where are the bears?

[notlost]

we are currently in anchorage and deciding whether to go to Valdez or not. The rain has been a big factor (i know we're in alaska, but 2 weeks of steady rain is a bit tough). we are photographers and hoping to get some bear photos.
In past trips, we were fortunate to see them in valdez. has anyone recently been there? are the bears around?
also, how are the bears in Haines? How about Hyder?
is there anywhere else (besides denali) that we should go to for bears?
we won't be going to katmai or lake clark. looking for someplace to drive to.

thanks,
sue

facebook.com/stoppingtheshutter

[enblethen]

On the Kenai around Cooper Landing along Russian river during salmon run.(grizzlies)
Stuart-Hyder highway west of Cassiar if coming back that way(black bears)

[rockhillmanor]

The best time to photograph bears is during the salmon runs. There's so many at these rivers it almost unbelievable.