Everything You Need to Know About Katmai National Park

Katmai National Park and Preserve is a remote and rugged wilderness located on the Alaska Peninsula, renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and abundant wildlife. Covering over 4 million acres, Katmai offers a pristine environment where natural phenomena and wildlife come together in a spectacular display. Here’s everything you need to know about this wild and fascinating park.

Why You Should Visit Katmai

Spectacular Volcanic Activity: Katmai is home to 14 active volcanoes, with the 1912 eruption of Novarupta being the most significant event of the 20th century. This eruption was 30 times more powerful than Mount St. Helens in 1980, and its ash spread globally, causing climatic changes and acid rain. The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, named by botanist Robert F. Griggs during a 1916 expedition, is a major highlight, showcasing volcanic landscapes with fumaroles emitting steam from the fissured ground.

Brown Bears: Katmai is renowned for its large population of protected brown bears, estimated at around 2,000. The park offers unparalleled opportunities for bear viewing, especially at Brooks Falls, where bears can be seen catching salmon. The park’s coastal areas, including Hallo Bay and Geographic Harbor, are also prime spots for observing these majestic creatures.

Untamed Wilderness: The park’s remote and rugged terrain provides a genuine wilderness experience. Visitors can explore a variety of landscapes, from grassy marshes and rocky shores to dense forests and volcanic terrains. Whether you’re paddling on tranquil lakes or hiking through rugged backcountry, Katmai’s diverse environments offer countless adventures.

Key Attractions and Activities

Best Views and Trails:

• Dumpling Mountain: Located 4.6 miles northwest of Brooks Camp, Dumpling Mountain offers panoramic views of Katmai, including all three arms of Naknek Lake and the distant Alaska Range. The summit is accessible via a relatively easy hike.
• Brooks Falls Trail: This 1.2-mile trail is wheelchair accessible and leads to bear-viewing platforms overlooking the Brooks River. It’s an excellent spot for observing bears fishing for salmon.
• Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes: For those with a sense of adventure, the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes presents a unique volcanic landscape. You can explore the valley on foot or from the air to fully appreciate its scale and the effects of the 1912 eruption.

Wildlife Viewing:

• Brooks Falls: Known for its high-density bear activity, especially during the salmon run from June to September. Visitors can watch bears catching fish from various viewing platforms.
• Katmai Coast: The park’s Pacific coast offers excellent opportunities for viewing bears, particularly in mudflats, meadows, and salmon streams. Areas like Hallo Bay and Swikshak Lagoon are prime locations for bear watching.
• Marine Life: Katmai’s offshore waters are home to sea lions, sea otters, humpback whales, and orcas. The park’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands attract numerous migratory bird species during the summer.

Excursions and Activities:

• Bear Viewing: Numerous platforms at Brooks Falls provide close-up views of bears. Day trips from Anchorage or Homer via floatplanes offer opportunities to experience bear viewing even if you can’t stay overnight.
• Fishing: Katmai is an excellent destination for fishing, with gear and boats available for rent at Brooks Camp. Ensure you have an Alaska state sport fishing license and practice catch-and-release.
• Paddling and Hiking: Experienced paddlers can tackle the 80-mile Savonoski Loop, which includes various waterways and portages. For hikers, backcountry camping and exploring the park’s remote areas offer a true wilderness experience.

Practical Information

Access and Transportation:

• By Air: There are no roads into Katmai. The primary access points are flights from Anchorage to King Salmon, followed by floatplane transfers to Brooks Camp. Katmai Air and Rust’s Flying Service offer these services.
• Katmai Water Taxi: Another option from King Salmon to Brooks Camp is the Katmai Water Taxi, operating June to September.

Accommodations:

• Brooks Camp: The National Park Service operates the Brooks Camp Campground and Fure’s Cabin, with reservations available through Recreation.gov. The campground is open from May to October, while Fure’s Cabin is available year-round.
• Lodges: Brooks Lodge, Katmai Wilderness Lodge, and several remote fishing lodges like Grosvenor Lodge and Kulik Lodge offer various levels of comfort and access to the park’s attractions.

Seasonal Considerations:

• Best Time to Visit: The peak season runs from June to September when most park services, accommodations, and transportation options are available. The summer months are ideal for bear watching and outdoor activities. Winter is less accessible due to snow and ice, and there are no established trails or services during this time.
• Weather: Summer temperatures can range from 30°F to 80°F, with rain and wind being common. Winter temperatures can be much colder, and the park is largely inaccessible during this time.

Accessibility:

• Brooks Camp: Some facilities, including bear-viewing platforms and campsites, are ADA compliant. The visitors center provides all-terrain wheelchairs and braille and audio descriptions for the park’s brochures.

Safety and Regulations:

• Bear Safety: Always maintain a safe distance from bears (at least 50 yards) and be bear-aware. Carry bear spray or use portable electric fences when camping in the backcountry.
• Pets: Pets are not allowed in the park, and service animals must be kept on a leash and under control to avoid wildlife encounters.

Family-Friendly Activities:

• Brooks Camp: While Katmai may not be ideal for very young children, older kids and teens can enjoy bear-watching, fishing, and short hikes. The park offers a Junior Ranger Program, Junior Angler, and Junior Paleontologist programs, providing engaging activities for families.

Katmai National Park is a captivating destination for those seeking adventure, wildlife, and natural beauty. With its dramatic volcanic landscapes, abundant brown bears, and diverse outdoor activities, Katmai promises an unforgettable experience in one of Alaska’s most pristine wilderness areas.