Witnessing brown bears in the wild is one of North America’s most thrilling wildlife experiences—whether it’s a 1,400-pound Kodiak giant fishing for salmon along Alaska’s coast or a grizzled inland grizzly foraging for berries in Yellowstone’s meadows. All brown bears belong to the same species (Ursus arctos), but regional diets and habitats create distinct subtypes: massive coastal brown bears (including Kodiak and Alaskan Peninsula bears) thrive on protein-rich salmon, growing up to 50% larger than their inland cousins; grizzly bears of the Rockies and interior Alaska rely on roots, berries, and small game, sporting longer claws for digging and the signature silver-tipped “grizzled” fur. From Katmai’s Brooks Falls to Glacier National Park’s alpine slopes, each destination offers safe, responsible viewing opportunities—always maintaining 100 yards distance, using bear spray, and joining guided tours to protect these iconic animals and ensure unforgettable travel memories.

The best time to see brown bears depends on location: July–August brings salmon runs to Alaska’s coastal parks, drawing dozens of bears to rivers; spring (May–June) reveals hungry grizzlies emerging from hibernation in the Lower 48; while fall offers berry-feeding frenzies before denning. With populations rebounding thanks to conservation, now is the perfect time to plan an ethical wildlife adventure—whether by floatplane to remote Alaskan lodges or scenic drives through Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Search “brown bear viewing tours [park name]” for licensed guides, check NPS or FWS bear activity updates, and book early for peak season platforms like Katmai’s Brooks Camp. Responsible travel keeps bears wild and visitors safe.

1) Katmai National Park & Preserve, Alaska
Katmai National Park & Preserve in Alaska is the ultimate destination for brown bear viewing in the USA, home to over 2,200 coastal brown bears—the densest population in North America. The iconic Brooks Falls becomes a natural theater every July when dozens of bears gather to feast on sockeye salmon leaping upstream, creating one of the world’s most photographed wildlife spectacles. Accessible only by floatplane from Anchorage or King Salmon, the park offers bear viewing platforms at Brooks Camp and guided tours to Dumpling Mountain for panoramic views. Watch live via the NPS bear cams year-round, but nothing beats witnessing a 1,000-pound bear snatch salmon mid-air in person. Plan your trip between June and September for peak action—book early, as permits are limited.
Address: P.O. Box 7, King Salmon, AK 99613
Website: nps.gov/katm

2) Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
Spanning two-thirds of Kodiak Island, the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge protects approximately 3,500 Kodiak brown bears—a distinct subspecies known for their massive size (males up to 1,500 lbs). These bears roam rugged coastlines, alpine meadows, and salmon-filled rivers, with prime viewing from July to September during the salmon runs. Access is by bush plane or boat from the town of Kodiak; popular spots include Frazer Lake and Uganik Lake, where bears dig for clams and fish in shallow waters. Guided float trips and remote lodges offer safe, intimate encounters. No roads reach to the refuge mean low human impact—perfect for wildlife photographers seeking untouched wilderness. Check bear activity reports before flying in.
Address: 1390 Buskin River Road, Kodiak, AK 99615
Website: fws.gov/refuge/Kodiak

3) Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, Alaska
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offers intimate brown bear viewing along pristine coastlines and turquoise lakes, with a healthy population of 500+ coastal brown bears. The park’s Chinitna Bay and Crescent Lake are hotspots where bears forage for clams, sedge, and salmon from June to August. Fly in via floatplane from Anchorage or Homer; most visitors stay at remote wilderness lodges offering guided bear walks. Watch mothers teaching cubs to dig clams at low tide—a heartwarming wildlife moment. The park’s dramatic backdrop of volcanoes and glaciers makes every bear sighting cinematic. No developed trails mean backcountry experience is essential; pack bear spray and follow NPS safety protocols.
Address: 1 Park Road #221, Port Alsworth, AK 99653
Website: nps.gov/lacl

4) Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska
In the shadow of North America’s tallest peak, Denali National Park & Preserve supports 300–400 grizzly bears roaming six million acres of taiga and tundra. Unlike coastal bears, Denali’s grizzlies rely on berries, roots, and ground squirrels—making early summer (May–June) ideal for sightings along the park road. Hop on a narrated bus tour (private vehicles restricted past mile 15) and scan the Toklat River or Sable Pass for blond-colored grizzlies digging for arctic ground squirrels. The park’s single-road system maximizes wildlife corridors, increasing your odds of spotting bears, wolves, and caribou in one trip. Book shuttle tickets early; bring binoculars and patience.
Address: P.O. Box 9, Denali Park, AK 99755
Website: nps.gov/dena

5) Wrangell–St. Elias National Park & Preserve, Alaska
America’s largest national park, Wrangell–St. Elias National Park & Preserve, spans 13.2 million acres and harbors 200–300 brown bears across coastal and interior habitats. Remote salmon streams like the Copper River Delta attract bears in July and August, while grizzlies roam higher elevations. Access via McCarthy Road or flightseeing from Glennallen; join rafting trips on the Chitina River for water-level bear views. The park’s rugged mining history and massive glaciers create a surreal backdrop for wildlife photography. With minimal infrastructure, this is true wilderness travel—hire local guides and prepare for variable weather.
Address: P.O. Box 439, Copper Center, AK 99573
Website: nps.gov/wrst

6) Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, Alaska
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve combines calving glaciers with 200+ coastal brown bears foraging along tideflats and berry-rich hillsides. Cruise ships and day boats from Gustavus offer prime viewing in Bartlett Cove and the East Arm, especially spring and fall when bears emerge from or prepare for hibernation. Kayakers can paddle quietly near shorelines for close (but safe) encounters. The park’s marine ecosystem supports seals and whales, creating a full wildlife package. No roads into the park—fly or ferry in. Check tide charts and bear activity with rangers upon arrival.
Address: 1 Park Road, Gustavus, AK 99826
Website: nps.gov/glba

7) Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Along the rugged coast of the Kenai Peninsula, Kenai Fjords National Park hosts 100–200 coastal brown bears near salmon streams and berry patches. Exit Glacier offers rare land-based bear sightings, but the best views come via marine tours from Seward to Aialik Bay and Northwestern Fjord (July–August). Watch bears flip rocks for crabs or chase salmon in shallow waters while glaciers crash in the background. Small-boat tours allow agile navigation for wildlife tracking. Dress in layers; coastal weather changes fast. Combine with a hike to Harding Icefield for a full-day adventure.
Address: P.O. Box 1727, Seward, AK 99664
Website: nps.gov/kefj

8) Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first national park, is a stronghold for 700+ grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Prime viewing occurs in Lamar Valley (“America’s Serengeti”) and Hayden Valley at dawn and dusk (May–October), when bears scavenge bison carcasses or dig for roots. Drive the Grand Loop Road or join ranger-led programs; use spotting scopes at pullouts. The park’s geothermal features and wolf packs add layers to the wildlife experience. Bear jams are common—stay in your vehicle and give bears space. Check the NPS app for real-time road closures.
Address: P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Website: nps.gov/yell

9) Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Beneath the jagged Teton Range, Grand Teton National Park supports 100+ grizzly bears sharing the landscape with moose and bison. Willow Flats and Jackson Lake are top spots for spring bear viewing (May–June) as grizzlies emerge hungry from hibernation. Drive Teton Park Road or hike the Jenny Lake loop with bear spray; early morning yields the best light and activity. The park’s proximity to Jackson makes it ideal for a wildlife + luxury combo trip. Attend a ranger talk on bear safety—human-bear conflicts are rare but real.
Address: P.O. Box 170, Moose, WY 83012
Website: nps.gov/grte

10) Glacier National Park, Montana
Nicknamed the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park is home to 300 grizzly bears roaming alpine meadows and huckleberry slopes. The Going-to-the-Sun Road offers drive-up viewing in Logan Pass and St. Mary Lake (July–September), when bears gorge on berries before hibernation. Hike with a group and make noise on trails like Highline or Iceberg Lake—bear bells are mandatory in some areas. The park’s 700+ miles of trails demand preparation, but the payoff is bears against glacier-carved peaks. Check for trail closures due to bear activity.
Address: P.O. Box 128, West Glacier, MT 59936
Website: nps.gov/glac