YOUR preferred time for bears in Alaska?

[huntersdad]

I know the answer is "There really is no bad time". While a fine answer, really not very helpful.

I had a trip planned this year with Dave, but unfortunately, had to cancel it due to personal reasons. So, I'm in the process of planning one for next year. Since I am very open on times next year, I'm really taking the time to do some research, learn about seasonal behaviors and then make my decisionbased on what I would want to see. Herein lies the problem - I really just want to see the bears, don't really care what they are doing.

That said, since everyone goes during the salmon runs, I think I may try and not go then as I would prefer something a little more intimate and a little less, shall we say, "commercial". My first thought was go late May to early June when the cubs are first out and getting used to things.

However, I found a trip last night that will be going late September when the fall colors have arrived and the bears are fatter with their fluffy winter coats. It is more interior Alaska as opposed to coastal. Also, my research shows that the sun will hang much lower in the sky, making for some really nice and soft lighting. Really caught my attention.

So, I ask you guys who have been: when did you go, is it what you expected and would you go back during the same time of year or would you prefer something a little different from when you went? Don't need to know who you went with, but if you want to give them some props, go right ahead.