Page 41 - Breath of the Bear

Up Close with Alaska’s Wild Side

THE STORY BEHIND ALASKA BEAR TRIPS

literally and figuratively—of the Alaskan wild. the lodge provides prime access to some of
Hired to help at a bear-viewing lodge during the best bear viewing opportunities in Alaska.
the slower summer fishing season, the couple In case of inclement weather, guests will have
fell in love with the experience. Over the years, the ability to stay overnight at the lodge in
they formed a friendship and partnership with safety and comfort.
Chris Branham, eventually taking the reins of a Their level of care also provides peace of
new business focused on intimate, fully guided mind during bear viewing. One memorable
bear-viewing tours in Katmai National Park. moment involved Curtis calmly defusing a
Today, their flagship operation is a seamless close bear encounter involving an elderly
blend of aviation and wildlife expertise. The couple from another group. “Curtis kept them
tours depart from Anchorage in a custom- calm, distracted the bear, and made sure they
outfitted Cessna 208 Caravan—billed as the got back to their group safely,” Isaac says.
world’s fastest floatplane, with upgraded “That’s the kind of experience you can’t put a
turboprop engine, amphibious floats, and price on.”
In the land of towering peaks and wild plush leather seating for nine. It’s not just Their season runs July 1 through September
rivers, where nature still reigns supreme, few transportation—it’s part of the experience. 15, with over 75 tours each year, welcoming
experiences compare to watching brown bears A Guiding Hand guests of all ages—from infants in carriers to
in their natural habitat. At Alaska Bear Trips, this Once airborne, the 90-minute flight leads seasoned wildlife photographers.
encounter is more than a drop-off at Brooks guests to Brooks Falls, famous for its dense Alaska Bear Trips gives guests ample
Falls—it’s a fully guided adventure steeped in concentration of brown bears, especially during time not only for bear watching at the famed
history, hospitality, and awe. peak salmon season. But what sets Alaska viewing platforms but also for a “heritage tour”
Co-owned by Isaac Stern and Chris Bear Trips apart is their guided approach. to nearby Native ruins buried by the eruption
Branham, Alaska Bear Trips is the continuation “Most companies just drop you off,” says Isaac. that formed the Valley of Ten Thousand
of a legacy that reaches back generations. “We stay with our guests the entire time. Our Smokes. It’s history, ecology, and raw nature in
Branham’s family helped pioneer wilderness guide—Curtis, who’s been flying to Brooks for one unforgettable outing.
tourism in the 1950s, founding the renowned over 30 years—walks with them, shares the While the bears are the stars, it is the human
Rainy Pass Lodge and playing a role in the early history, native ruins, watches for wildlife, and touch that makes Alaska Bear Trips shine.
development of Lake Hood’s floatplane base. ensures they get the best views and photos.” “We’re 100% customer-service based,” Isaac
That spirit of Alaskan adventure lives on in the Most tours last eight to ten hours and include says. “We take care of folks from start to finish.
bear viewing excursions offered today. lunch, snacks, and drinks. Whether it’s customizing a schedule or helping
Answering an Ad Another feature that is unique to Alaska Bear with other parts of their Alaska trip, we’re here
“I saw an ad on Craigslist,” Isaac laughs, Trips is their “weather assurance”. All guests, for them. Our biggest goal is to create a safe,
recalling the unexpected beginning of his including day trippers-enjoy full access to unforgettable experience that lets people truly
journey. He and his wife were traveling in the the brand new Katmai Sky Lodge. Located on connect with Alaska’s wilderness.”
Lower 48 when they answered the call— private property just minutes from Brooks Lake, To book a tour visit: alaskabeartrips.com

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