If you're in Anchorage and craving a true Alaskan wildlife experience—like the kind you can’t get from behind a glass window—then you need to check out the JBER Wildlife Viewing Areas. Tucked inside Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (yep, that’s the military installation right in Anchorage), this place is where you’ll get an unfiltered, up-close look at the animals that call Alaska home. Think moose, bears, bald eagles, foxes, and even lynx if you're lucky. The official address is JBER, Anchorage, AK 99506, and yes, civilians can access certain areas with a little planning ahead. It's like having a front-row seat to a National Geographic documentary, except you're the one holding the camera.

So, here’s the deal—you’re not just going for a drive-through zoo experience. This is wild country. JBER stretches across nearly 65,000 acres of diverse terrain, which means you’ve got a mix of boreal forest, wetlands, and alpine zones all rolled into one stunning, untamed landscape. There are dedicated wildlife viewing areas, with prime spots along Arctic Valley Road and around Six Mile Lake and Otter Lake. Seriously, just driving through these spots feels like you’re on a safari—but colder. 

If you’re visiting in the fall, prepare yourself for the full-on rutting season. That’s when bull moose go all in—grunting, posturing, and locking antlers in a show of dominance that feels straight out of a medieval battle. And during spring, you might spot a cow moose with calves, which is as adorable as it is wild. Binoculars are your best friend here, but bring your zoom lens too, because you’ll want to capture the moment you see a bald eagle swoop down over a lake or a black bear ambling through the brush like it owns the place. Which, honestly, it kind of does.

Accessing JBER does take a little legwork, but it’s worth it. You’ll need to head to the Visitor Control Center at the Boniface Gate or Richardson Gate with your ID to get a day pass. Don't worry—it’s a smooth process, and once you’re in, you’ll forget all about the paperwork. The base is well-marked and surprisingly easy to navigate for such a massive area. There’s also a great mix of hiking trails around here, so if you’re into wildlife photography or just want to stretch your legs while breathing in some of the crispest air on Earth, this is your spot. 

Oh, and speaking of breathing—it’s so quiet here sometimes, you can hear a twig snap a mile away. Total peace. If you’re hungry after all that wild adventuring, you're just a short drive from Anchorage’s east side, where you'll find awesome local joints like Moose’s Tooth (a pizza place locals swear by) and Kaladi Brothers Coffee if you need a warm-up. Arctic Valley Ski Area is also nearby, if you're visiting during the snowier months and want to pack in a little more action. You can truly make a whole day (or heck, a weekend) of it up here.

Now, before you head out, let’s get your wheels sorted. If you're visiting Anchorage and ready to explore wild places like JBER on your schedule, then book your ride with MJT Car Rental. We’ll make sure you’ve got the perfect vehicle to handle everything from base roads to backcountry detours. You can book right now at this link or give us a call at +1 808-774-3820. Let’s hit the road—Alaska’s calling.