State guide
When to catch Alaskathrough the year
We follow 2 places in Alaska for fall foliage and wildlife by season: fall at Denali and summer at Katmai. Each timing below is the place's own source, in its words; none is a forecast.
Updated
When are you going?
Fall in Alaska
- ONE SPOT · TUNDRA FALL COLORDenaliTundra fall colorNational parkTypically the second or third week of AugustNational Park Service ↗
Winter in Alaska
Good in winter
- KatmaiCommon goldeneyes and harlequin ducks become very abundant on the coast
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Spring in Alaska
Good in spring
- KatmaiSome of North America's best birding: spring migration and summer nesting
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Summer in Alaska
- ONE SPOT · BROWN BEARS AT BROOKS FALLSKatmaiBrown bears at Brooks FallsNational parkLate June through the end of JulyNational Park Service ↗
Places in Alaska
Planning a Alaska trip
Browse by season and event
- Fall foliage · 1 place hereFall foliage, everywhere →
- Wildlife by season · 1 place hereWildlife by season, everywhere →
Questions people ask
When is fall color best at Savage River at Denali?
Typically the second or third week of August, though the exact peak varies from year to year.Source: National Park Service, Explore Mountain Vista & Savage River ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How long is the Savage River Loop Trail at Denali?
About 2 miles round trip: a mile along the river, across a small bridge, and back to the parking area.Source: National Park Service, Explore Mountain Vista & Savage River ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When are there the most bears at Brooks Falls at Katmai?
Bear numbers along the Brooks River are greatest from late June through the end of July and from early September through mid-October; the park says viewing is best in July and September.Source: National Park Service, Brown Bear Frequently Asked Questions - Katmai National Park & Preserve ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How long can I stay on the Falls Platform at Katmai?
When it's full, rangers keep a waiting list and each visit is limited to one hour.Source: National Park Service, Frequently Asked Questions - Katmai National Park & Preserve ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Nearby state guides: Washington · Oregon · Montana · Idaho
How we know
- Oct 2Park ServiceExplore Mountain Vista & Savage RiverSource (opens National Park Service, Explore Mountain Vista & Savage River in a new tab)
- Oct 2Park ServiceOperating Hours & Seasons - Denali National Park & PreserveSource (opens National Park Service, Operating Hours & Seasons - Denali National Park & Preserve in a new tab)
- Oct 2Park ServiceBrown Bear Frequently Asked Questions - Katmai National Park & PreserveSource (opens National Park Service, Brown Bear Frequently Asked Questions - Katmai National Park & Preserve in a new tab)
- Oct 2Park ServiceNature & Science: Birds - Katmai National Park & PreserveSource (opens National Park Service, Nature & Science: Birds - Katmai National Park & Preserve in a new tab)
- National Park Service sources: no claim to original U.S. Government works.