Snug Harbor Outpost – the Bear Viewing Alaska of your Dreams at Lake Clark National Park
You may not know it yet, but when you picture Alaska in your mind Snug Harbor Outpost is it. Towering mountains of Lake Clark National Park cradling glaciers, fish caught for lunch or dinner right in front of you, boat rides to bird rookeries and remote beaches filled with fossils, witnessing bears eating and hearing them chew just a short distance away (while safely keeping your distance with your guide), warm hospitality where you are immediately drawn into and become part of the family and a firepit to watch the midnight sunset while enjoying smores.
If you’re looking to recreate the same series of photos everyone else has in the same places on your trip to Alaska, then move along because this is not that. If you love authentic travel experiences and immersing yourself in new places far away from busy tourist areas then go straight to Snug Harbor Outpost and never look back.
I’m a part time tour director in Alaska – I spend a lot of time with my guests in famous places every other visitor is going. Don’t get me wrong, those places are incredible too, but when I’m creating my podcast and articles here on Top Left Adventures, I love to share places that are less well known and less famous and even more special and authentic to Alaska. The Porter Family has lovingly and thoughtfully created this unforgettable experience for those of you who yearn for deep connections when you travel to as well as incredible food and obviously bear viewing!
Listen to my conversation with the Porter Family at Snug Harbor
Why is bear viewing so amazing at Snug Harbor Outpost?
I’ve been lucky enough to view bears at many different locations in Alaska, both from just seeing them out and about as well as on organized tours specifically for bear viewing.
The bear viewing experience at Snug Harbor is my favorite because of the amount of time you get to spend with bears, the variety of ways you can see them (from the boat, sometimes walking depending on the situation) and the amount of time you get to spend just observing them. Their two night package includes multiple bear viewing outings at remote locations in Lake Clark National Park (exact locations vary based on where the bears are).
Similar to one of my other favorite places for bear viewing, also in Lake Clark National Park, this is a slow and immersive adventure and not one you’re likely to have seen many photos of (unlike Brooks Falls in Katmai).
If you’re looking for a quick bear check box, this is not it (go to Katmai with the crowds instead) but if you’re seeking an immersive and in depth bear experience you will absolutely love this.
The Porters know so much about bears and bear behavior and will help you get to know the bears and learn about them as well as experience them safely.
Where is Snug Harbor Outpost?
Snug Harbor Outpost is located on Chisik Island, at the entrance to Lake Clark National Park on the west side of the Cook Inlet about 100 miles Southwest of Anchorage and across the inlet from Kenai and Homer.
How to get to Snug Harbor Outpost
To visit Snug Harbor, you’ll need to get yourself to Homer the night before you head over. You can drive to Homer from Anchorage (about a 6 hour drive) or fly there.
If you fly to Homer make sure you book a place to stay in town (lots of vacation rentals are further away) because you’ll need a taxi to get to your lodging and to the float plane base in Homer (not a rideshare). You’ll also want to be able to walk to eat and explore while you’re in town.
What’s included in my stay at Snug Harbor Outpost?
Pretty much everything, which is another thing to love about Snug Harbor!
The flight from Homer is included as well as all meals – three incredible gourmet meals each day with local ingredients and fish probably caught in view of your room within a couple hours. The food is truly incredible and they are able to accommodate dietary restrictions as long as you let them know at the time of booking so they’re prepared with the necessary ingredients to serve you.
All the excursions from bear viewing to bird watching and fossil point beach combing are included along with fishing.
Snug Harbor is also a photographers dream – unhurried opportunities to take photos of bears, birds, landscapes, historic buildings, fishing boats and more.
Even though many activities and outings are included, there’s also plenty of downtime built into the schedule to explore the beach at Snug Harbor on your own, walk around the historic property or visit the wood fired sauna – complete with a cold plunge if you like.
When can I go to Snug Harbor?
Snug Harbor welcomes guests in June and July. Get in touch with Mariah to book as early as you can, since space is limited at this remote location and it is only open a few weeks a year.
What are the accommodations like at Snug Harbor?
You’ll be staying in one of the buildings of a historic cannery. Most rooms are on the second floor and have stairs.
The rooms are incredibly charming and have lots of little touches like a power source to charge your devices, incredibly comfortable beds and windows with views of the water, forest and mountains.
You’ll be sharing a bathroom down the hall, part of the historic charm of this perfectly restored building.
Rooms have different configurations of beds and they will work out the best rooms for you based on your needs and your group when you visit.
Is there WiFi or cell service?
There is no cell service here but there is WiFi at certain times of the day (when the generator is running). I wouldn’t recommend counting on streaming or online meetings (but why would you???) but you can definitely use WiFi calling or texting to check in at home and share some amazing photos of your day.
Wheelchair accessibility
This remote location at a historic property is not fully wheelchair accessible – however I encourage you to talk to Mariah about your mobility needs and what your options are if you’d like to visit. There are a few stairs going into most of the buildings and some uneven short beach walking to get on and off the bear watching boat as well as the plane you arrive on.
How to book
Ready to plan your dream trip to Snug Harbor? Email or call Mariah (513.600.2904), let her know I sent you and she will take care of everything – you just need to get yourself to Homer to meet the plane.
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