ALASKA: LAND of the GREAT BEAR
This expedition offers rare, intimate access to some of the region’s most remote and bear-dense wilderness. Timed for the soft, low-angle light of early fall, you’ll be based at a newly built lodge designed specifically for visiting photographers with chef-prepared meals, secure gear storage, and dedicated space for image review with Drew.
Each day, a private Beaver floatplane carries the group to wherever bear activity is greatest, opening up a variety of scenes and photographic opportunities across a wide, wild landscape. The itinerary stays flexible, following optimal wildlife movement and light to maximize time in the field. With a dedicated local guide and Drew alongside throughout, guests move through rugged terrain shaped by the natural rhythms of bear behavior and the particular beauty of early autumn.
YOUR JOURNEY at a GLANCE
Trip of a LIFETIME”
WHERE you’ll STAY
Set in Katmai National Park in the heart of bear country and the annual salmon run, this new lodge is designed with photographers in mind. Amenities include high-speed internet, secure storage and charging stations, expert local guides, and a private float plane for flexible daily exploration. Each day begins with views over the Nonvianuk River, with flight plans shaped by weather and wildlife activity. Guests enjoy fresh, locally sourced meals, from grab-and-go breakfasts to packed lunches in the field. Rooms feature en-suite bathrooms and workstations for editing and relaxing, while a communal space allows for image reviews, group discussions, and personalized feedback from Drew.
DAY by DAY ITINERARY
Arrive in King Salmon, via daily flights from Anchorage, where you’ll be transferred to Bear Haven Lodge to settle into your room and get oriented to lodge amenities and the daily photography workflow. In the afternoon or evening, Drew will lead a welcome session covering camera settings, shooting strategies, safety considerations, and an overview of the days ahead. This time also allows the group to prepare gear and discuss individual creative goals before the first full day in the field.
Our first private Beaver floatplane flight departs in the morning, transporting our intimate group to one of the region’s premier bear habitats. We’ll spend the full day photographing and taking advantage of the golden light during this time of year. The floatplane will take us back to the lodge in the evening, where a buffet dinner awaits.
In between shooting sessions and as time allows, Drew will host image review sessions, dedicated to the creative or technical aspects of photography. These creative sessions will help you walk away with incredible images, as you’ll have the opportunity to work with Drew in the field or back at the lodge in order to achieve your photographic goals.
On each following morning, we’ll depart by private Beaver floatplane for another remote location such as Moraine Creek, Funnel Creek, Kulik River, Battle Creek, or Brooks Falls. The exact destination each day varies based on wildlife activity and light conditions, ensuring we are positioned for the strongest photographic opportunities.
With packed lunches, grab-and-go breakfasts, days in the field are flexible and unhurried. Drew will provide guidance throughout, helping you refine composition, anticipate bear behavior, and make the most of the soft, low-angle early fall light that defines the region at this time of year.
On the final morning, we will pack up and depart for one last half day outing, often to Brooks Falls. From there, we will continue directly to King Salmon around midday, where you will meet your bags and connect to your outbound flight to Anchorage and onward home.
YOUR Journey AWAITS
Contact us to make this itinerary a private journey for your family or group or if you’d like to be notified of future departure dates.
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Tailor-made adventures for multi-generational families and private groups, crafted for connection, discovery, and unforgettable shared experiences.
We welcome solo travelers on every trip, and chances are you won’t be the only one joining independently. For lodging, many trips offer a single supplement option, or you can opt to share accommodations with a traveler of the same gender.
If you have any questions about traveling alone, please reach out, and we would be more than happy to assist.
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"Drew’s journeys are in a league of their own. I just returned from Botswana — my fourth trip with Drew — every moment is intentional, immersive, and inspiring.”
"Drew’s journeys are in a league of their own. I just returned from Botswana — my fourth trip with Drew — every moment is intentional, immersive, and inspiring.”
"Drew’s journeys are in a league of their own. I just returned from Botswana — my fourth trip with Drew — every moment is intentional, immersive, and inspiring.”
See countless herds of elephants and big cats of all kinds, along with other wildlife that call the rich, vibrant plains of the Maasai Mara their home.
See countless herds of elephants and big cats of all kinds, along with other wildlife that call the rich, vibrant plains of the Maasai Mara their home.
See countless herds of elephants and big cats of all kinds, along with other wildlife that call the rich, vibrant plains of the Maasai Mara their home.
See countless herds of elephants and big cats of all kinds, along with other wildlife that call the rich, vibrant plains of the Maasai Mara their home.
See countless herds of elephants and big cats of all kinds, along with other wildlife that call the rich, vibrant plains of the Maasai Mara their home.
See countless herds of elephants and big cats of all kinds, along with other wildlife that call the rich, vibrant plains of the Maasai Mara their home.