I have managed to get a special permit for McNeil River for coming july, but I have yet to arrange everything for my stay there. As I am currently in Africa for the coming months and have limited internet access, I would appreciate any help from people that have been there.
What I would like to know is:
-What is the best way to go there? Any recommendations?
-Is there a rental company where I can rent camping and outdoor equipment for my stay?
-Do I need to make reservations for base camp?
-Is both base camp and McNeil itself based on camping?
-Any tips/advice on photographing at McNeil?
-Any tips on bear photography outside of McNeil, and the best places to stay?
Thanks in advance for your help - it is greatly appreciated.
Do a "search" in this forum (seach engine at the top tight of the pag)" for "McNeil" and the eariler questions and answers about the conditions and needs. A couple people here have been there and gave me excellent ideas when i asked a couple months ago.
Have a great time! If you can't go, I'll gladly buy your place, (if allowed! :-)
I have a permit myself for July 1 to July 4. They let you go out the night before to set up camp and stay an additional day to break down. This way you get 4 full days of viewing. As far as who to use for transportation, Beluga seems to be the best. They are charging $600 this year and allow you to take 75 lbs of gear. Some floatplane operations will only allow 50lbs.
REI in Anchorage, (they have a website), rents tents, sleeping bags and pads. I just rented a tent from them for $75 a week on reserve for McNeil.
The camping area is about 2.5 miles from the falls. Depending on what time slot you have you may be hiking to Mifcik Creek since the bears usually head there first. My time slot seems to have bears at both locations.
From what I have heard from tons of sources, it can pour buckets at McNeil so you want to make sure all your gear can be stowed in something water tight. Also bring clothing appropriate for heavy driving rain just in case. Insect repellent and better yet bug repellent clothing seem to be a must for July.
Beluga flies out of Homer so you will have to get there from Anchorage. I fly into Anchorage on the 27 and leave the 7th. Rental Cars seem to be super expensive.
Oh yes, I almost forgot. Waders for hiking in the mud and water are a must! Make sure they are of good quality and are somewhat flexible and comfortable to walk in. Temps vary are there from 40 at night to 70 sometimes during the day so clothing is a tough call. If you keep the waders on, you will probably want a thin pant underneath otherwise you will sweat to death. I was told to bring snacks for when you are out on the photography pad. Gorp mix, energy bars etc. I am still investigating food options. They have a sauna which is where you sponge/wash every day if you like so bring a towel and probably a face cloth.
Maybe we have the same time slot and can meet up for dinner or something down there before we leave.
There is a book out that was published a few years back on McNeil, if you want the tittle I will find it for you later.
Discussion
4 repliesWhat I would like to know is:
-What is the best way to go there? Any recommendations?
-Is there a rental company where I can rent camping and outdoor equipment for my stay?
-Do I need to make reservations for base camp?
-Is both base camp and McNeil itself based on camping?
-Any tips/advice on photographing at McNeil?
-Any tips on bear photography outside of McNeil, and the best places to stay?
Thanks in advance for your help - it is greatly appreciated.
Do a "search" in this forum (seach engine at the top tight of the pag)" for "McNeil" and the eariler questions and answers about the conditions and needs. A couple people here have been there and gave me excellent ideas when i asked a couple months ago.
Have a great time! If you can't go, I'll gladly buy your place, (if allowed! :-)
SAndy r
I have a permit myself for July 1 to July 4. They let you go out the night before to set up camp and stay an additional day to break down. This way you get 4 full days of viewing. As far as who to use for transportation, Beluga seems to be the best. They are charging $600 this year and allow you to take 75 lbs of gear. Some floatplane operations will only allow 50lbs.
REI in Anchorage, (they have a website), rents tents, sleeping bags and pads. I just rented a tent from them for $75 a week on reserve for McNeil.
The camping area is about 2.5 miles from the falls. Depending on what time slot you have you may be hiking to Mifcik Creek since the bears usually head there first. My time slot seems to have bears at both locations.
From what I have heard from tons of sources, it can pour buckets at McNeil so you want to make sure all your gear can be stowed in something water tight. Also bring clothing appropriate for heavy driving rain just in case. Insect repellent and better yet bug repellent clothing seem to be a must for July.
Beluga flies out of Homer so you will have to get there from Anchorage. I fly into Anchorage on the 27 and leave the 7th. Rental Cars seem to be super expensive.
Maybe we have the same time slot and can meet up for dinner or something down there before we leave.
There is a book out that was published a few years back on McNeil, if you want the tittle I will find it for you later.