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?
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.
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.
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