CHINITNA BAY BEAR VIEWING

CHINITNA BAY BEAR VIEWING

(Lake Clark National Park)

Alaska has earned global acclaim for providing visitors with an intimate encounter with the majestic Coastal Brown Bears. A staggering 98% of the country's brown bear population resides in Alaska, and just across from Homer on the West side of Cook Inlet, hundreds of these remarkable creatures call Lake Clark National Park home. We take pride in offering our guests the chance to embark on a wheeled bush plane adventure into the heart of Lake Clark National Park, spending a day observing these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Chinitna Bay and Silver Salmon Creek, with bears ranging from 800 to 1200 lbs., provide extraordinary opportunities for bear watching.

What to Anticipate:

  • Fly in our de Havilland Turbo Beaver or Cessna 206 on 35" tundra bushwheels to land on the beach across Cook Inlet!
  • Our Turbo aircraft, known for being faster, safer, and quieter, ensure more time with the bears.
  • Intercom with noise-canceling headsets provided, facilitating communication with the pilot and fellow passengers during the flight.
  • Hip boots are supplied based on location.
  • Enjoy beautiful aerial views of active volcanoes, rugged mountains, and wildlife-filled coastlines.
  • Chinitna and/or Silver Salmon Creek are approximately a 45-minute flight each way.
  • 2-3 guided hours on the ground with the bears.
  • Return with full camera cards and broad smiles, having had an unforgettable day in remote Alaska.
  • Small groups guided by your pilot.
  • Witness bears digging clams on the beach, indulging in sedge grasses, and enjoying berries.

Trip Details:

  • Capacity: Up to 15 seats.
  • Duration: 5-6 hours, including flights.
  • Trip Price: $895.00 per person
    • ​​​​​​​(plus taxes, park fees, fuel surcharge)
    • ​​​​​​​*3% processing fee will be applied to all credit card payments. Wire transfers and checks accepted.

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MORE ABOUT LAKE CLARK NATIONAL PARK 

Situated approximately 100 miles southwest of Anchorage in southwest Alaska, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is an extraordinary American national park. Originally designated a national monument in 1978, it gained its status as a national park and preserve in 1980 through the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. The park encompasses diverse landscapes, including critical streams and lakes integral to the Bristol Bay salmon fishery, notably the eponymous Lake Clark.

Open to a plethora of recreational activities throughout the year, the park safeguards a rich tapestry of ecosystems. These include rainforests along the Cook Inlet coastline, alpine tundra, glaciers, glacial lakes, major salmon-bearing rivers, and two prominent volcanoes, Mount Redoubt and Mount Iliamna. Notably, Mount Redoubt is an active volcano, having erupted in 1989 and 2009.

The park's diverse ecosystems make it a haven for a wide array of Alaskan wildlife, both terrestrial and marine. Virtually every major Alaskan animal can be observed in and around the park, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts. Salmon, particularly sockeye salmon, play a pivotal role in the local ecosystem and contribute significantly to the area's economy. The Kvichak River, within the park, stands as the world's most productive watershed for sockeye salmon.

A notable attraction for wildlife enthusiasts is the impressive population of brown bears drawn to the park. These bears are particularly attracted to the spawning salmon in the Kijik River and at Silver Salmon Creek, offering visitors unparalleled opportunities for bear watching—a common and thrilling activity in the park. With its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, Lake Clark National Park stands as a remarkable destination for those seeking an immersive Alaskan wilderness experience.

WHY TURBINE PLANES?

  1. Higher Power-to-Weight Ratio:

    • Turbine Engines' Power Output: Turbine bush planes typically feature turbine engines that offer a superior power-to-weight ratio compared to piston engines. This results in better takeoff performance, especially in challenging conditions such as short or high-elevation airstrips common in Alaska. The enhanced power allows turbine bush planes to operate efficiently even with heavy loads, making them well-suited for transporting cargo and passengers in the rugged Alaskan wilderness.

  2. Greater Reliability and Durability:

    • Simplified Mechanical Structure: Turbine engines have fewer moving parts than traditional piston engines, leading to increased reliability and reduced maintenance requirements. In the harsh and remote conditions of Alaska, where access to maintenance facilities may be limited, the simplicity of turbine engines becomes a significant advantage. Turbine bush planes can withstand the challenges of rough landings, extreme weather, and extended operation without the same level of wear and tear experienced by piston engines, contributing to higher overall durability.

  3. Improved High-Altitude Performance:

    • Consistent Power at Altitude: Turbine engines maintain consistent power output at higher altitudes, making them well-suited for the mountainous terrain of Alaska. As bush planes often need to navigate over mountain ranges and glaciers, the ability to operate effectively at high altitudes is crucial. Turbine engines deliver reliable performance in these conditions, ensuring that pilots have the power needed for safe takeoffs and climbs, even in the challenging topography of the Alaskan wilderness
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