The King Salmon Visitor Center hours vary by season. Brooks Camp Visitor Center is open June 1 to September 17, with limited services until September 29. The Robert F. Griggs Visitor Center is only open during ranger-led Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes tours.
There is no entrance fee at Katmai National Park and Preserve. However, fees may apply for certain activities like bear viewing.
From Anchorage, take a scenic flight over rugged landscapes to King Salmon, then a floatplane or boat to this wilderness haven, bypassing highways for an immersive adventure.
There are no parking options for cars, RVs, or motorcycles at Katmai National Park and Preserve, as it is inaccessible by road.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:None
Katmai National Park and Preserve, situated at the head of the Alaska Peninsula, is a vast and untouched wilderness that embodies the raw beauty of Alaska. This 5,741 square mile expanse is defined by its dramatic landscapes, including the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a stark ash-filled valley created by the 1912 eruption of Novarupta Volcano. The park’s centerpiece is Naknek Lake, the largest lake within the park, spanning over 150,000 acres and supporting an abundance of fish life, including all five species of Pacific salmon, rainbow trout, Arctic char, Arctic grayling, and northern pike.
The park is a paradise for anglers and nature enthusiasts alike, with its pristine waterways and rugged coastline offering ample opportunities for fishing and exploration. Brown bears, moose, wolves, caribou, and a variety of birdlife inhabit this diverse ecosystem, making it a wildlife lover’s haven. In the summer, visitors can witness bears feeding on sockeye salmon along the Brooks River, a spectacle that is both awe-inspiring and intimate.
Access to the park is via float planes, which land at Brooks Camp on Naknek Lake, a rustic yet charming base for exploring the surrounding wilderness. The scenic coastline, replete with fjords, cliffs, and waterfalls, is best appreciated by boat or float plane. For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, ranger-led canoe tours and guided hikes through trails like those in the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes offer unparalleled experiences.
In the summer, the park comes alive with seasonal festivals and events, though the tranquility of the setting ensures that even in peak season, the atmosphere remains serene. Local outfitters provide expert guidance for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, ensuring that every visit is enriching and memorable. Whether you are drawn to the volcanic landscapes, the abundant wildlife, or the pristine lakes, Katmai National Park and Preserve is an Alaskan wonderland that promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of wilderness.
- Area (mi²)
- 6395
- Annual visitors
- 30 000
- Established year
- 1918
Top 3 Facts about Katmai National Park and Preserve
The 1912 eruption of Novarupta created the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a 100-square-kilometer area that was once a green valley but is now an ash-filled wasteland with gorges cut by the Ukak River and its tributaries, reaching depths of 30 to 213 meters.
In this pristine wilderness, 42 mammal species thrive, including brown bears, moose, and wolves. The coastline is home to sea otters, sea lions, and harbor seals, while beluga whales and orcas frequent the nearby strait. Over 100 bird species, such as ospreys and northern harriers, inhabit the skies and tundra ponds. The annual migration of a million red salmon through the Naknek rivers attracts eagles and bears, making this a vibrant tapestry of wildlife and natural beauty.
In the heart of this Alaskan wilderness, crystal-clear waters of Naknek Lake reflect the towering cliffs and glaciers, while the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a result of the 1912 Novarupta eruption, features a vast ash-filled landscape with fumaroles and a crater lake formed from the subsided summit of Mount Katmai. The scenic coastline boasts fjords, waterfalls, and rugged mountains, offering a dramatic backdrop for observing over 2,000 brown bears amidst pristine natural beauty.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Ranger-led Tours
- Family Camping & Overnight
- Water-based Adventures
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Visit in June to September for optimal weather and salmon runs. Book accommodations and flights early, especially for Brooks Falls bear viewing. Pack layers, bug repellent, and comfortable hiking boots. Allow a few days to explore trails and rest between hikes. Attend the mandatory bear safety program upon arrival.
Pack Appropriately
Pack layered, waterproof gear for unpredictable weather; include warm clothing for cold nights, sturdy boots, and a waterproof jacket. Bring insect repellent and a first-aid kit. For camping, add a durable tent and insulated sleeping bag. Check the season for specific needs.
Respect Wildlife
Maintain 50 yards from bears, avoid surprising them, and give them right-of-way, especially during salmon runs. Travel in groups, talk calmly, and never run. Respect their space to ensure a safe and enriching experience.
Stay Informed
Maintain 50 yards from bears, alert them with your voice, and avoid surprising them. Check weather forecasts, follow trail rules, and contact park authorities at 907-246-3305 for emergencies.
Seasons
In spring, from April to May, temperatures range from 30°F to 50°F with mild weather. While bear viewing is less intense, the Valley of 10,000 Smokes tours begin, offering a unique volcanic landscape experience. It’s a serene time to hike and fish, but bear activity is lower than in summer months.
Summer brings warm temperatures (40s-60s°F) and long days to this Alaskan wilderness. Witness brown bears feasting on salmon at Brooks Falls in July, a spectacle unlike any other. Ranger-led programs and flightseeing tours enhance the experience amid mild weather. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
In the crisp fall months of September and October, with temperatures ranging from 25°F to 45°F, experience the allure of wet and cool conditions. Witness the annual salmon run, a spectacle that draws brown bears to the Brooks River, creating an unparalleled wildlife viewing experience. While services are limited, the unique blend of rugged wilderness and volcanic landscapes makes this a must-visit for the adventurous.
Visit from September to February for a serene winter landscape, with temperatures often below 0°F. Snow covers higher elevations, and ponds are frozen, creating a tranquil yet rugged atmosphere. However, limited access and closed facilities make it less advisable for most travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Katmai National Park and Preserve has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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To visit Katmai National Park and Preserve, it is best to stay in King Salmon, Alaska, as it is the closest city with various lodging options and services. Other nearby communities like Naknek and Homer can also be considered.
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The Brooks Falls Trail is the most family-friendly, as it is easy, wheelchair accessible, and only 1.2 miles long, offering a unique experience of walking through a boreal forest and viewing brown bears from raised platforms.
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You can bring your dog to the backcountry areas, but it must be kept under physical control. However, dogs are not allowed in the Brooks Camp Developed Area from May 1 to October 31 or at the Brooks Camp campground when it is open. The park has strict rules due to the high concentration of bears.
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You cannot park an RV, camper, motorhome, or trailer at Katmai National Park and Preserve because there are no RV campsites or roads for these vehicles. Tent camping is the only option for overnight stays.
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The main attraction is bear viewing, particularly at Brooks Falls, where nearly 2,200 brown bears gather to catch salmon between July and September. This area is one of the best places worldwide to see bears in their natural habitat. The bears congregate here as the salmon swim upstream to spawn, creating a spectacular natural spectacle.