Katmai National Park & Preserve - index (U.S. National Park Service)

Katmai National Park and Preserve spans nearly five million acres of remote spectacular country. Glaciated volcanoes and desolate volcanic rubble rise above jagged cliffs and dense alder thickets. The Valley of 10,000 Smokes stands as a reminder of the incredibly powerful volcanic eruption that occurred in 1912 and was heard as far as Juneau.

The park and preserve host an incredible density of brown bears (over 2000 bears were estimated in the park and preserve in a recent survey). Many of the bears are lured in by the high number of fish during the salmon runs of summer.

Sport-fishing too is world renown in the park as many people are attracted to the trophy rainbow trout swimming in the many rivers and streams. Anglers also come to fish for sockeye (red) salmon, silver (coho) salmon, Dolly Varden, and lake trout.

Much of the park is rarely visited and opportunities for incredible wilderness experiences abound. Other areas, such as Brooks Camp, are more easily accessed and have various facilities.

Click on the various links at the top of the page to start planning your once-in-a-lifetime journey to this unique and fantastic park.

Click here to download a copy of our park newspaper: The Novarupta.

Operating Hours & Seasons
The park is open year-round. National Park Service and concessioner services are offered at Brooks Camp from June 1 through September 17. Backcountry activities are also best during this time. Prime bear viewing months at Brooks Camp are July and September, although a few bears may be in the area at any time between late May and December.

Getting There
Katmai National Park & Preserve is located on the Alaska Peninsula, across from Kodiak Island. Park Headquarters is in King Salmon, about 290 air miles southwest of Anchorage. Several commercial airlines provide daily flights into King Salmon as there is no road access. Brooks Camp, along the Brooks River approximately 30 air miles from King Salmon, is a common destination for visitors to the Park. Brooks Camp can only be reached via small float plane or boat.

Getting Around
Viewing brown bears in their natural habitat and fishing are very popular activities in Katmai. Safety and preparation for varying conditions are the most important considerations when visiting a wilderness area like Katmai National Park & Preserve.

Although a bear may be encountered anywhere in Katmai from late May into December, the best times for bear viewing at Brooks Camp are late-June through July and September. There are few, if any, bears around Brooks in June and August, though they are seen occasionally during these times.

July and September are crowded with both bears and people. Delays in getting to and from the bear viewing platforms are common and can occur at any time, although such delays offer opportunities for viewing other wildlife and the spectacular scenery all-around Brooks Camp.

Katmai is bear habitat, and they always have the right-of-way. Weather and bears are always a factor at Katmai, so plan extra time to work around delays. There are occasions, especially in July, when visitors are unable to get to the Falls Platform due to time constraints and flight schedules.

Extenuating circumstances may necessitate closure of any portion of Brooks Camp, including trails and bear viewing platforms for safety reasons without advance notice.