Overview
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime photographic adventure with us in Alaska, where the majestic brown bears roam freely in their natural habitat. Imagine photographing awe-inspiring moments as these powerful creatures fish for salmon and play in pristine waters. Join us in witnessing the untamed beauty of the Last Frontier.
This journey promises not only remarkable photo opportunities but also a profound connection with nature. We will observe and photograph brown bears in their natural element. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting your photographic journey, this experience will undoubtedly provide unforgettable memories. Gain a newfound appreciation for the awe-inspiring wildlife that call Alaska home. Come, join us for this brown bear photographic experience in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness.
Join Barry Spruce and Mary Jo Cox on this epic journey for a once in a lifetime experience in the remote wilderness of Alaska!
What You'll See
- All inclusive brown bear safari to some of the best bear locations in the world
- Magnificent closeups of bears
- Bears fishing for salmon at the river’s edge
- Peak fall colors & amazing scenery
- Access to over 127 specific bear locations via float & bush planes
- Visit to Brooks Falls National Park
- Other wildlife including moose, wolf, Dall sheep, & a variety of bird species
- Small group size allowing one-on-one coaching & guidance
What To Expect
You should expect a great lodge experience from a host who has been entertaining photographers at his facility for over 40 years. The location is a premier property located in the heart of brown bear wilderness and sandwiched between Katmai National Park, Lake Clark National Park, and Bristol Bay.
The lodge is home to the best of gear and amenities for our Alaskan adventure. All meals are provided by the lodge chef. A sit-down hot dinner each evening allows participants to unwind and relax while sharing their daily experiences with each other. We will have planes dedicated to our group for the duration of our stay. Each participant will be provided with a pair of waders for protection from water and mud during our daily activities.
A typical day would be similar to this. Morning breakfast followed by a flyout from the lodge to our brown bear destination. A meet-up with a field guide who either escorts us by foot or pilots us by boat down a river to the bears. This could be our only destination for the day, or we could get picked-up later and flown to a second destination. Our pilot is always searching for brown bears in additional locations after leaving us at our location. As we near the end of each day, we will fly back to the lodge experiencing breathtaking views of mountains disappearing into the lakes and ocean with fall colors.
As mentioned earlier, our host has the longest running lodge in the area. His lodge is even more unique because he owns several planes and boats for daily use of his guest. The last and probably most important feature is his local guides who have feet on the ground and even sleep over in remote locations. These guides radio in frequently to the host about bear activity in their area. All of this experience and recon gives us the best and most up-to-date information.
This trip is moderately strenuous. We will spend most of our time along a river and/or in a float. You will be getting in and out of float planes, crossing wet areas, and wearing waders to stay dry. The terrain could be uneven, and you may be required to walk a few miles carrying your gear during a full day’s adventure. Temperatures are generally below 50 degrees F.
This trip is an exhilarating once in a lifetime experience!
2025 Itinerary
Join us for an epic journey on a once in a lifetime experience featuring beautiful Alaskan scenes, wildlife exclusive to the area, float planes, and an all-inclusive Bear Safari. Each day will be packed with excitement and wonderful photo opportunities as we explore the area.
Sunday, Sept. 21
- Arrive in Anchorage
- Overnight at lodging of your choosing
Monday, Sept. 22
- Depart for Iliamna via the Iliamna Air Taxi Service
- Arrive at lodge
Monday, Sept. 22 - Sunday, Sept. 28
- All inclusive Bear Safari
Sunday, Sept. 28
- Depart lodge in late afternoon returning to Anchorage
- Overnight in Anchorage in lodging of your choosing or depart for home in the late evening
What’s Included
- Cabin lodging during workshop
- All meals & non-alcoholic beverages
- Professional bear guides & pilots
- Daily transportation via plane
- River rafts for floating & waders
- Location & permit fees
- Professional photography guidance & instruction
What’s Not Included
- Flights to / from Anchorage
- Lodging & meals in Anchorage
- Flights to / from Lake Iliamna
- Gratuities for guides & lodge staff
- Trip / travel insurance
Registering
After registering, you will receive a Welcome Letter & additional information by email for booking your flights and planning your trip.
Price: $8,780 (double occupancy room)
Deposit: $2,000 due at booking
Final payment: $6,780 due May 21, 2025
Please, review the Terms & Liability and Refund Policy for the Alaska Brown Bear Experience on the workshop registration page.
Other Workshops & Tours
Smoky Mountain Big Buck Rut
- Guiding services and photography instruction by an experienced local wildlife photographer.
- Transportation during the workshop.
- Park fees including parking pass.
- Lodging.
- Meals, snacks, and other incidentals during the workshop.
- Flight or travel to and from the area.
- Trip / Travel insurance.
- Wildlife
- December 2 - 5, 2025
- $1,950
Smoky Mountain Waterfalls
- Landscape
- July 6 - 10, 2025
- $3,500
Alaska Brown Bear Experience
- Landscape & Wildlife
- TBA, 2026
- $TBA
Smoky Mountain Birds
- Guiding services and photography instruction by a skilled local nature photographer.
- Transportation during the workshop.
- Park fees including parking pass.
- Lodging.
- Meals, snacks, and other incidentals during the workshop.
- Flight or travel to and from the area.
- Trip / Travel insurance.
- Wildlife
- April 15 - 18, 2025
- $1,950
Smoky Mountain Black Bear
- Guiding services and photography instruction by a skilled local wildlife photographer.
- Transportation during the workshop.
- Park fees including parking pass.
- Lodging.
- Meals, snacks, and other incidentals during the workshop.
- Flight or travel to and from the area.
- Trip / Travel insurance.
- Wildlife
- May 20 - 23, 2025
- $1,950
Jackson Hole & The Grand Tetons
- Landscape & Wildlife
- TBA, 2025
- $TBA
Lighthouse Land & Sea
- Landscape
- August 11 - 16, 2025
- $3,800
Smoky Mountain Wildflowers
- Guiding services and photography instruction by a skilled local nature photographer.
- Transportation during the workshop.
- Park fees including parking pass.
- Lodging.
- Meals, snacks, and other incidentals during the workshop.
- Flight or travel to and from the area.
- Trip / travel insurance.
- Landscape
- April 1 - April 4, 2025
- $1,950