The 1.9m acres of Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge is home to this classic Alaskan Native lodge situated on Kodiak Island in the middle of Karluk Lake. Surrounded by water, the wildlife-centered Kodiak Brown Bear Center, showcases one of the highest densities of brown bears in the world, a Native Alutiiq heritage, and guided adventures in this wildlife mecca. With a maximum guest capacity of 8, you have every opportunity to see uninterrupted views of the bears and highest level of service from your hosts.
Whether you are arriving into Anchorage for the first time during your visit, or returning after visiting other portions of the state, an overnight here is highly recommended and included in your custom itinerary prior to your visit to Kodiak. If arriving at the airport you will receive a personal greeting followed by a private transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Anchorage.
Breakfast is included in your accommodations this morning. A private transfer will take you to the Anchorage Airport for your scheduled flight to Kodiak. A brief transfer will bring you to the Kodiak floatplane dock where you’ll board a plane for the 45-minute flight to the lodge, located on Karluk Lake and surrounded by the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. Approximately 200 Kodiak brown bears use the salmon-rich waters of the 236-square-mile Karluk Lake drainage, making this area one of the densest populations of bears in the world. After a safety briefing and lodge orientation, you will still have time for your first guided bear watching adventure prior to dinner.
There are a variety of bear viewing locations from which to choose at Kodiak Brown Bear Center. Your professional KBBC guides will recommend the best options for you based on the time of year and their in-depth knowledge of bear habits and the area. Everyone on the staff at KBBC was either born or raised on Kodiak, or has decades of experience on the Kodiak archipelago with an intimate knowledge of the island, its plants, animals, history, and its unique Native Alutiiq culture.
The steelhead fishing at the Kodiak Brown Bear Center is excellent as the Karluk River is home to one of the largest steelhead runs in Alaska. Or you can choose to fish for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and silver salmon. The fish are plentiful and the views spectacular!
There is only one way to experience Alaska wildness – get out into it. Over 112,000 acres of land including the entire northern half of Karluk Lake and land adjacent to the Karluk River are owned and managed by the Kodiak-area Regional Native Corporation which owns KBBC. There are no roads or private cabins on these lands. The Native Alutiiq people believe that these lands are sacred and deserve our utmost respect and care where Kodiak bears can continue living in an untarnished environment as they have for millenia.
Because of this, you can enjoy hiking and kayaking to your heart’s content on guided excursions from the Kodiak Brown Bear Center as well as learn all about Alaskan Native culture and traditions. What could be better?
You’ll have time this morning for another guided activity before lunch. After lunch, return to Kodiak via float plane, connecting to scheduled air service on to Anchorage. Your private driver/guide will meet you upon return to Anchorage and will provide a transfer. Enjoy an Anchorage sightseeing tour, overnight in Anchorage, or embark on your next Alaskan adventure.
Within a short walking distance of the guest cabins, the main lodge at Kodiak Brown Bear Center is where all meals are served. The lodge is also “command central” and a gathering place for daily lectures and presentations by naturalist guides as well as being a relaxing respite during your stay.
Guest cabins include four newly-constructed, deluxe cabins with private bath and high-end interior finishes, including bamboo and tile flooring. The guest cabins are directly at the water’s edge and each has a private outdoor deck, where bears and other wildlife can often be seen. Each cabin has one queen and one double bed.
You can only reach the Kodiak Brown Bear Center by a 45-minute float plane ride from Kodiak.
Breakfasts and dinners at Kodiak Brown Bear Center are served ‘family style’ for guests to enjoy each day. Lunches are planned to accommodate each day’s activities. Please note that alcoholic beverages are not provided at KBBC but guests are welcome to bring their own.
It’s all about seeing bears at Kodiak Brown Bear Center. As the area is a prime habitat for brown bears and offers some of the best opportunities for bear viewing in Alaska.
Starting at the beginning of August, the bear concentration is at its prime due to salmon runs entering the river systems throughout the region, and increases your chances of seeing the bigger male bears (also called boars). The peak season for KBBC bear viewing is between mid-August to October.
Your highly-trained and experienced wildlife guides will take you to various bear viewing locations via a short boat ride. Each location offers a unique glimpse into the lives of these majestic animals. With a maximum of 8 guests at any one viewing area, you’ll immerse yourself into the bear’s environment for observation, study, and to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of these legendary beasts.
In addition to wildlife viewing, kayaking and hiking are also available, as well as fishing for a variety of salmon and lake trout. Exact species will vary depending on the time of year, but spin gear and tackle are available for your fishing excursions. Guided fly fishing for steelhead trout is available in October.
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