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We are Returning to McNeil River this Summer

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We found out when we were in Nome for the Iditarod finish that we drew permits to visit the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary again this summer, and we are beyond thrilled. We went in 2021 and it was the trip of a lifetime. It is easily one of the coolest things Travis and I have ever done together. Also cool? One of the guides, Jason was a big Turning Heads Kennel fan. He only had 2 cotton t shirts and guess what? One of them was a Turning Heads Kennel shirt. How cool and how random is that?

Sarah Stokey, Jason Rupp, and Travis Beals wearing Turning Heads Kennel gear in front of the McNeil River cook shack.​
We are Returning to McNeil River this Summer 4

What is the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary?

For those unfamiliar, McNeil River is a remote sanctuary in Alaska that hosts one of the world’s largest concentration of brown bears. Access is highly restricted—only 10 people per day are allowed during peak season, and permits are awarded through a competitive lottery. You can learn more about the lottery or consider applying on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.

Types of Permits You can Draw for McNeil

At the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary in Alaska, two primary types of permits grant access to the sanctuary’s renowned brown bear viewing opportunities: Guided Viewing Permits and Camp-Standby Viewing Permits. Both are allocated through a competitive lottery system managed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. 

🐻 Guided Viewing Permits

Guided Viewing Permits provide holders with guaranteed access to the sanctuary’s main bear viewing areas, such as McNeil River Falls and Mikfik Creek, during a specified 4-day period between June 7 and August 25. Permit holders are accompanied by Department of Fish and Game personnel during daily excursions to observe the bears. A total of 185 Guided Viewing Permits are issued annually through the lottery. The permit fee is $225 for Alaska residents and $525 for non-residents, in addition to a nonrefundable $30 application fee.

🏕️ Camp-Standby Viewing Permits

Camp-Standby Viewing Permits allow holders to stay at the sanctuary’s campground and explore nearby areas, such as the beach seaward of the campground. While these permits don’t guarantee access to the primary bear viewing sites, holders may have the opportunity to fill vacancies in guided bear viewing sessions if Guided Viewing Permit holders do not utilize their permits. A total of 57 Camp-Standby Permits are issued each year. The permit fee is $112 for Alaska residents and $262 for non-residents, plus the $30 application fee.

Sarah Stokey and Travis Beals observing brown bears at McNeil River Falls, with Travis filming the bears on his iPhone.​
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We Drew Camp Standby Permits

While we drew “camp standby permits” it’s still a great opportunity to experience some really beautiful country and, hopefully, do some really cool bear viewing.

Basically, we get to go to camp and if someone doesn’t want to go on a hike in to see the bears at Mikfik Creek or McNeil River, we get to fill their spot. When we drew in early June, however, a lot of the bear viewing will actually be closer to camp at both the tide flats and sedge flats. ADFG actually provides a pretty helpful guide on how many bears you can expect to see and where — so I’m not sure if we will even “need” to go to Mikfik Creek but hiking was one of my favorite parts on our last adventure as the terrain was just beautiful.

How Do You get to McNeil River?

Reaching the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary is an adventure in itself, as the sanctuary is located in a remote area of Alaska with no road access. Visitors travel by floatplane, departing from either Homer or Anchorage. Only a few select companies have permission to fly into McNeil, like Northwind Aviation, Destination Alaskan Charters, and Emerald Aviation.

When the float planes can land is also dependent on the tide.

What Do You Do At McNeil River?

​Visiting the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary is an extraordinary experience, offering unparalleled opportunities to observe brown bears in their natural habitat. Each day, visitors embark on guided hikes to prime bear-viewing locations such as McNeil River Falls and Mikfik Creek. These areas are renowned for their high concentrations of brown bears, especially during the salmon runs in July and August.

A brown bear sow walks along the edge of the McNeil River with her two cubs during our 2021 trip to McNeil River
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Why Go to McNeil River Game Sanctuary?

Going to McNeil is without a doubt one of the most unforgettable experiences of our lives. There’s nothing quite like watching brown bears in their natural habitat, completely wild and unbothered by human presence.The sanctuary’s strict permit system limits visitors to just ten people per day, which means the bears remain unhabituated and the viewing experience feels deeply respectful and intimate. ​

Beyond the incredible wildlife—bears, foxes, eagles, and more—the remote camping experience is something special in itself. Living off-grid in a place with no roads, no cell service, and no distractions brings people together in a way that’s hard to describe. We made lifelong friends last time, sharing meals in the cook cabin and swapping stories late into the Alaskan summer nights. ​

A look back at Our 2021 Trip to McNeil River

We feel so lucky we get to return to this wild, peaceful place. It’s a rare privilege to witness such raw beauty, and we can’t wait to soak it all in again.​

Here’s a short reel I made on my personal page of the trip we took in August of 2021

Weekend Reflections from the Mat-Su Outdoors Show

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We stopped by the Mat-Su Outdoors Show this weekend—not as vendors, just as a family excited to reconnect with Alaska’s outdoor community.

The show was full of energy—gear, guides, outfitters, and folks swapping stories about summer plans and past trips. We ran into our neighbors from the Seward KOA and enjoyed catching up with them. We also saw former Turning Heads Kennel glacier guide Allie Sargent who has one of our former dogs, TJ.

It was great to see so many familiar faces and new businesses all in one place, sharing what they love. Events like this are more than just booths and brochures—they’re about celebrating the lifestyle we live every day and the community that makes it all possible.

After the show, we grabbed lunch from one of the many food trucks (hard to choose just one!) and spent some time with Elias at the playground. It was the perfect way to cap off a sunny, spring weekend.

Going to the show reminded us just how passionate Alaskans are about wild spaces, adventure, and the small businesses that support it all.

Early April at the Kennel: A Quick Update

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Winter may have never arrived but it certainly isn’t in a hurry to let go either. Despite having no snow for much of the training season, now that it is April and the season for racing is at an end, the snow does not want to disappear. Sometimes we get a dusting, sometime an inch, and sometimes two. It is all gone by mid-afternoon but it has made for a sloppy start to the spring.

For now, are working on organizing the chaos after racing season. We will pick up our Iditarod drop bags and begin unpacking them. Travis’ “spare” sled, along with Ebbe’s, somehow ended up in Fairbanks. It means a roadtrip is in someone’s future. (Here is to hoping they hitch a ride south with someone!)

Sam finished the Kobuk 440 on Tuesday in 9th place. Flying to Kotzebue with 12 dogs, by himself is no small undertaking. The weather supposedly wasn’t great and even in good conditions it is a notoriously difficult race. I look forward to hearing about his race and sharing it.

The dogs who stayed home are happy but growing restless. The cycle of snow and sun making a muddy mess not suitable for running. Plus, this is the start of our brief off season: a time when the dogs can rest and recover after a hard season of racing and training and before tours begin. We are also taking time away: a quick trip to Hawaii is in our future with Travis’ family.

We are lucky to have had such a fun season. Luckier still at the adventures yet to come.

9 Tips for Booking a Summer Dog Sled Tour

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Booking a summer dog sled tour in Alaska offers a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of dog sledding in a season you might not initially associate with the sport. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your summer dog sled tour in Alaska:

1. Research Summer Dog Sled Tours

Look for reputable dog sled tour operators with positive reviews and a commitment to animal welfare. Check online reviews and ask for recommendations from travel forums or social media groups focused on Alaska travel.

2. Book Your Summer Dog Sled Tour in Advance

Summer is a peak tourist season in Alaska, making it a popular time for dog sledding tours. To ensure you don’t miss out on the experience, it’s wise to book your tour well in advance. This not only guarantees your spot but also gives you ample time to prepare and plan for your adventure, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable trip.

3. Understand the Summer Dog Sledding Experience You Are Booking

There are several different types of summer dog sled tours available, so it’s important to know exactly what you’re signing up for. The four main types are: sled dog demonstrations, wheeled dog sled rides, glacier dog sledding, and husky hikes.

Sled dog demonstrations usually involve visiting a kennel and watching a team of dogs get hooked up to a sled to run, but you don’t go dog sledding yourself. Wheeled dog sled rides take place on custom-built carts, where a musher takes you on a short ride through the woods. Glacier dog sledding involves a helicopter flight to a glacier, allowing you to experience dog sledding on snow, even in the summer—though it’s a pricier option. Husky hikes let you help exercise the sled dogs on trail walks, with the dogs often running loose and not attached to a sled. This is a more active, hands-on tour.

There is no “best” option, as each type of tour offers its own unique experience with different pros and cons. In general, sled dog demonstrations and husky hikes are more commonly found in areas where it can get too hot for the dogs to consistently run in a team. These tours allow you to experience the dogs in a different way, whether it’s through a demonstration or by joining in on a fun, active trail walk. Each option caters to different interests, so choosing the right one depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.

Be sure to understand the logistics, physical requirements, and what’s included in the tour you’re booking to ensure you have the best experience possible.

4. Ask About the Sled Dogs

What makes a dog sledding tour special? The dogs, of course. These incredible canines are the heart and soul of the experience, and many kennels have teams that have competed in prestigious races. If you book your tour in advance, you can often learn if the dogs you’ll be mushing have raced before or are currently competing in races like Iditarod. This adds an exciting layer to your adventure, as you can follow along with “your team” during the racing season, watching their progress and cheering them on. It’s a fun way to feel connected to the dogs before your actual tour and gives you a sense of anticipation. As you count down the days until your summer trip, following the team’s races and updates can help build the excitement, making your dog sledding experience even more memorable when you finally meet the dogs in person.

5. Check for Age and Weight Restrictions

Some tours have age and weight restrictions for safety reasons, especially for helicopter rides to the glacier. Verify this information beforehand to avoid any surprises. If you are going on a helicopter ride, you will be weighed on arrival.

6. Ask About Their Weather Policy

It’s important to be prepared for potential schedule adjustments. For example, wheeled cart rides may need to be altered if temperatures rise too high, husky hikes could be canceled in the rain, and helicopter glacier dog sledding can be cancelled if visibility is poor.

To ensure you’re fully prepared, make sure you understand how the dog sled tour company handles these weather-related situations. Knowing their policies on rescheduling or cancellations can help you stay flexible and make the most of your Alaskan adventure, no matter what the weather brings. For glacier dog sledding tours, it’s often advisable to have a back up day built into your travel arrangements.

7. Ask About Transportation to Your Dog Sled Tour

If your tour is located outside the city you’re staying in, consider how you’ll get there. Some operators offer transportation from major hotels or central locations, so ask about this when booking. It’s not uncommon for operators to charge a reasonable, per person shuttle fee.

8. Check for Cancellation Policies

Understand the tour operator’s cancellation policy, including any fees and deadlines, in case your plans change.

By following these tips, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable summer dog sledding experience in Alaska, all while respecting the local environment and the incredible dogs that make the adventure possible.

9. Book Your Dog Sled Tour Over the Phone

Many tour companies use booking platforms that charge a percentage-based booking fee, often as much as 6% per person. These fees can quickly add up. To avoid extra costs, consider booking directly over the phone. Not only will this help you skip the booking fees, but you’ll also have the opportunity to learn more about the local area from the reservationist, who can offer insider tips and recommendations for your trip.

Group of sled dogs in various environments, including snow and forest, promoting a Summer Dog Sled Tour adventure.

We Would Love to Take You on a Summer Dog Sled Tour

At Turning Heads Kennel, we’re passionate about our happy, healthy dogs. We’d love to share the thrill of dog sledding with you. Our summer dog sled tours offer an exciting chance to mush a team of enthusiastic huskies across stunning landscapes. Whether you’re soaring to a glacier by helicopter or exploring the wooded trails near our kennel, our dogs are ready to show you the best of Alaska. Book with us for a memorable, tail-wagging adventure!

Glacier Dog Sledding
WHeeled Cart Adventure

Congratulations to Ebbe Pedersen: 2025 Iditarod Red Lantern Finisher

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Congratulations to Ebbe Pedersen on completing the 2025 Iditarod and proudly earning the Red Lantern! Ebbe crossed under the Burled Arch in Nome with a traveling time of 13 days, 13 hours, 40 minutes, and 18 seconds, running a determined and spirited team of dogs from Turning Heads Kennel.

What is the Red Lantern Award?

In the Iditarod, the Red Lantern is awarded to the last musher to finish the race. Far from being a symbol of defeat, it’s a mark of perseverance and grit. The tradition honors the musher who refuses to give up, guiding their team all the way to Nome no matter how long it takes.

It represents the spirit of the race — determination, resilience, and the deep bond between musher and dog team.

We Are Proud of Ebbe Pedersen 2025 Iditarod Finisher

We are incredibly proud of Ebbe and the amazing canine athletes who powered down the trail, still charging into their harnesses all the way to the finish. Their strength, heart, and determination were on full display in what was the longest Iditarod ever run. Ebbe worked incredibly hard throughout the training season. We enjoyed his perspective as an outdoorsman and trapper of 20+ years here in Alaska and the unique perspective he brought from his time as a Norwegian musher.

Now, it’s time for some well-deserved rest. Congratulations, Ebbe — we’re so proud of you!