Bears of the Katmai Coast- Trip ItineraryBear Viewing and Camping Trip in Katmai National Park• Dates: July 6 - 10, 2012 |
||
|---|---|---|
Sketch of the Katmai Bears trip…The Katmai Coast is like no other place on earth. Katmai National Park boasts some of the highest densities of brown bears, and the largest brown bears in the world. But Katmai bear viewing is just the tip of the iceberg for this week long adventure on the rugged coast of Katmai National Park. The rich waters of the North Pacific have carved long sandy beaches on this volcanic coast. Glacier encrusted peaks loom above rich grassy meadows, active volcanoes smoke in the distance, basalt cliffs shelter rocky harbors and wildlife is everywhere. From our camp in the flower-filled dunes, we can watch sea birds fish, observe Katmai bears feeding in the tide, hear glaciers cracking on the peaks to the north, and watch the dramatic weather move over this wild landscape.
Our days will be filled with exploration. Tundra hiking is excellent on the headlands to the east of camp. Beach combing and tide pooling offer twice daily forays among the clams, chitons, anemones, and glass fishing floats. Several archeological sites are within a day’s walk from camp. A longer hike towards the still active volcanoes leads to the base of a glacier. And of course there are the stunningly powerful and majestic Katmai bears which can always be found either on the beach or in the lush meadows near camp.
Camping on the Katmai Coast amongst the numerous bears and formidable weather may seem a little intimidating to some. But, we have found an ideal location and method for enjoying this beautiful and rich coast. We will set-up a sturdy and comfortable base camp including a big "cook-tent" in the vegetated dunes near the beach which provides adequate shelter no matter what the weather throws at us. By surrounding our camp with a portable electric fence we take some of the worry out of having an inquisitive bear investigating our gear. With our qualified guides to teach you bear etiquette and our quality equipment you will be able to relax and enjoy the weather and wildlife in this stunning national park. Like all our base camp trips, there is as much or as little exertion and adventure as you choose. Your guide will be happy to lead hikes beyond the horizon, accompany you to watch and interpret bear behavior in the sedge meadows, or just provide nourishment and insight while you find your own enjoyment on the beach or in the mountains. |
 |
|
 |
||
 |
||
Katmai Bears ItineraryWhat follows is a general flow of events. Expect the unexpected and prepare to be flexible.
July 5: Meet in Homer for a pre-trip meeting. Lodging on your own.
July 6: Depart Homer and arrive on the beach around low tide. Set-up camp and watch some bears.
July 7-9: Explore and enjoy from our basecamp. Beach walks, hikes up to the glacier, searching for Aliutiq house pits, beach combing for glass fishing floats, watching bears grazing on the sedge meadows, walking the sea-cliffs out by the cape, and who knows what else.
July 10: Weather permitting our pilot arrives at low tide for the flight back to Homer.
Bears of the Katmai Coast Details
Included in the price of the trip: Transportation beyond Homer, food while in the wilderness, stoves, cooking & eating utensils, water filter, base camp tent, safety & repair gear and professional guide service.
Not included in the price of the trip: Lodging, non-camp meals, personal clothing and gear, backpack, tent, photographic equipment. Gratuity for guide(s). An equipment list is provided upon registration. Rental equipment is available through Arctic Wild.
Weather & Bugs: Weather on the Katmai Coast can be blissful, sunny and warm. But it can blow and rain and storm for days too. Temperatures are mild, averaging in the 50's but ranging from low 40's to high 70's. Quality raingear is a must. Bugs usually aren't an issue on the coast but occasional biting flies warrant a small bottle of DEET, just in case.
Suggested Reading: Grizzly Maze, Nick Jans; The Bears of Katmai, Matthais Breiter. |
 |
|
 |
||
|
||