FESTIVALS & EVENTS
ALASKA
BEARFEST
Bears, Salmon and a Week of Learning
WHEN
LATE SUMMER
Dates Announced Annually
WHERE
Wrangell & Anan Wildlife Observatory
BOOK AHEAD
Anan tours and lodging fill early — permits are limited
COST
Costs vary. Call Alaska Vistas for more information
BEARS, SALMON AND A WEEK OF LEARNING
Alaska Bearfest brings researchers, photographers, artists, residents and visitors together in Wrangell each summer for several days focused on bears and the ecosystems around them.
Presentations and workshops cover topics such as bear behavior, salmon, conservation and wildlife photography, with opportunities to learn from people who spend their careers working in bear country.
And Wrangell has a pretty good field trip nearby.
ANAN WILDLIFE OBSERVATORY
Anan is one of the few places in Alaska where black and brown bears gather along the same salmon stream. During the summer run, thousands of pink salmon move through Anan Creek while bears fish along the banks.
Permits and tour availability are limited. Book well ahead.
THERE’S ALSO A BEARFEST MARATHON.
AND A SALMON TOSS
IT’S EXACTLY WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE
Also music, local food, a five-star meal, family activities, art and other events.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Bearfest dates are announced each year.
Lodging and Anan Wildlife Observatory tours can fill early — make reservations well in advance.
Check the current festival schedule before traveling.
Bring layers and rain gear.
MORE WRANGELL EVENTS
SPRING
MILK RUN
MUSIC FEST
EARLY JULY
FOURTH OF JULY
LATE APRIL
STIKINE RIVER
BIRDING FESTIVAL
YEAR ROUND