Page 46 - Breath of the Bear

BROOKS FALLS

PHOTOS AND STORY BY THERESA BIELAWSKI

When I was four or five years old, my mom took me to see Disney’s King of the
Grizzlies movie at a theater. The touching story about the life of a grizzly bear
resonated deep within my heart and bears, especially grizzlies, became my favorite
animal from that day forward. Throughout my life, I remember watching many
television shows about bears and always dreamed of a trip to Alaska, especially to
see these great bears in their natural habitat. Visiting a place called Brooks Falls
in Katmai National Park was on the top of my bucket list, but I never completely
believed it would ever become a reality.
Fast-forward to 2012/2013, when my job territory was expanded to include Alaska.
While planning my work schedule, I incorporated some personal time to accomplish
my life-long dream of seeing the bears of Brooks Falls.
I had not been much of a traveler at that point in my life, but that July trip would
change everything. On the flight over, I found myself filled with so many different
emotions. Happiness, disbelief, and maybe even a little bit of fear of the unknown
filled my head. Landing on the waters of Naknek Lake and seeing several bears in the distance was the start of an excitement inside of me
that has not diminished since. I must confess I was a bit hesitant, partially due to the fact that I was traveling alone, although I was always
in the company of other visitors. Stepping off the plane, every person was required to go directly into bear school. This requirement still
holds true today, whether it be your first visit or your tenth visit. It is a necessity that gives you all the information you need to stay safe in
Katmai National Park, especially in the likely event that you may encounter a resident grizzly bear closer than you would like.
Once done with bear school, which lasts about 20 minutes, our pilot escorted us up the 1.2-mile trail to the falls. The trek is an easy
one with very little elevation change and is even wheelchair accessible. It is a nice walk into nature, but you will justifiably find yourself
looking around and making noise to try to prevent a surprise encounter with a bear along the way. July is typically the height of the
salmon run at the falls and you most likely will have to put your name on the waiting list to go to the Upper platform when you get there.
Do not fret about the delay; you can wait at the Riffles platform, which is about 100 yards downstream from the falls. This large platform

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