Guided Expedition into Katmai Bush
Offered by Emerald Air Service In Homer, Alaska
: $
About us
Embark on a scenic flight into the heart of the Alaskan bush with our Homer, Alaska bear tours, soaring past vast glaciers draping rugged mountains and steaming volcanoes. Spend an unforgettable day hiking 3–5 miles through the remote Katmai National Park and Preserve, wandering expansive sedge meadows or salmon-rich streams within its massive ecosystem. Led by a naturalist guide, your small group will dive into the world of Alaskan Coastal Brown Bears, exploring the breathtaking landscapes they call home on our signature Alaska bear watching tour.
A bear’s life centers on its food sources, shaping our journey. In early summer, we head to Hallo Bay’s sedge meadows, where bears graze on grasses, roots, clams, and other forage. By mid-to-late July, they shift inland to streams teeming with salmon migrating from the ocean to spawning grounds—salmon being their vital source of nutrition and fat for winter denning. During this peak season, we venture to Moraine Creek, offering front-row views of bears fishing, hunting, and feasting on millions of salmon surging through Katmai’s waterways.
A bear’s life centers on its food sources, shaping our journey. In early summer, we head to Hallo Bay’s sedge meadows, where bears graze on grasses, roots, clams, and other forage. By mid-to-late July, they shift inland to streams teeming with salmon migrating from the ocean to spawning grounds—salmon being their vital source of nutrition and fat for winter denning. During this peak season, we venture to Moraine Creek, offering front-row views of bears fishing, hunting, and feasting on millions of salmon surging through Katmai’s waterways.
What we'll do
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.
What to expect / what's provided
Duration: Approximately 8-9 Hours
• Small group (9 guests maximum)
• Walk between 3-5 miles throughout the day
• Scenic flight from Homer to Katmai takes approximately 1 hour
• Spend an average of 5 hours on the ground hiking and sitting to watch the bears
*Check-in times vary, please check the confirmation email.
Detailed Schedule:
-8:00 AM: Check-in at the office, sign paperwork, weigh-in
-8:15 AM: Guide is introduced and clients are taken to boot shed to change into hip boots for the excursion
-8:30 AM: Briefing from guide at deck to go over safety instructions, bear etiquette, lunch, and bathroom rules
-8:45 AM: Load plane and receive safety briefing from pilot
Take Off
-10:15 AM: Land at Hallo Bay / Moraine Creek
-10:30 AM: Deplane and get ready for adventure!
Exploring / Bear viewing
Lunch / Snacks / Water
Bathrooms as group wants or needs
Exploring / Bear viewing
-3:30PM: Return to plane and embark
Take Off
-4:45 PM: Land in Homer and deplane
-5:00PM: Cookies, take off boots, debrief, Q&A, goodbyes
• Small group (9 guests maximum)
• Walk between 3-5 miles throughout the day
• Scenic flight from Homer to Katmai takes approximately 1 hour
• Spend an average of 5 hours on the ground hiking and sitting to watch the bears
*Check-in times vary, please check the confirmation email.
Detailed Schedule:
-8:00 AM: Check-in at the office, sign paperwork, weigh-in
-8:15 AM: Guide is introduced and clients are taken to boot shed to change into hip boots for the excursion
-8:30 AM: Briefing from guide at deck to go over safety instructions, bear etiquette, lunch, and bathroom rules
-8:45 AM: Load plane and receive safety briefing from pilot
Take Off
-10:15 AM: Land at Hallo Bay / Moraine Creek
-10:30 AM: Deplane and get ready for adventure!
Exploring / Bear viewing
Lunch / Snacks / Water
Bathrooms as group wants or needs
Exploring / Bear viewing
-3:30PM: Return to plane and embark
Take Off
-4:45 PM: Land in Homer and deplane
-5:00PM: Cookies, take off boots, debrief, Q&A, goodbyes
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations due to weather will be refunded in full. Cancellations made up to 30 days prior to trip are refunded minus a fee of $100 per person. Cancellations within 30 days are non-refundable. We commend purchasing travel insurance for your adventure.
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