Brooks Falls, in Katmai National Park and Preserve in south-west Alaska, is one of the most famous wildlife sights in the world. Each summer, sockeye salmon leap up the small waterfall on their way to spawn, and brown bears gather on the lip and in the pools below to catch them. Viewing platforms put you metres away from the action, and live webcams share it with millions of people worldwide, including during the park’s annual Fat Bear Week.
At a glance
| Best time | July (peak salmon run) and September (fattest bears) |
| Getting there | Floatplane from King Salmon (about 20 minutes) or Anchorage and Homer (day trips) |
| Time needed | A day trip or 1 to 3 nights |
| Big draws | Brown bears catching salmon at the falls |
| Good for | Wildlife lovers, photographers |
The bears
- Katmai has one of the largest protected populations of brown bears in the world, estimated at around 2,000 or more. See our brown bear profile.
- In July, dozens of bears may gather at the falls. Dominant males claim the best fishing spots on the lip, while younger bears and mothers with cubs fish below.
- In September, bears return to eat dying salmon and are at their fattest before hibernation, which inspired Fat Bear Week, held around late September to early October. See our Fat Bear Week 2026 story.
The salmon
The sockeye run peaks in July, when salmon jump the falls in large numbers. See our sockeye salmon profile.
Viewing platforms
- A boardwalk and elevated platforms at the falls and the river mouth let visitors watch safely.
- In the busy season, time on the main falls platform may be limited to allow everyone a turn.
When to go
- Late June to late July: the peak salmon run and the classic sight of bears catching leaping fish.
- August: fewer bears at the falls, as they spread out to other streams.
- September to early October: bears return to feed on spawned-out salmon; fewer visitors.
Getting there
- Fly to King Salmon (from Anchorage), then take a floatplane to Brooks Camp.
- Day trips by floatplane leave from Anchorage, Homer and Kodiak, typically including several hours at Brooks.
- There are no roads to Brooks Camp.
Where to stay
- Brooks Lodge: cabins at Brooks Camp, booked by lottery or long in advance.
- Brooks Camp Campground: a small, fenced campground, also booked far ahead.
- King Salmon: lodges for day visits to Brooks.
Bear safety
All visitors attend a bear safety briefing on arrival. Rules include keeping at least 50 yards from bears (100 yards from a mother with cubs), never running, and storing food only in designated areas.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see bears at Brooks Falls? July for bears catching leaping salmon; September for large, fat bears.
Can I visit Brooks Falls on a day trip? Yes, day trips by floatplane from Anchorage, Homer and Kodiak are popular.
How close can you get to the bears? Very close from the elevated platforms, often within a few metres, while you remain safe.
How much does a trip cost? Floatplane day trips are expensive; prices depend on your departure point. Book early for July.
Related guides
- Fat Bear Week 2026
- Great Bear Rainforest: grizzlies and spirit bears
- Denali National Park wildlife guide
- Animal profiles: Brown bear, Sockeye salmon, Bald eagle
Cover photo: NPS/Michael Fitz, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons