The Bear Coast
Autumn Fat Bear Edition

Alaska’s Coastal Giants at their Heaviest- Brooks Falls, Kodiak and the Katmai Coast- All Without the Crowds

  • Cherry blossoms in full bloom along a riverside path in Kyoto, Japan during spring

    Fat Bears of Brooks Falls

    Witness the fattest bears on Earth at the legendary Brooks Falls, where coastal brown bears bulk up on salmon before winter—an awe-inspiring display of wild power and preparation- without the crowds!

  • Walk Among Bears at Peak Salmon Season

    Walk with coastal grizzlies during their highest seasonal concentrations, as they actively fish for salmon across rivers and tidal flats. With expert guides, you’ll safely observe this rare autumn gathering—an unforgettable immersion into the rhythms of wild bear life.

  • A woman photographing a Japanese snow monkey bathing in a hot spring in Jigokudani, Japan

    Scenic Bush Plane Fly-Outs

    Soar over volcanoes, fjords, and glacial valleys to reach some of Alaska’s most remote and bear-dense coastlines—places accessible only by bush plane.

  • Coastal brown bear in backlight

    Possibilities of Aurora

    As autumn darkens Alaska’s skies, the aurora begins to return—rippling in greens, purples, and reds above wild, remote terrain. With clearer nights and crisp air, this season offers a real chance to witness the northern lights dancing over the bear coast.

  • A tranquil outdoor onsen surrounded by cedar trees in a remote mountain setting in Japan

    Bright Red Salmon & Autumn Gold

    Capture stunning images of giant fall bears framed by flaming tundra foliage, vivid red salmon in crystal-clear streams, and moody coastal light. This is autumn on the Bear Coast—raw, rich, and wildly photogenic.

  • A steaming bowl of traditional Japanese ramen served with fresh toppings in a local restaurant

    Deep Storytelling & Expert Interpretation

    Guides with decades of field experience help you decode bear behavior, track signs, and connect to the ecological and cultural story of Alaska’s wild coast.

  • Explore the Bear Coast by Legendary Crab Boat

    Cruise the remote Katmai shoreline aboard the Ursus, a rugged Bering Sea crab boat turned floating bear-viewing basecamp—once featured on Deadliest Catch. With shallow draft and quiet presence, the Ursus gets you closer to wild bears in raw coastal places few ever reach.

  • Fat Bear at Brooks with Salmon in it's mouth

    When the Crowds Are Gone, the Bears Take Over

    Travel the Bear Coast in its quietest season, when the tourists have vanished but the bears remain—gathered in huge numbers, focused on the final salmon feast. Fewer people, more bears, and the wild just as it was meant to be.

“I flew halfway across the world to see fat bears—and ended up alone on a beach with twenty of them and not another soul in sight. The Bear Coast is unreal!”

— Drake S., Melbourne

Dates & Prices

    • Kodiak to Anchorage (8 People Maximum)

    • $14,945 INCLUDING internal air

    • Sept 13 - Sept 22
      Sept 16 - Sept 25
      Sept 19 - Sept 28
      Sept 22 - Oct 01

    • Kodiak to Anchorage (8 People Maximum)

    • $14,945 INCLUDING internal air

    • Sept 13 - Sept 22
      Sept 16 - Sept 25
      Sept 19 - Sept 28
      Sept 22 - Oct 01

Pace and Place

  • This expedition is active, remote, and rugged by nature. We’ll spend long days in the field, maximizing bear viewing during ideal light and behavior windows—often starting early and staying out late, weather permitting.

    Guests should be prepared to hike up to 4 miles per day in chest waders, often through mud, wet tundra, uneven terrain, and knee-deep streams. Bear viewing involves frequent stream crossings, walking on slippery coastal rocks, and climbing in and out of bush planes, skiffs, and rafts. You’ll also carry your own day gear.

    This trip requires good balance, moderate upper-body strength, and a strong sense of adventure. Keep in mind that medical care is extremely limited in these remote locations, and any emergency evacuation would be weather-dependent and only possible by aircraft.

  • Expect cold mornings and evenings, often hovering near or just above freezing, especially in exposed areas near the coast. Midday temperatures can rise to the 40s or low 50s°F (4–12°C), but wind, rain, and fog are common companions, particularly during skiff rides or floatplane flights. Sudden weather shifts are part of the experience—sun, sleet, and mist can all occur within the same hour.

    Travelers should pack layered, moisture-wicking clothing, a waterproof outer shell, insulated gloves, and warm hats. Chest waders and rubber boots are essential and provided for bear viewing, but sturdy, warm camp footwear is also important for downtime.

    This is raw coastal Alaska in fall—wild, unpredictable, and stunningly beautiful.

What’s Included

  • From the moment you arrive in Kodiak to the final goodbye in Anchorage, we’ve got you fully covered—including all internal Alaska flights and floatplane transfers, which many companies leave out and charge an additional $3,000–$4,000 for.

    • All in-state transportation, including chartered floatplanes, commercial flights between Kodiak, King Salmon, and Anchorage, and all skiff and raft travel in the field

    • Accommodations from the night of the welcome dinner through your final night in Anchorage

    • All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 10, featuring fresh, local Alaskan fare

    • Non-alcoholic beverages throughout the journey

    • All required permits, park entrance fees and taxes

    • Expert bush pilots, bear-viewing guides, and a dedicated World Untouched expedition leader throughout the expedition

    No surprise fees. No fine print. Just wild Alaska—handled start to finish.

  • While almost everything is covered, the following items are not included in your trip cost:

    • Gratuities for your World Untouched expedition leader (optional, but always appreciated)

    • Flights to and from Alaska (i.e., your arrival in Kodiak and departure from Anchorage)

    • Alcoholic beverages

    • Travel insurance – including emergency medical evacuation coverage, which is mandatory for this expedition

    • Personal expenses, such as laundry, phone calls, souvenirs, or additional snacks

    • Any costs related to weather delays, such as extra hotel nights or rescheduled flights (rare, but possible in remote Alaska)

Accommodations