What happens when the surreal experience of photographing giant Alaskan Brown bears is combined with having incredible access to prime coastal habitat in remote Alaska? Well, you get Backcountry Journeys’ most thrilling and adventurous wildlife photography tours - photographing BEARS up-close & personal in Alaska.

Our Brown Bears of Alaska: Wilderness Camping trips explore different parts of Alaska depending on seasonal bear activity. That way we're assured prime bear photography & you can choose which landscape you'd prefer to photograph. Hint: the trick is to follow the salmon!

For these wilderness camping adventures, BCJ will take you to a remote corner of Alaska for an exclusive opportunity to experience and photograph bears while camping amongst them in their natural environment.

Transportation is by boat or chartered bush plane (there are no roads), depending upon whether and location. Our trips spend three nights in a secluded wilderness camp. All of the areas we travel to are rich coastal habitat far from any roads, towns or other people. Immersing ourselves in the heart of ‘bear country’ will allow us excellent access to the action, maximizing our photography.

Each day, we’ll venture out from a base camp that we setup in search of bear photography opportunities, of which there is no shortage. Alaska is without question the best place in the world to photograph Brown Bears. 98% of Brown Bears in the United States live in Alaska, and 70% of the total North American population. The western coast of the Cook Inlet in particular is home to the highest densities of brown bears in the world – and that’s exactly where we’re heading on this trip.

Depending on the time of year, bears may be feeding on sedges & clams so we'll head to the Katmai Coast or they may be fishing for salmon & so we'll head to Brooks Falls or elsewhere in Katmai and/or Lake Clark National Parks. Expect opportunities to photograph big male ‘boars’ and tiny cubs too. It’s not unusual to see 30+ bears a day – Alaska bear photography is that good!

Our remote wilderness camps are equipped with tents, gear, and all the necessities needed for a comfortable camping experience. For the utmost protection, camp is protected by an electric fence. Great backcountry meals are prepared by your guides while in camp.

Fantastic, full-frame images are possible with lenses ranging from 300mm to 400mm. Zoom out a little and you can photograph bears with beautiful, rugged mountains in the background. The possibilities are endless! Aside from brown bears we may also have the opportunity to photograph other species such as moose, fox, wolf, Bald Eagles, sea otters and harbor seals.

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Join us for world-class bear photography on our Brown Bears of Alaska Wilderness Camping trips!