Summer Camp with a Twist: Don’t Avoid the Bears

As the golden light of Alaska’s sun begins to bathe the rugged landscape, I found myself heading to a “summer camp” like no other. This time, instead of avoiding bears, we were here to get up close and personal with them! I couldn’t be more thrilled to join Natural Habitat Adventures (NatHab) on this women-only adventure to Alaska Bear Camp, where the bears weren’t just part of the scenery—they were the stars of the show. After an unforgettable Polar Bear Safari with NatHab a few years ago, I was excited to dive into another bear-focused experience. Their immersive, eco-friendly trips have always exceeded expectations, and this one was no exception.

At the heart of the Katmai Coast, Alaska Bear Camp offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness Alaskan brown bears in their natural habitat. This women-only trip took me deep into the wilderness, where I had some of the most amazing wildlife encounters. We observed a mama bear with her baby and another 2-year-old cub who had been emancipated early but seemed to be holding her own. The highlight of the experience was when a male bear actually charged us. But despite the thrilling encounter, I never felt unsafe—just awestruck by the beauty and raw power of these creatures. 

Being able to watch them so closely was a unique and truly spectacular experience I’ll never forget.

The camp itself was as inviting as it was remote, nestled in the breathtaking wilderness. Cozy, rustic accommodations blended seamlessly with the surrounding environment, offering both comfort and immersion in nature. NatHab operates with a deep respect for the land, minimizing its ecological footprint while maximizing the opportunities for guests to connect with the natural world.

Daily excursions took us to prime bear-viewing locations, where we could observe and photograph these majestic animals up close. We watched as the bears fished for salmon, played in the meadows, and roamed freely across the landscape. And while the brown bears were undoubtedly the stars of the show, the surrounding wilderness was home to many other incredible species—bald eagles, moose, wolves, and more.

In the end, the experience was beyond words, and I’m so grateful for the chance to return to Alaska with NatHab. The trip truly reinforced why I keep coming back to their trips—they offer more than just incredible wildlife encounters; they provide a chance to reconnect with nature in a way that feels meaningful and transformative.

The experience was truly unforgettable, and I’m already looking forward to the next adventure with NatHab. It was an amazing trip, and I can’t wait for whatever comes next!

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