McNeil River bear viewing access dispute revealed in survey results

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has posted results from the 2025–2026 McNeil River State Game Sanctuary stakeholder survey that drew 741 responses. The department announced May 14, 2026, that it is carefully considering the feedback and will maintain status quo operations during the review process.

Commercial transportation to the sanctuary will continue to be by floatplane for the 2026 season. Requests to access the sanctuary via wheeled airplane will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Permit holders who cannot find reasonable transportation options may be eligible for unused permits in other time blocks, if available.

"McNeil is a world-renowned bear viewing program, and preserving the unique experience that McNeil provides is paramount," Director Ryan Scott said. "We are working to strike a balance between this and our responsibility to ensure that the public can safely participate in the bear viewing program. The department's goal is to identify solutions that balance these priorities."

No more than 10 people per day may be present at McNeil River Falls or other viewing locations within the sanctuary between June 7 and August 25. The department said no change to that daily limit is under consideration at this time.

The status quo approach during the review period means no immediate changes for the 2026 season, which begins in early June.

Permit holders planning trips to McNeil River this summer will need to arrange floatplane transportation unless they receive case-by-case approval for wheeled airplane access. Those who cannot secure reasonable transportation have the option to request reassignment to different time blocks, depending on permit availability.

The survey results are available on the department's website at https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/lands/protectedareas/mcneilriver/pdfs/mcneil-river-stakeholder-survey-results.pdf. For more information on McNeil River State Game Sanctuary and Refuge, visit https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=mcneilriver.main. Contact Sky Brandt, Assistant Director, at [email protected].