Nearly all visitors begin their McNeil experience in Homer, where they hop a float plane for the 1-hour flight across Cook Inlet. On arriving at McNeil, they're directed to a camping area 2 miles from the falls. The campground is human turf. Bears are not allowed. Located about a mile above McNeil River's mouth, the falls is actually a step-like series of small waterfalls, pools and whitewater rapids, stretched over 300 yards of the stream.
Individual bears take up fishing positions based on their place in the ursine pecking order.
Prime spots are located along the western bank, opposite the viewing pads. Because bears are not normally social animals, there's often considerable tension among the animals feeding at McNeil Falls, especially when few salmon are available. Stress is signaled by heavy salivation, laid-back ears, body posture and deliberate movements. Rarely do encounters result in fights, however. Less dominant bears usually back away - slowly.