I arrived by bush plane at Lake Clark National Park and Preserve.

However, expedition companies likeNatural Habitat Adventurescreate experiences for travelers to access areas that are otherwise unreachable.

Natural Habitat Adventures specializes in eco-friendly, small-group nature and wildlife tours all over the world.

Bears in Lake Clark National Park in Alaska

Mother bear and cub in Lake Crescent, Lake Clark National Park in Alaska.Credit:Teresa Kopec/Getty Images

While it sounds repetitive, it didn’t get boring.

(A standout dish for me was the salmon dip served as an appetizer.)

There are two communal private bathrooms with showers, which are very clean.

Snowy mountains in Alaska

A small airplane flying over snowy mountains in Alaska.James Barrett/Travel + Leisure

My first bear spotting was intimidating (because these creatures can run up to 40 mph) and beautiful.

My initial fear wore off quickly and transformed into gratitude I felt so lucky to be there.

For fellow explorers, my advice is to be patient.

The cabin at Natural Habitat Adventures in Lake Clark National Park

The sleeping and dining cabins at Natural Habitat Adventures in Lake Clark National Park.James Barrett/Travel + Leisure

These bears have multi-generational experience of humans acting in predictable ways (i.e.

Seeing these powerful animals up close was one of the most exhilarating moments of my life.

Grizzly Bears in Lake Clark National Park

Grizzly Bears in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve in southwest Alaska.James Barrett/Travel + Leisure