Layered clothing (weather changes quickly) Waterproof boots for muddy trails Bear spray for backcountry areas Snacks and water Camera with extra memory cards

Wildlife Viewing Calendar: What to See in Anchorage May & June

Visitor's Guide
May 04
5 min read
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May and June are incredible months for wildlife viewing around Anchorage. As Alaska awakens from winter, you’ll witness an explosion of activity from moose, bears, migratory birds, and marine mammals. Here’s your complete guide to what to see and where to find it during late spring and early summer in Alaska’s largest city.

Moose: Peak Viewing Season

May and June mark peak moose viewing season in Anchorage. New calves stick close to their mothers, creating fantastic photography opportunities in urban parks and wooded areas.

Best Locations for Moose

Kincaid Park: Early morning and late evening hours offer the best chances
Campbell Creek Greenbelt: Year-round residents frequently graze here
University of Alaska Anchorage campus: Don’t be surprised to see them on your way to class
Russian Jack Springs Park: Families often spot moose near the playground areas

Safety Tip: Keep at least 25 feet away from moose, especially cows with calves. They’re more aggressive during this protective period.

Black and Brown Bears: Emerging from Hibernation

As salmon runs haven’t started yet, bears focus on vegetation and small prey. This makes May and June excellent for observing their natural foraging behavior.

Prime Bear Watching Spots

Ship Creek: Bears fish for early salmon runs and hunt spawning fish
Bird Creek: Twenty minutes south of Anchorage, perfect for day trips
Turnagain Arm: Drive the scenic highway and watch for bears on mudflats
Chugach State Park trails: Always hike with bear spray and make noise

For guided bear viewing experiences, consider booking with Major Marine Tours, which offers wildlife cruises where you might spot coastal brown bears along Prince William Sound shorelines.

Migratory Birds: Spring Migration Peak

May brings waves of migratory birds returning to Alaska for breeding season. Bird watchers consider this one of the best times of year for diversity.

Top Birding Locations

Potter Marsh: Boardwalk trails offer easy access to waterfowl viewing
Westchester Lagoon: Downtown location perfect for lunch-break birding
Anchorage Coastal Trail: Eleven-mile paved trail with multiple bird habitats
Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge: Just outside Anchorage, worth the drive

What You’ll See: Sandhill cranes, various duck species, Canada geese, bald eagles, and numerous songbirds returning from southern wintering grounds.

Marine Wildlife: Cook Inlet Residents

Cook Inlet’s waters teem with marine life during late spring and early summer. The warmer weather makes waterfront viewing more comfortable.

Marine Wildlife Highlights

Beluga whales: Best viewed from Ship Creek area during high tide
Stellar sea lions: Visible from coastal viewpoints
Harbor seals: Often spotted hauled out on mudflats
Various seabirds: Puffins, murres, and cormorants

For closer marine wildlife encounters, Prince William Sound Kayak Center offers guided kayak tours where you’ll paddle alongside seals and sea otters in their natural habitat.

Family-Friendly Wildlife Viewing

May and June weather makes wildlife viewing accessible for families with children. Pack layers, as Anchorage weather can change quickly.

Easy Access Locations

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail: Paved, flat, perfect for strollers
Earthquake Park: Short walks with interpretive signs
Flattop Mountain area: Even the parking lot offers wildlife viewing opportunities

For families wanting guided experiences, Chugach Adventures provides wildlife-focused day tours suitable for all ages, combining education with outdoor adventure.

Photography Tips for Alaska Wildlife

Essential Gear

Telephoto lens: 300mm minimum for safe distance photography
Binoculars: 8×42 or 10×42 for detailed viewing
Weather protection: Waterproof camera bags and lens cloths
Extra batteries: Cold weather drains power quickly

Timing and Light

Golden hour photography is extended during Alaska’s long spring days. Sunrise around 5:30 AM and sunset after 10 PM provide incredible lighting opportunities for wildlife photography.

Planning Your Wildlife Adventure

What to Bring

Layered clothing (weather changes quickly)
Waterproof boots for muddy trails
Bear spray for backcountry areas
Snacks and water
Camera with extra memory cards

Best Times of Day

Early morning (5-9 AM): Most active period for mammals
Late afternoon/evening (6-10 PM): Second peak activity period
Midday: Better for marine wildlife viewing from coastal areas

Day Trip Opportunities

Combine wildlife viewing with scenic Alaska experiences by visiting Portage Glacier, where you might spot mountain goats, black bears, and various bird species during the scenic drive through Turnagain Pass.

For hiking enthusiasts, the Williwaw Lakes Trail offers backcountry wildlife viewing opportunities, though this challenging hike requires proper preparation and bear awareness.

Wildlife Viewing Ethics

Respect Wildlife and Habitat

Maintain safe distances (25 feet from moose, 100 feet from bears)
Never feed wildlife
Stay on designated trails
Pack out all trash
Keep dogs leashed in wildlife areas

Emergency Preparedness

Always inform someone of your plans, carry emergency communication devices in remote areas, and know how to react to wildlife encounters. Alaska ‘s wilderness is beautiful but demands respect.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to see moose with calves?

May through July offers the best opportunities to observe cow moose with their new calves. Early morning and evening hours provide optimal viewing chances, as moose are most active during these cooler periods.

Are there guided wildlife tours available from Anchorage?

Yes, several operators offer guided wildlife viewing experiences. These range from marine wildlife cruises to land-based tours that focus on specific species like bears or birds. Guided tours provide expert knowledge and increase your chances of successful wildlife encounters.

What should I do if I encounter a bear while wildlife viewing?

Stay calm, don’t run, and slowly back away while facing the bear. Make yourself appear large, speak in a calm voice, and give the bear plenty of space to leave. Always carry bear spray in bear country and know how to use it properly.

Can I see the Northern Lights during May and June in Anchorage?

Northern Lights are generally not visible during May and June due to Alaska’s long daylight hours. The best aurora viewing season runs from September through March when nights are darker.

Featured photo by Tim Kirkland on Pexels.

Wildlife Viewing Calendar: What to See in Anchorage May & June