Katmai National Park & Preserve

Pictures courtesy of the -Katmai National Park & Preserve.

Katmai National Park, located in southern Alaska, is a stunning testament to the raw power of nature, featuring dramatic landscapes shaped by volcanic activity. Established in 1918 to preserve the famed Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes—a region formed by the eruption of Novarupta Volcano in 1912—the park spans over four million acres of remote wilderness. This vast area offers visitors a unique mix of active volcanic landscapes, expansive lakes, and some of the most prolific salmon runs in the world, which in turn support the highest density of brown bears on the planet. Katmai is not just a haven for wildlife enthusiasts but also a paradise for adventurers and history buffs, providing unforgettable experiences from bear watching and fishing to exploring archaeological sites and hiking in pristine backcountry.

Website:	Katmai National Park & Preserve
Map:	Park Map
Visitor Centers:	King Salmon Visitor Center: Located near the park’s western entrance in King Salmon, Alaska, this center serves as a primary hub for visitors. It provides comprehensive information on park activities, bear safety, and permits, and features exhibits on the region’s natural history and the Novarupta eruption. Brooks Camp Visitor Center: Situated at the heart of Katmai at Brooks Camp, this visitor center is essential for anyone wanting to watch brown bears at the Brooks River. It offers educational displays on local wildlife, especially brown bears, and guidance on how to safely explore the park’s bear-popular areas. Robert F. Griggs Visitor Center: Found within the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, this center offers insights into the area’s unique geological features formed by the 1912 eruption. Visitors can learn about the volcanic landscape through interactive exhibits and guided tour opportunities to the valley.
How to get There:	Katmai National Park is located in a remote part of southern Alaska and is not accessible by road. The primary methods of accessing the park are by air or water. Here’s how you can get there from different starting points: From Anchorage by Air: The most common route to Katmai National Park is to fly from Anchorage, Alaska. Commercial airlines provide regular flights to King Salmon, the gateway community for Katmai. From King Salmon, visitors must take a smaller plane or a floatplane to specific locations within the park, such as Brooks Camp. From Anchorage by Water: Alternatively, visitors can embark on a more adventurous route by chartering a boat from Homer or Kodiak, Alaska. This option allows for scenic views of the coastline and potential wildlife sightings as you approach the park.

Katmai National Park & Preserve was established in 1918 primarily to protect the area around the Novarupta volcano following its monumental eruption in 1912, one of the largest of the 20th century. This event created the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a vast, ash-filled valley that was once a river gorge. Today, the park extends over 4 million acres, featuring not just volcanic landscapes but also thriving ecosystems that support a diverse range of wildlife and plant species. The park’s establishment has played a crucial role in preserving its unique geological and ecological features, allowing scientists, researchers, and nature enthusiasts to explore and study its unspoiled wilderness and historical sites.

Among the most popular places to visit within Katmai National Park is Brooks Camp, renowned for its exceptional bear-watching opportunities. Here, visitors can observe brown bears in their natural habitat, especially during the salmon run in Brooks River. Another must-see is the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, which offers guided tours to explore the ash flow and fumaroles left by the Novarupta eruption. For those interested in more remote adventures, the park’s numerous lakes and rivers provide excellent fishing, kayaking, and rafting opportunities, making it a prime destination for outdoor sports enthusiasts.

The significance of Katmai National Park extends beyond its geological wonders and wildlife. It serves as a critical research area for volcanic activity and its effects on ecosystems, offering invaluable insights into post-eruption biological recovery and conservation. The park also plays a vital role in cultural preservation, safeguarding archaeological sites and artifacts that tell the stories of native Alaskan cultures. For visitors, Katmai offers a profound connection with nature’s raw power and resilience, promoting environmental awareness and conservation efforts. Its isolated beauty and rugged landscapes make it a key destination for those seeking solitude and an immersive experience in one of the most extraordinary settings on Earth.

Brooks Falls Bear Watching: Famous for its bear viewing opportunities, Brooks Falls is one of the most iconic sites within Katmai National Park. Visitors can watch from platforms as large numbers of brown bears fish for salmon in the Brooks River, especially during the peak salmon runs in July and September

Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes: Once filled with fumaroles spewing smoke, this valley was formed by the 1912 Novarupta eruption. Today, visitors can explore the dramatic landscape of ash and lava flows on guided tours, learning about the powerful geological forces that shaped the area.

Naknek Lake: As one of the largest lakes in Katmai, Naknek Lake offers excellent opportunities for kayaking, trout fishing, and wildlife viewing. The lake’s clear, cold waters and surrounding

Alagnak Wild River: Accessible from King Salmon by boat or floatplane, the Alagnak River is renowned for its world-class fly fishing. This river flows through varied landscapes, offering anglers a chance to catch salmon and rainbow trout while enjoying the untouched beauty of the surrounding wilderness.