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One of the most common questions that we get asked here in Alaska is, “When should I visit?” Our most common answer? Whenever you can! There’s no single ‘best’ time to visit Alaska, however certain times may be a better fit depending on your interests.

For example, one of the most popular times to visit Alaska is July.  The reasons are clear.  We’ve got up to 18 hours of daylight, temperatures that can reach the mid-70’s, tons of bear sightings, pristine wilderness views, and some of the country’s top sport fishing opportunities. 

Since many people plan an Alaskan vacation in July however, planning ahead is crucial.  Here’s what to expect when you visit Alaska in July.  We’re also sharing insider advice from Alaskans who have been in the tourism industry for over five decades.  We want to make sure you experience a vacation that you’ll never forget.

Get Your Share of Bears

Alaska has the largest population of Brown Bears in North America.  Katmai National Park alone is home to over 2,200 bears, which is why it’s one of the top destinations for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, anglers, and adventures seekers to view these magnificent creatures. That’s why we offer both day trips and overnight lodge trips in Katmai at our Brooks Lodge operation.

Peak bear viewing season in Katmai typically starts in late June. However, we’ve had a ton of snow this year, which means higher than average water levels this summer. These higher water levels also tend to bring colder water temperatures. That typically means a later salmon run (one of the largest salmon runs in the world), which attracts our native Brown bears.  Not only are living salmon a source of the bears’ nutrition, but once they have completed their spawning cycle, their decomposing bodies become nutrients for the freshwater rivers and surrounding lands as well.

Here’s a tip:  If you’re booking a bear viewing day trip to Katmai from either Anchorage or Homer, Alaska, it’s important to note that not all experiences are created equal. Most simply put, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. There are no roads to Katmai National Park, so access is limited to air or boat travel. Although all means of travel can be impacted by weather (it is Alaska after all), boat travel can be unpredictable and subject to unexpected cancellations. Some tour operators only utilize lower flying aircraft, which are vulnerable to weather conditions, since they don’t have a pressurized cabin that allows them to fly ‘above’ the weather. These trips also require much longer travel times to reach Katmai.

Katmai Air utilizes modern pressurized aircraft when flying between Anchorage and King Salmon.  This allows them to fly over and land safely in rougher weather to connect to a float plane flight from King Salmon to Katmai. They also offer a refund if the trip needs to be canceled due to inclement weather, plus often work with third-party carriers to get day trippers to Brooks Camp during peak demand. The trip usually takes 1 hour from Anchorage to King Salmon, then about 20 minutes by floatplane to Brooks.  

Did you know? Brown bears give birth in their sleep during hibernation.  The babies can be the size of a chipmunk. A cub will nurse until the mother wakes up.

Go Fish!

June 8^th was the official opening day to target rainbow trout (one of Alaska’s most coveted native species) in most rivers across Bristol Bay and Katmai.  But, when most people think of fishing in Alaska, the five species of Pacific Salmon that return each year often come to mind. Most iconic of these is the sockeye salmon, the most prolific salmon species in all of Alaska.  Sockeye generally enter Alaska’s lakes and streams from the Bering Sea as early as late June and can run through early August.  Due to their enormous return numbers each season, they are considered the ‘lifeblood’ of Bristol Bay.  Sockeye salmon spawn and hatch in freshwater rivers but then may spend the 1 – 4 years of their life in nearby lakes before venturing off to the ocean.  Once sockeye salmon have departed for their saltwater journey, they spend the next 2 – 3 years in the ocean before returning to their original spawning beds.  It is said that these fish can return to within yards of their original spawning bed. 

Anglers of all levels can also look to land a variety of Alaska’s resident fish, including rainbow trout, lake trout, arctic char, dolly varden, Arctic grayling, northern pike, and more.  In addition to sockeye salmon, we’ve also got king (chinook), silver (coho), pink (humpy), and chum salmon.

If you aren’t an experienced angler, all of our lodges employ experienced guides who love working with beginner and experienced anglers alike. Don’t want to pack your own gear? All our lodges have rental/loaner gear available as well! If you’re more interested in a do-it-yourself experience, our Brooks Lodge offers unguided fishing opportunities on the Brooks River in Katmai National Park.

Did you know? The largest sockeye recorded in Alaska was in 1974 at 16 pounds.

Unparalleled Views

Whether you’re looking for adventure or just need to unplug, Alaska has you covered.  One of the most popular activities is the day long bus tour to the Katmai National Park’s Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes.  The Valley was formed back in 1912 when the Novarupta Volcano blew in the most violent eruption of the 20^th century.  It transformed the surrounding area into miles of barren ash.  Heat trapped in the ash took decades to cool. Any water buried by the ash or that permeated it turned into steam. The vents where the superheated steam emerged became the fumaroles that inspired the Valley’s name. The Brooks Lodge bus tour leaves daily at 9 am.  You can hike to the Valley floor or just enjoy the unparalleled views of glaciers, lava flows, glaciers ash and lakes.  You can also take an hour-long float plane sightseeing tour.

Wherever you go in Alaska, summer is the perfect time to hike a remote, jaw-dropping wilderness, where you truly feel like you’re away from it all.  You can also rent a canoe or kayak to experience this inspiring landscape from a totally different perspective. 

Whether you’re looking for adventure or just need to unplug, Alaska has you covered.  One of the most popular activities is the day long bus tour to the Katmai National Park’s Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes.  The Valley was formed back in 1912 when the Novarupta Volcano blew in the most violent eruption of the 20^th century.  It transformed the surrounding area into miles of barren ash.  Heat trapped in the ash took decades to cool. Any water buried by the ash or that permeated it turned into steam. The vents where the superheated steam emerged became the fumaroles that inspired the Valley’s name. The Brooks Lodge bus tour leaves daily at 9 am.  You can hike to the Valley floor or just enjoy the unparalleled views of glaciers, lava flows, glaciers ash and lakes.  You can also take an hour-long float plane sightseeing tour.

Wherever you go in Alaska, summer is the perfect time to hike a remote, jaw-dropping wilderness, where you truly feel like you’re away from it all.  You can also rent a canoe or kayak to experience this inspiring landscape from a totally different perspective. 

Did you know? Katmai National Park and Preserve is one of the world’s most active volcanic areas, featuring at least 14 active volcanoes.

There is no vacation quite like an Alaskan summer vacation.  In July, be prepared for larger tourist crowds and plan your day trips ahead of time to ensure that you’ll be able to enjoy every moment in this magnificent part of the country.