If you’re heading to Brooks Falls, you already know this isn’t a casual roadside stop. It’s remote, wild, and absolutely worth the effort. But a few practical decisions can make the difference between a stressful trip and one of the most memorable experiences of your life.
Here are the essentials I’ve learned from spending time at Brooks Falls inside Katmai National Park and Preserve.
1. Be Ready for Unpredictable Weather
Summer in Katmai can swing from bluebird skies to steady rain without much warning. You might wake up to sunshine and be shooting in a cold downpour by afternoon.
What to bring:
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A proven waterproof rain jacket with a hood
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Consider bringing two jackets so one can dry while you wear the other
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Waterproof pants are worth it
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Extra dry socks (you’ll thank yourself)
One year I even brought an umbrella and duct-taped the handle to my tripod. It looked ridiculous — but it kept both me and my camera gear surprisingly dry during long sessions on the platform.
Moisture is your biggest enemy up there. Protect your gear like it’s mission-critical — because it is.
2. Prepare for Bugs (Yes, They’re Real)
Mosquitoes are part of the Alaskan experience. Some days they’re manageable. Other days… not so much.
Recommended:
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Bug repellent with DEET
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Lightweight long sleeves
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Mosquito head net (especially if you’re off the main platforms)
There’s also a larger, aggressive fly — it looks like a black horse fly. Its bite is far worse than a mosquito. You’ll know immediately if one finds you.
It’s a small price to pay for world-class wildlife photography, but don’t ignore it.
3. Lightweight Fly Fishing Waders (Even If You’re Not Fishing)
If you stay on the established dirt paths, you’ll be fine in hiking boots. But if you venture into tall grass areas for unique compositions, be prepared for wet, marshy ground.
Those grass fields can be soaked — especially after rain — and the vegetation itself can be dripping wet.
Lightweight waders make exploring far more comfortable.
If you plan to fish, be sure to check current regulations. Felt-soled boots have been restricted in many Alaskan fisheries, so verify before you go.
4. Bring an Electrical Power Strip
There are limited power outlets in the mess hall/bar area at Brooks Camp. When several photographers are trying to recharge batteries at once, outlets become prime real estate.
A simple power strip:
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Lets you charge multiple batteries and a laptop at once
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Only uses one wall outlet
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Makes you instantly popular with other photographers
In a remote location like this, power equals productivity.
5. Bring Fly Fishing Gear
If you enjoy fly fishing, bring your gear.
The fishing can be excellent in the Brooks River and nearby Naknek Lake. You’ll find rainbow trout and, during runs, salmon moving up the river.
Photography isn’t always nonstop action. Lighting can flatten out mid-day. Bears may disappear for hours.
Having a fly rod gives you something productive — and incredibly enjoyable — to do while you wait for prime shooting conditions.
6. Pack Cards or a Cribbage Board
Weather can trap you in your cabin or tent. Rain can last all day. Flights can be delayed. You may find yourself with unexpected downtime.
A simple deck of cards or a cribbage board turns a gloomy afternoon into a relaxed memory instead of cabin fever.
Brooks Falls is as much about the full experience as it is about the bears.
Final Thought
Brooks Falls rewards preparation. If you stay dry, manage the bugs, protect your gear, and have a backup plan for downtime, you’ll enjoy the experience instead of just enduring it.
And when a 1,000-pound brown bear launches into the air with a salmon mid-flight — you’ll be ready.
Explore my limited-edition Brown Bear prints here.