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About

Katmai National Park and Preserve is located in southern Alaska on the northern Alaska Peninsula in the United States and covers approximately 6,395 square miles (16,564 sq km). Established as a national monument in 1918 and later redesignated as a national park and preserve in 1980, Katmai protects one of the most spectacular wilderness landscapes in North America.

The park lies southwest of Anchorage and west of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. Nearby protected areas include Kenai Fjords National Park and the vast Bristol Bay watershed. Katmai is renowned for its volcanic landscapes, abundant salmon runs, and one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world. The park offers visitors an extraordinary glimpse into Alaska’s wild and untamed nature.

Katmai National Park and Preserve is best known for its famous brown bears and the dramatic annual salmon runs that attract them. Visitors from around the world travel to locations such as Brooks Falls to witness bears catching jumping salmon in one of the most iconic wildlife spectacles on Earth.

The park offers exceptional opportunities for bear viewing, wildlife photography, fishing, kayaking, hiking, camping, and flightseeing. Katmai is also famous for the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a vast volcanic landscape created by the massive 1912 eruption of Novarupta, one of the largest volcanic eruptions of the twentieth century. Together, the park’s wildlife and geological wonders create an experience unlike any other national park in North America.

The geography of Katmai National Park and Preserve is defined by active volcanic processes, rugged mountains, glacier-carved valleys, lakes, rivers, and coastal environments. The park contains more than a dozen volcanoes, several of which remain active. The eruption of Novarupta dramatically reshaped the region, covering large areas with volcanic ash and creating the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes.

Numerous lakes and rivers flow through the park, including important salmon-bearing waters that sustain wildlife across the ecosystem. Vegetation ranges from coastal tundra and wetlands to spruce forests and alpine environments. This remarkable diversity of landscapes supports a wide variety of habitats and contributes to the park’s ecological richness.

Wildlife within Katmai National Park and Preserve is among the most impressive in North America. Brown bears are the park’s most famous residents, with thousands inhabiting the region and gathering along rivers during salmon runs. Other large mammals include moose, wolves, red foxes, wolverines, lynx, and caribou.

Marine mammals such as sea otters, harbor seals, and whales can be found along portions of the coastline. Birdlife is equally abundant, with bald eagles, golden eagles, puffins, loons, tundra swans, and numerous migratory waterfowl inhabiting the park. The annual migration of millions of Pacific salmon supports a complex food web and serves as the ecological foundation for many of Katmai’s wildlife populations.

Katmai National Park and Preserve plays a critical role in protecting one of the world’s most intact wilderness ecosystems. The park safeguards vital salmon habitat, active volcanic landscapes, extensive wetlands, and globally significant populations of brown bears. Conservation efforts focus on preserving natural ecological processes and maintaining the health of the Bristol Bay watershed, one of the most productive salmon ecosystems on Earth.

Katmai is often compared to Yellowstone National Park because of its volcanic features and to Lake Clark National Park and Preserve because of its bear populations and wilderness character. Yet the combination of world-famous bear viewing, active volcanism, and immense salmon runs makes Katmai truly unique. Today, the park remains one of Alaska’s greatest natural treasures, preserving a landscape where fire, water, wildlife, and wilderness continue to shape the natural world.

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Katmai National Park

Things to See

The Katmai area is renowned for grizzly bears and just seeing one is a highlight for most people.  However, the highlights are abundant in Katmai when it comes to grizzly bears.

The area is also abundant with sockeye salmon and one of the most remarkable experiences in sitting in the observation area and watching a group of grizzly bears fishing the rivers for salmon.

The Brooks Falls viewing platform is the place to be when the salmon are spawning upriver.  The majority of videos and pictures of bears fishing come from this region.  The best months for viewing bears occur between July and September.

Although grizzly bears are the highlight, there are another 28 species of mammals found within the park boundaries.  Birdwatchers can keep eyes open for the 137 species of birds that fill the skies.  The majestic bald eagle is a coveted sighting.

Other wildlife species include beaver, coyote, lynx, moose, otter, porcupine, red fox, snowshoe hare, timber wolf, weasel, and the wolverine.  Marine wildlife includes beluga whale, gray whale, harbor seal, orca, sea lion, and sea otter.

Mount Katmai

The national park was named after volcano Mount Katmai.  Katmai is a stratovolcano reaching a height of 6,716 feet (2,047 m).  It features a large caldera summit with a glacier inside the caldera.  Several other glaciers have formed on the sides of the mountain.

The floor of the caldera is at an elevation of 820 feet (250 m) below the rim.

Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes

The famous valley was created from the eruption of Novarupta back in 1912.  The valley is covered with ash and thousands of fumaroles vented steam from the ash.  It covers an area of 40 square miles (100 sq km) with the ash reaching depths of 700 feet (210 m).

The fumaroles are now extinct, but the valley is filled with gorges and canyons and stunning landscapes still abound. The valley is also home to abundant wildlife, in particular, the grizzly bear keeping this a popular natural attraction.

Predators

Predators

Katmai National Park, renowned for its dramatic landscapes and abundant salmon runs, serves as a prime habitat for a range of predator species that play integral roles in the park’s ecological dynamics, offering visitors unparalleled opportunities to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural setting.

Brown Bear The park’s most famous inhabitants, Brown Bears congregate at Brooks Falls to feast on salmon, providing iconic wildlife viewing experiences for visitors.

Gray Wolf Elusive and captivating, the Gray Wolf roams Katmai’s wilderness, hunting in packs for a variety of prey, from salmon to smaller mammals.

Bald Eagle Majestic Bald Eagles are frequently seen soaring above the park’s rivers, diving to snatch fish with their talons, a symbol of wilderness and freedom.

Red Fox The adaptable Red Fox, with its striking red fur, can be seen across Katmai, hunting rodents and birds in the park’s diverse habitats.

River Otter Playful River Otters glide through Katmai’s waterways, their social behavior and fishing skills a delight to witness in the park’s rivers and lakes.

Katmai National Park’s predator species, from the powerful Brown Bear to the sleek River Otter, illustrate the complexity and beauty of the park’s natural ecosystems, drawing visitors into the heart of Alaska’s wild.

Popular

Popular

Katmai National Park, a wild and pristine landscape in Alaska, is not only a haven for its famous predators but also supports a diverse array of other wildlife species, each contributing to the rich tapestry of life in this unique ecosystem, where visitors can witness the interconnectedness of nature in dramatic settings.

Sockeye Salmon Central to Katmai’s ecosystem, Sockeye Salmon undertake a massive annual migration, providing essential nutrients to the land and its inhabitants.

Moose The solitary Moose roams Katmai’s forests and wetlands, browsing on willows and aquatic plants, a majestic sight against the park’s backdrop.

Beaver As nature’s engineers, Beavers shape the park’s waterways, creating ponds and wetlands that support a wide range of species with their dams.

Harlequin Duck Colorful and distinctive, Harlequin Ducks are often spotted in the park’s fast-flowing rivers and near coastal areas, feeding on invertebrates.

Trumpeter Swan The elegant Trumpeter Swan, with its long neck and pure white feathers, graces Katmai’s lakes and rivers, the largest of North American waterfowl.

Belted Kingfisher Often heard before seen, the Belted Kingfisher dives into water to catch fish, a blue flash against the park’s rivers and streams.

Common Loon The haunting call of the Common Loon echoes across Katmai’s lakes, a quintessential sound of the north, admired for its striking black and white plumage.

Tundra Swan Migratory Tundra Swans stop in Katmai during their long journeys, their presence a sign of the changing seasons in Alaska’s vast landscapes.

Arctic Tern Notable for having the longest migration of any bird, Arctic Terns visit Katmai, showcasing incredible endurance as they travel between poles.

American Dipper Unique among songbirds for its aquatic habits, the American Dipper is seen submerged in streams, searching for insects, a small but mighty presence.

Katmai National Park’s diverse array of wildlife, from the vital Sockeye Salmon to the migratory Arctic Tern, showcases the park’s role as a critical sanctuary for species navigating the challenges and opportunities of life in Alaska’s dynamic environments.

Things To Do

Engaging Katmai National Park

Brown Bear Viewing

Experience the thrill of observing coastal brown bears in their natural habitat at Katmai National Park. During the summer months, brown bears congregate along the Brooks River to feast on spawning salmon, providing incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Visit the park’s bear viewing platforms to watch as these magnificent animals fish, play, and interact with one another in close proximity to visitors. With luck, you may witness bears catching salmon in mid-air or engaging in playful antics along the riverbanks, creating unforgettable memories of Alaska’s iconic wildlife.

Hiking

Explore the rugged wilderness of Katmai National Park on its network of hiking trails. From short nature walks to challenging backcountry treks, the park offers opportunities for hikers of all skill levels to immerse themselves in its pristine landscapes.

Traverse volcanic terrain, hike through dense forests, and discover hidden lakes and waterfalls as you explore the park’s diverse ecosystems. Highlights include the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, where hikers can explore the aftermath of the 1912 volcanic eruption, and the Dumpling Mountain Trail, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Flightseeing Tours

Take to the skies on a flightseeing tour of Katmai National Park and experience its breathtaking landscapes from a unique perspective. Fly over the park’s volcanic peaks, glaciers, and coastal habitats, enjoying bird’s-eye views of its stunning natural beauty.

Keep an eye out for wildlife such as brown bears, moose, and bald eagles as you soar above the rugged wilderness of Alaska’s Katmai National Park. Flightseeing tours offer a thrilling and unforgettable way to experience the park’s remote and inaccessible areas, providing opportunities for photography, wildlife viewing, and adventure.

Katmai National Park Trails

Hiking in Katmai is one of the most popular activities.  Trekking through this exquisite wilderness leaves most people speechless.  There are several opportunities for hiking ranging from easy to difficult endeavors.

Backcountry camping and trekking is a common activity for those who truly enjoy the rugged outdoors and the adventure that awaits exploring Katmai.

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Oxbow Overlook Trail

This short half-mile (0.8 km) trail is accessible to almost everyone.  It provides scenic views near the King Salmon area.

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Brooks Falls Trail

This is an easy outing of 2.9 miles (4.6 km).  It is a wooded trail that takes visitors to Brooks Camp which is where the bear viewing platforms are located.

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Dumpling Mountain Trail

This moderately rated trail features an elevation gain of 2,400 feet (731 m) with a scenic view looking out over Brooks Camp.  This is 8.2 miles (13.1 km) round trip journey up the mountain.

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Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes Trail

This is a difficult trail covering a distance of 6.6 miles (10.6 km) through the canyon and gorge filled valley of ash.

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Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes

Rating: Moderate to Strenuous

Distance and Elevation Gain: Variable, up to 23 miles round trip for a full-day hike with significant elevation gain

Description: Visitors can explore the ash-filled valley created by the 1912 Novarupta eruption, one of the 20th century’s largest.

Guided tours offer insights into the volcanic landscape, with options for shorter walks or more extended hikes into the valley, showcasing unique geological features and vast, moon-like vistas.

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Three Forks Overlook

Rating: Easy to Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: Accessible by bus tour with short walks at overlooks

Description: Part of the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes tour, this overlook offers breathtaking views of the confluence of three rivers amid the volcanic landscape. Short walks from the bus stops allow visitors to experience the vastness and beauty of the valley from various perspectives.

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Bear Viewing Platforms at Brooks Camp

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: Various short walks with minimal elevation gain

Description: While not traditional trails, the network of boardwalks and viewing platforms around Brooks Camp provides safe and accessible ways to observe bears and other wildlife. These areas offer incredible opportunities for photography and wildlife observation, making them a highlight of any visit to Katmai.

FAQ’s

What is Katmai National Park known for?

Katmai National Park, located in southern Alaska, is known for its spectacular volcanic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and world-renowned brown bear viewing opportunities.

The park is home to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a vast volcanic landscape created by the eruption of Novarupta Volcano in 1912. Visitors come to Katmai to explore this otherworldly terrain, characterized by deep gorges, steaming fumaroles, and colorful ash deposits.

Additionally, Katmai is famous for its population of coastal brown bears, which gather along the Brooks River during the summer months to feed on spawning salmon.

The park’s bear viewing platforms offer unparalleled opportunities to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat, making Katmai a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

What is the main reason people visit Katmai National Park?

Katmai National Park is primarily visited for its world-famous brown bear viewing, active volcanic landscapes, pristine wilderness, and outstanding fishing opportunities. Located in southern Alaska on the Alaska Peninsula, the park protects more than 4 million acres of mountains, lakes, rivers, glaciers, and tundra.

Visitors come to observe large concentrations of brown bears at Brooks Falls, explore volcanic features created by the 1912 eruption of Novarupta, experience remote wilderness, photograph spectacular wildlife, and enjoy one of the finest bear-viewing destinations in the world.

What animals can visitors hope to see in Katmai National Park?

Katmai National Park supports approximately 40 mammal species and relatively few reptiles and amphibians due to its northern climate. The park is particularly famous for its exceptionally large population of brown bears.

Some of the most notable animals found in Katmai National Park include:

  1. Brown Bear
  2. Black Bear
  3. Gray Wolf
  4. Red Fox
  5. Arctic Fox
  6. Moose
  7. Caribou
  8. Dall Sheep
  9. Wolverine
  10. Canada Lynx
  11. River Otter
  12. Sea Otter
  13. American Beaver
  14. Muskrat
  15. Mink
  16. Marten
  17. Ermine
  18. Harbor Seal
  19. Steller Sea Lion
  20. Northern Fur Seal
  21. Harbor Porpoise
  22. Dall’s Porpoise
  23. Humpback Whale
  24. Killer Whale (Orca)
  25. Gray Whale
  26. Minke Whale
  27. Fin Whale
  28. Snowshoe Hare
  29. Hoary Marmot
  30. Arctic Ground Squirrel
  31. Red Squirrel
  32. Northern Flying Squirrel
  33. Deer Mouse
  34. Meadow Vole
  35. Northern Red-backed Vole
  36. Tundra Vole
  37. Water Shrew
  38. Masked Shrew
  39. Little Brown Bat
  40. Hoary Bat
  41. Silver-haired Bat
  42. Porcupine
  43. Harbor Seal Pup
  44. Sea Lion Pup
  45. Pacific Salmon Species
  46. Rainbow Trout
  47. Arctic Char
  48. Dolly Varden
  49. Northern Pike
  50. Various Freshwater Fish Species

What birds can visitors hope to see in Katmai National Park?

Katmai National Park is home to more than 200 bird species. The park’s rivers, lakes, coastlines, tundra, and forests provide critical habitat for both resident and migratory birds.

Some of the most popular birds seen in Katmai National Park include:

  1. Bald Eagle
  2. Golden Eagle
  3. Peregrine Falcon
  4. Merlin
  5. Northern Harrier
  6. Osprey
  7. Great Horned Owl
  8. Short-eared Owl
  9. Snowy Owl
  10. Common Raven
  11. Gray Jay
  12. Black-billed Magpie
  13. Boreal Chickadee
  14. American Robin
  15. Varied Thrush
  16. Hermit Thrush
  17. Red-breasted Nuthatch
  18. Brown Creeper
  19. Pacific Wren
  20. Pine Grosbeak
  21. Common Redpoll
  22. Pine Siskin
  23. White-winged Crossbill
  24. Red Crossbill
  25. Dark-eyed Junco
  26. Fox Sparrow
  27. Savannah Sparrow
  28. White-crowned Sparrow
  29. Yellow Warbler
  30. Wilson’s Warbler
  31. Sandhill Crane
  32. Trumpeter Swan
  33. Tundra Swan
  34. Canada Goose
  35. Greater White-fronted Goose
  36. Harlequin Duck
  37. Common Goldeneye
  38. Barrow’s Goldeneye
  39. Surf Scoter
  40. Black Scoter
  41. Common Merganser
  42. Red-breasted Merganser
  43. Great Blue Heron
  44. Black-legged Kittiwake
  45. Glaucous-winged Gull
  46. Herring Gull
  47. Arctic Tern
  48. Tufted Puffin
  49. Horned Puffin
  50. Common Murre

Is Katmai National Park worth visiting?

Yes, Katmai National Park is absolutely worth visiting and is considered one of the world’s premier wildlife destinations.

The park offers unparalleled brown bear viewing, spectacular volcanic landscapes, pristine rivers filled with salmon, exceptional fishing opportunities, and true Alaskan wilderness. Watching dozens of bears fishing for salmon at Brooks Falls is an experience many visitors consider one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth.

The primary hesitation is cost and accessibility. Katmai is remote and typically requires flights, floatplanes, or guided tours, making it more expensive to visit than most national parks.

What is the best time to visit Katmai National Park?

The best time to visit Katmai National Park is from June through September.

Typical conditions include:

  • June: 40–65°F (4–18°C)
  • July: 45–70°F (7–21°C)
  • August: 45–70°F (7–21°C)
  • September: 35–60°F (2–16°C)

During this period:

  • Bear viewing is excellent.
  • Salmon runs are active.
  • Most visitor facilities are open.
  • Weather is relatively mild.
  • Flight services operate regularly.

July and September are often considered the best months for bear viewing at Brooks Falls.

How many days do you need to visit Katmai National Park?

Most visitors should plan for 2 to 4 days.

  • 1 day: Fly-in bear viewing excursion.
  • 2 days: Brooks Camp and surrounding trails.
  • 3–4 days: Bear viewing, fishing, hiking, and wildlife photography.
  • 5+ days: Backcountry exploration and wilderness adventures.

Because travel to the park requires significant effort, many visitors find that staying multiple days provides a much richer experience.

How do you get to Katmai National Park?

Katmai National Park is one of the most remote national parks in the United States and has no roads connecting it to the rest of Alaska.

Most visitors begin their journey in Anchorage and then travel to King Salmon, the primary gateway community for the park.

The most common route is:

  1. Fly into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.
  2. Take a regional flight (approximately 1.5 hours) to King Salmon Airport.
  3. Board a floatplane or small aircraft for the short flight to Brooks Camp.

Many visitors never actually drive during their Katmai trip because access beyond King Salmon is almost entirely by air.

Alternative access options include:

  • Guided fly-in tours from Anchorage.
  • Floatplane excursions from Homer.
  • Charter flights from nearby Alaska communities.
  • Private boats along portions of the park’s coastline.

Most visitors arrive at Brooks Camp, the park’s most famous destination and the gateway to Brooks Falls bear viewing areas.

Travel times from major cities:

  • Anchorage to King Salmon: approximately 1.5 hours by air.
  • King Salmon to Brooks Camp: approximately 20–30 minutes by floatplane.
  • Homer to Brooks Camp: approximately 1–1.5 hours by floatplane.

Because weather can affect flight schedules, visitors should allow flexibility in their travel plans. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for flights, lodging, and bear-viewing permits during peak summer months.

Who is involved in protecting and supporting Katmai National Park?

Several organizations help protect and support Katmai National Park:

  • National Park Service – manages Katmai National Park.
  • Katmai Conservancy – supports education, research, conservation, and visitor programs.
  • National Park Foundation – supports projects throughout the National Park System.
  • Alaska Geographic – supports educational initiatives across Alaska’s public lands.
  • The Alutiiq People and other Indigenous communities who maintain longstanding cultural connections to the region.

How many bears live in Katmai National Park?

Scientists estimate that more than 2,000 Brown Bear inhabit Katmai National Park and Preserve, making it one of the highest-density brown bear populations in North America.

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