for an experience of a lifetime and witness these incredible creatures in their natural setting.
What To Pack on a Bear Viewing Adventure
Quality, well-fitting equipment and clothing can make the difference between an incredible Alaskan bear-viewing trip and a truly miserable experience. The exact gear necessary will depend on personal preference, but this list is a great starting point for your adventure with Kodiak Resort.
Gear and Equipment
- Backpack: A well-fitting backpack with a 40-70L capacity is ideal. Ensure it’s comfortable, especially if you’re carrying bear-resistant food containers.
- Waterproof pack cover: Choose one large enough to cover your pack and any external items. Alternatively, line your backpack with a trash compactor bag for waterproofing.
- Water bottle or hydration bladder: 1-2L capacity is usually sufficient.
- Tent: Opt for a tent that can withstand strong winds and rain. A mesh tent with a separate waterproof rain fly is ideal for humidity control.
- Bear-resistant food container (BRFC): These are essential in many parts of Alaska for safely storing food.
- Stove and Fuel: Ensure your stove functions properly before your trip. Plan for 2-3 ounces of fuel per person per day.
- Cookset: Simple meals require just one pot; more complex meals might need two.
- Eating bowl & utensils: A long spoon and a collapsible bowl are practical.
- Water treatment: Use a pump filter, gravity filter, or purification chemicals to ensure safe drinking water.
- Bathroom kit: A one-gallon Ziplock bag with toilet paper, hand sanitizer, a small trowel, and a lighter is practical.
- Communication device(s): A satellite texting device like an inReach or SPOT is essential for remote areas.
- Navigation tools: A map and compass are reliable, but phone apps like GaiaGPS or handheld GPS devices are also useful.
- Medical kit: Include essentials like gloves, a CPR mask, medications, and wound-care supplies.
- Trekking poles: These are helpful, especially for river crossings.
- Sleeping bag and pad: A 20-30F bag for summer trips and a lightweight sleeping pad for comfort.
- Headlamp: Pack one if traveling in May, August, or September.
- Repair kit: Carry essentials for fixing broken gear.
Footwear
- Hiking boots: Break them in before your trip to avoid discomfort.
- Hiking socks: Choose based on personal preference, from thin liner socks to thick wool socks.
- Camp shoes: Options include Crocs or old tennis shoes, useful for river crossings.
Clothing
- Rain jacket and pants: Waterproof Gore-Tex is ideal.
- Layers: Pack a T-shirt, long-sleeve shirt, hiking pants, hiking shorts, and a mid-weight fleece jacket.
- Hat and gloves: A billed hat for sun/rain protection and fleece gloves for warmth.
- Insulated jacket: A synthetic or down “puffy” jacket for additional warmth.
- Personal items: Sunglasses, toiletries, personal medications, sunscreen, and insect repellent are essential.
Discretionary Items
- Pack towel, journal, book, and camera: Optional items for comfort and documenting your trip.
- Binoculars and headnet: Useful for wildlife viewing and bug protection.
When packing, use compression sacks for sleeping bags and clothes to maximize space and ensure waterproofing. Position the heaviest items along your spine in the middle of your pack for balance. Remember, in Alaska, wool or synthetic layers are crucial for staying warm, even when wet.
By following these packing tips, you’ll be well-prepared for a memorable bear-viewing adventure with Kodiak Resort.
Kodiak Island Resort At A Glance
Number of Guests We Can Accommodate Per Trip
Ebikes
Spacious Bedrooms
Kayaks
Private Bathrooms
Full-time Staff Members
Fishing Experience from our Captains
36ft Fishing Boats
Dining at Kodiak Island Resort
At the end of your exciting day sport-fishing and sightseeing, relax in our executive lounging area, feast on our tasty hors-d’oeuvres, and enjoy your favorite drink while recounting your day’s adventures with your friends and family. (Though we don’t provide liquor, you’ll find a generous supply of ice, mixers, and soft drinks in the lounging/wet-bar area to meet your needs.) Our appetizer platters are heaping with fresh crab, smoked salmon, shrimp, cheeses, homemade dips, crackers, and other marvelous culinary masterpieces from our gourmet chef.
Oh the food… You’re going to love it!
Our oceanfront dining room enjoys marvelous views of the mountains, ocean, and wildlife, which along with our four star service and comfortable lodge ambiance, make for a truly special dining experience!
Dining at Kodiak Island Resort is always an event… You will really enjoy your delicious meals while taking in our expansive view of the Kodiak Mountains and Larsen Bay. The main course will range from Halibut Florentine or Halibut stuffed with crab meat, King Salmon with Hollandaise sauce, to Porterhouse or Prime rib steaks. On the lighter side, how about Fettuccine Alfredo with smoked salmon? Savor our homemade breads and desserts. Though we enjoy showcasing our area’s fresh seafood, we realize ‘one shoe’ doesn’t fit all our guests’ palates, therefore, our head chef prepares an assortment of delicious Alaskan cuisine to make sure everyone has a thoroughly enjoyable dining experience.
Full breakfasts and fresh pastries are served early so as to fortify our guests for a full day of adventures. Lunches are customized by each guest to their own palates and sent out each day in your own personal insulated lunch box. Soft drinks of your preference are iced and stocked on each boat.
Dining at Kodiak Island Resort is always an event… You will really enjoy your delicious meals while taking in our expansive view of the Kodiak Mountains and Larsen Bay. The main course will range from Halibut Florentine or Halibut stuffed with crab meat, King Salmon with Hollandaise sauce, to Porterhouse or Prime rib steaks. On the lighter side, how about Fettuccine Alfredo with smoked salmon? Savor our homemade breads and desserts. Though we enjoy showcasing our area’s fresh seafood, we realize ‘one shoe’ doesn’t fit all our guests’ palates, therefore, our head chef prepares an assortment of delicious Alaskan cuisine to make sure everyone has a thoroughly enjoyable dining experience.
Guest Suites at Kodiak Island Resort
The lodge has six spacious, double occupancy rooms, each with a private bathroom, two full size beds, panoramic views of Larsen Bay, and the surrounding mountains.
Often while in your room brown bears, foxes, deer and bald eagles can be seen on our property.
Executive Lounging Area at Kodiak Island Resort
For indoor relaxation the recreation area has a wet bar, television, movies, and a card table for your enjoyment. There is a good selection of nature tapes about Alaska. You can also hook up your video camera to view your daily fishing action if you wish. Our sincere objective is to surpass our guest’s expectations for great service. There is always plenty of finger food available during your stay in the Executive Lounging Area to enjoy, along with your favorite drink while watching a show on our large screen television. Though we don’t provide hard liquor, we do provide a supply of mixes and cubed ice for your drinks. We are happy to accommodate dietary considerations; we only ask to have ample notification to place special orders prior to your arrival.
Other Activities
Have someone in your group who yearns for something more? Oh, we’ve got you covered! We have a fleet of battery powered, e-bikes. Plus… kayaks, beach exploring, beach campfires, remote river fishing, and more wildlife than you can imagine!
Lodge Staff at Kodiak Island Resort
Our hostesses are always courteous and friendly, and pleased to take your special requests. Our housekeeping staff keeps your rooms spotlessly maintained with a little extra elbow grease applied; they take pride in their work, and it really shows – your rooms are comfortable and inviting.
Your dining pleasure at Kodiak Island Resort will only be surpassed by your fishing adventures, and luxury accommodations.
