Page 47 - Breath of the Bear

accommodates many visitors and still has a view of the falls. Many of
the female sows with cubs, less-dominant bears, and subadult bears
spend time fishing near this platform. The opportunity to observe
and photograph bears from Riffles is sometimes better than from the
Upper platform.
Once it’s your turn to go to the Upper platform, you will have one
hour to observe and photograph the bears at the falls. The most
dominant bears, such as 856 and 2020’s Fat Bear Contest Winner, 747,
are often seen here along with bear 480, known as Otis and probably
Brooks Falls’ most beloved bear. You will also see a variety of other
bears, from the female sows with cubs to the subadults, as well. Most
people have seen iconic photos of these bears standing at the top of
the falls with salmon jumping into their mouths; the Upper platform
is the place to try to capture that photograph. Once your hour is up
on the Upper platform, you can put your name back on the list upon
exiting and hang out on the Riffles platform again, if time allows.
Up until a couple of years ago, there was also a bridge across the
lower river and a lower observance platform just outside of camp.
The area has since been renovated into a raised boardwalk starting
near Brooks Lodge and going all the way to what used to be just the
Lower platform. I was indifferent about the new boardwalk the first
year and felt like it infringed on the bears more than the previous
trails and bridge. My feelings, however, have since changed. The
bears have adjusted to the raised boardwalk and most of them travel
under and around it with no hesitation. This boardwalk has really
expanded the visitor’s ability to observe more bears in the lower river
area safely.
That July trip to Brooks Falls in 2013 truly lit a fire inside of me.
I have visited Brooks Falls every year since then. I typically visit in
early July and have seen as many as 27 bears at or near the falls at
the same time. July bears are typically hungry and crabby, fighting
for the best fishing spots and trying to satisfy their hunger after
months in hibernation. 2020 was the first year I visited in the month
of September and I noticed a big change in their overall demeanor.
September bears are fat and furry, getting ready for hibernation and
appear to be more tolerant of each other’s presence. I observed only
a few bears at the falls in 2020, but a much higher number of them
around the lower river.
I recommend an overnight stay at Brooks Lodge; just note that
the lottery to stay there is drawn more than a year in advance.
Campground reservations open in early January and usually sell out
within minutes. Another option is to find lodging in King Salmon and
plan several day trips to Brooks Camp. Whether planning a trip to
Brooks Falls with family, friends, or alone, prepare yourself for a life-
changing experience to cherish forever.

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