Bird Watchers Unite: The Best Wildlife Activities in Alaska

To a brown bear or a grand majestic moose, you are likely to appear awfully small in size compared to the wildlife of Alaska. With an invasive number of moose in the area and the country’s largest number of bear families, it’s hard to find a place with more furry friends than Alaska. As seasoned experts here at Adventures by Matt, we are here to show you around and teach you about the best wildlife activities in Alaska.

It’s hard to find a place to compare wildlife sightings other than Alaska! The variety of animals here is abundant and comes in all shapes, colors, and sizes. Whether you are a seasoned bird spotting expert, aspiring marine biologist, or outdoor enthusiast, Alaska is the place to be for wildlife spotting. Keep scrolling to learn about the best activities and ways to spot these creatures in their natural wildlife in Alaska.

Alaska is home to the largest moose population in North America, making sightings of these majestic animals quite common. Looking for moose is one of the best wildlife activities in Alaska, as you can do it almost anywhere at any time, as they are actually a little invasive in Alaska. With their towering size and antlers, moose sightings offer unforgettable viewing experiences. Whether you’re exploring on foot, by car, or on a guided wildlife tour, searching for moose is pretty cool.

Stretching for 92 miles through Denali National Park and Preserve, the Denali Park Road provides access to some of the best wilderness areas in Alaska. Along the way, you may encounter wildlife species such as grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves, as well as countless bird species. With designated viewpoints and rest stops along the route, you can safely observe and photograph these creatures while enjoying the views.

Grab your binoculars and get ready to discover the world of birdlife in the Last Frontier. Another popular wildlife activity that is abundant in Alaska is bird watching. From majestic bald eagles and puffins to rare migratory birds, Alaska offers ample opportunities to observe these creatures in their natural environment. With its wilderness areas, coastlines, and rich biodiversity, Alaska provides bird watchers with unparalleled birding experiences.

Whale watching is one of the best wildlife activities in Alaska because it offers the chance to see some of the world’s most magnificent marine mammals in their natural habitat. The waters are home to a variety of whale species, including humpback whales, orcas, gray whales, and belugas. The best time is typically from May to September, during the summer months when whales migrate to the nutrient-rich waters of the state’s coastal regions to feed and breed. During this time, tour operators offer boat tours and cruises that allow visitors to observe these majestic creatures up close, breaching, tail-slapping, and spouting in the wild.

Next on our list of wildlife activities in Alaska is bear viewing. Alaska is home to some of the largest populations of brown bears and black bears in the world, and here, you have the chance to witness them fishing for salmon, foraging for food, or playing in the wilderness firsthand. With tours and viewing platforms available in locations such as Katmai National Park and Lake Clark National Park, you can safely observe bears from a respectful distance while learning about their behavior and habitat.

If you are looking for a more extravagant experience, consider taking a marine day cruise. During the cruise, you can spot whales breaching the surface, playful sea otters floating on their backs, and seals lounging on rocky shores. Along the way, seabirds soar overhead, including bald eagles, puffins, and albatrosses. With knowledgeable guides pointing out points of interest, you can learn about Alaska’s marine life and ecosystems while enjoying views of glaciers, fjords, and landscapes.

For patriotic souls, spotting bald eagles is one of the best wildlife activities in the Last Frontier. Alaska is home to the largest population of bald eagles in the United States, with thousands of these birds soaring through the skies and nesting along coastlines. There are abundant opportunities to spot bald eagles perched in trees, gliding overhead, or diving for fish in the water. With their impressive size and powerful presence, bald eagles are a symbol of Alaska’s beauty and a sight to behold for nature lovers.

Finally, you can’t be an animal lover visiting Alaska and not be catching a salmon run! It is one of the best wildlife activities in Alaska as it showcases the journey of these fish as they return from the ocean to their freshwater spawning grounds. During the salmon run, thousands of fish swim upstream against powerful currents, leaping over obstacles. Alaska’s rivers and streams come alive with activity as bears, eagles, and other wildlife gather to feast on the abundant fish. For you, witnessing a salmon run offers a glimpse into the circle of life in Alaska’s ecosystems.

Alaska is obviously one of the best destinations in the United States to see an abundance and wide variety of wildlife up close and personal. Whether you want to see the cutest of sea otters or the mightiest of brown bears, the wildlife in Alaska is unmatched. If you are ready for your natural phenomenon of Alaska to begin, reach out to us here at Adventures by Matt!