Emerald Air Service exists to educate our guests about Katmai's majestic residents, the Coastal Brown Bear, and the country in which they live. We hope that everyone who takes one of our trips leaves with, not only great photographs, but with an understanding of bears, knowledge of how to move through their world, and a love for all wild places.
Emerald Air Service
2 Activities
Guided Expedition into Katmai Bush
This is Emerald Air Service's signature trip. Spend an unforgettable day in remote Katmai National Park and Preserve, far away from crowds, developed trails, and viewing platforms. Enjoy a scenic flight into the true Alaskan bush. You and the other members of your small group are led on a day hike by a naturalist guide who acquaints you with Alaskan Coastal Brown Bears and the amazing country that is their home. Depending on the time of summer, locations vary according to the bears' food sources.
Brooks Falls Self-Guided Trip
Venture to Brooks Falls, also known as Brooks Camp, to see the iconic moment of salmon fighting their way upstream, leaping up waterfalls only to be caught in the jaws of Coastal Brown Bears. Bear numbers typically peak in mid-July. Once you arrive from a scenic flight in our float plane, you will be given a safety briefing by Park Rangers at the Visitor's Center. After that, you can enjoy the park at your own pace. The falls where the bears congregate most densely for fishing an easy 1 mile walk away from the Visitors Center. In addition to watching the bears fish at the falls, you can attend one of the ranger-led programs, walk along the beach, and even enjoy a hot meal or cup of coffee at Brooks Lodge. Arrive at Naknek Lake, a premier destination for history, fishing, and brown bear viewing. The bears congregate around the Brooks River corridor starting in June, awaiting the 200,000 to 400,000 salmon who will make their way up the falls. Watch the bears dive, run, splash, and attempt to catch as many fish as they can. You may see bears on the shores of the lake, around the camp, crossing in front of you along the pathways, and of course, from the platforms. Perched above the river, you'll have incredible views to see them and grab those iconic shots that Brooks Falls is famous for. Detailed Schedule *Subject to weather and group delays - 7:30 AM: Check-in - 7:45 AM: Briefing from the office staff to go over current camp platform conditions and bear etiquette - 8:00 AM: Load the plane and receive a safety briefing from pilot ~~TAKE OFF~~ - 9:30 AM: Land at Brooks Camp - 10:00 AM: Deplane and head towards the visitor center Ranger Briefing — All camp visitors must do this in order to visit the area Rangers provide instruction on where to store your lunch Exploring / Bear viewing / Visiting platforms - 3:00 PM: Return to plane and embark ~~TAKE OFF~~ - 4:30 PM: Land in Homer and deplane - 4:45 PM: Debrief, Q&A, goodbyes
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