The Best Place to See Grizzly Bears at the Salmon Run

Welcome to My Complete Guide to Seeing Grizzly Bears at the Salmon Run in Alaska!
Having spent time in Haines, Alaska during the peak of the salmon run, I had the unforgettable experience of watching wild grizzly bears up close—catching salmon straight from the river, wandering the banks, and living freely in one of the most scenic corners of the world. I spent my days capturing photos and videos of a mother grizzly bear with her two cubs feasting on the salmon alongside the river.

This blog is your go-to guide for witnessing this incredible natural event in Haines. From the best viewing spots along the Chilkoot River to the ideal time of year to visit, safety tips, and how to capture stunning wildlife content—this guide covers everything you need to plan your ultimate bear-watching adventure.

Haines Alaska
After a lot of research, we found the best, most affordable, and easiest place to watch grizzly bears feast during the salmon run—without needing to join an expensive tour or sacrifice safety. That place is Haines, Alaska.

Haines is just a 3-hour drive from Haines Junction in Yukon, Canada, with a relaxed border crossing (I crossed on a visa with my dog, and I’m from New Zealand). Why choose Haines? Because here, you can often watch bears right from your car. There’s a road that runs alongside the river where the bears gather, and you can simply drive back and forth until you spot them. When you do, just pull over, hop out, and watch as these incredible animals fish in the river or even stroll along the roadside. There’s also a campsite at the end of this road, making it easy to stay close to the action.

Compared to other more remote bear-watching spots, Haines is super accessible and low-stress. No long hikes or boat rides are necessary—just a straightforward drive to one of the best wildlife viewing areas in the world.

And the chances of seeing bears is nearly 100% guaranteed. We visited slightly outside the peak season and were only there for two days, yet we saw over 10 grizzlies—including a mother and her cubs who stayed around nearly the entire day both days. As the sun started to set, the big males emerged from the forest. This isn’t one of those “if you’re lucky” experiences—this is more like 100% you will see them.

Other Wildlife You Might See

Besides grizzlies, you’ll also see plenty of salmon swimming upstream in the river during the run, which is the main attraction for the bears. Keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring above or perched near the riverbank, waiting for their chance to grab a meal. The area is rich with wildlife, so bring your camera—you never know what you might spot!

Where to See Grizzly Bears Feasting on Salmon in North America

The salmon run in Haines, Alaska typically takes place from mid-June through October, with July and August being the peak months for bear activity. This is when the rivers are full of salmon—and the bears are out in force to feed.

While you can spot bears throughout the day, the best times to see them are early morning and around sunset. As the sun starts to go down, the big male grizzlies often emerge from the trees to feed—but keep in mind, it can get dark quickly, which makes visibility more difficult for photos or videos. Morning hours are another great window, when the bears are active and the light is perfect for photography.

That said, bears may come and go throughout the day, so it’s really a patience game. The beauty of Haines is that you can comfortably wait in your car and drive slowly along the river road until you spot one—it’s one of the easiest and most relaxed bear-watching experiences out there.

What Is the Best Time of Year to See Grizzly Bears Feasting at the Salmon Run?

How to Stay Safe When Watching Grizzly Bears in the Wild

Staying safe while watching grizzly bears is surprisingly easy. If you're feeling unsure, the simplest option is to stay inside your car.

If you’d like a closer look, you’ll usually find a crowd gathered along the road where the bears are active. It’s totally fine to stand with the group—as long as everyone keeps a respectful distance. The bears are incredibly focused on the salmon and are typically well-fed during the run, so they have zero interest in people. Even mothers with cubs will calmly walk past, paying no attention to spectators.

As long as you follow basic backcountry wildlife safety rules—keep your distance, stay quiet, and don’t bring food out—you’ll be fine. You may even see local fishermen casting lines in the same river, just a short distance from the bears. It’s a wild but peaceful coexistence, and as long as you respect the bears, they’ll respect you.