McNeil River- Great Bear Viewing

I had posted this under some other wildlife section but perhaps it is more appropriate here.

2012 is underway and it is time to start thinking about applying for the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary viewing permits for this summer.

McNeil River State Game Sanctuary is operated by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Permits for bear viewing at the McNeil River available through a lottery system with applications due March 1. Only 10 viewers a day are allowed to go bear viewing in the sanctuary.

Last year was one of the best years ever in terms of bear numbers.

For more information please visit ADF&G's website
http://www.adfg.alaska​.gov …cfm?adfg=mcneil​river.main

McNeil River is not for everyone. It is a camping experience. You bring your own food and sleep in a tent. BUT if you are looking for a little adventure and want to see some bears definitely look into it.

I have been a bear viewing guide up and down the coast of Cook Inlet and have seen more than my fair share of bears but I couldn't have dreamed up McNeil river in my wildest dreams.

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That would be an awesome adventure. I've read that this is the #1 prime brown bear viewing place in the world. I had the pleasure of visiting Katmai National Park and Preserve a couple decades ago, which at the time was rated #2, and it was amazing. I believe I waited too long to get a spot at McNeil. That first pic is to die for.

mn shutterbug wrote in post #13667511
That would be an awesome adventure. I've read that this is the #1 prime brown bear viewing place in the world. I had the pleasure of visiting Katmai National Park and Preserve a couple decades ago, which at the time was rated #2, and it was amazing. I believe I waited too long to get a spot at McNeil. That first pic is to die for.

Mike,
This could be your year!

Beautiful images, that would be an awesome adventure

I spent the afternoon just reading about McNeil River.. wow.. that would be a once in a lifetime trip.

If one doens't get a permit through the lotto, and is going to Alaska are there other areas that are also good for Bear pics?

I've been here and it's pretty remarkable. http://www.katmailand.​com/lodging/brooks.htm​l

mn shutterbug wrote in post #13739912
I've been here and it's pretty remarkable. http://www.katmailand.​com/lodging/brooks.htm​l

McNeil River is north of there. It is a State Game Sanctuary run by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Access is by permit only with only 10 viewers allowed per day. You have to apply for permits that are awarded through a lottery system. There are no commercial operators and all guides are ADF&G employees.

See a timelapse video of McNeil Falls:
http://www.flickr.com …/in/set-72157627182438754


more photos:
1.

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Gaarryy wrote in post #13739168
I spent the afternoon just reading about McNeil River.. wow.. that would be a once in a lifetime trip.

If one doens't get a permit through the lotto, and is going to Alaska are there other areas that are also good for Bear pics?

Sure are! There are lots of choices:
Wolverine Cove
Chinitna Bay (a favorite of mine)
Silver Salmon Creek (right outside chinitna bay)
Katmai National Park has a ton of choices (Hallo Bay and Brooks Camp are the most popular but not the extent of the bear viewing in Katmai)
O'Malley River on Kodiak just started up through a contract from the USF&W
Anan Creek in SE Alaska outside Wrangell
Funnel & Moraine Creeks

Just off the top of my head.

Much of it depends on what time of year and what kinds of shots you want to get.

One of my top 3 trips I have done in Alaska!! Will never forget it!!