Katmai National Park
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Katmai National Park Travel Guide
Katmai National Park is where bears take center stage. Every summer, dozens of brown bears crowd Brooks Falls, creating a spectacle that is both thrilling and awe-inspiring. The sight of these majestic creatures leaping after salmon is a scene straight out of a National Geographic magazine. Beyond the bears, Katmai is a land of volcanoes, crater lakes, and untouched wilderness. With no roads in, it's as remote and raw as Alaska gets.
Katmai National Park is Alaska raw, where bears rule the rivers, salmon leap through waterfalls, and volcanoes frame a wilderness untouched by roads.
How to Get There
There are no roads into Katmai. The only way to access this remote paradise is by plane or boat, with options departing from Anchorage or King Salmon. Most visitors opt for the thrilling adventure of flying into Brooks Camp on floatplanes, a classic Alaskan experience that sets the tone for their wilderness adventure.
Nearest Airport: King Salmon (AKN, flights from Anchorage)
By Floatplane: Regular flights to Brooks Camp in summer
By Boat: Seasonal access from King Salmon
Pairings: Lake Clark NP, Kodiak Island
Know Before You Go
Entry Fee: None
Access: No roads, floatplane or boat only
Wildlife: Brown bears are abundant, always follow ranger guidance
Permits: Required for backcountry camping, limited lodging at Brooks Camp
Best Time to Visit
July is peak bear viewing as salmon leap at Brooks Falls. June and September also offer excellent wildlife watching with fewer people. Fall is colorful, but the weather can ground planes.
Best Things to Do
Brooks Falls Bear Viewing: Iconic platforms overlooking the salmon run
Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes: A Volcanic ash-filled canyon from the 1912 eruption
Fishing: World-class salmon and trout
Backcountry Adventures: Remote lakes, rivers, and tundra
Best Hikes
Brooks Falls Trail (1.5 miles, easy): Flat walk to viewing platforms
Dumpling Mountain Trail (4 miles, moderate): Panoramic views of Naknek Lake
Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes (varied, guided): Ranger-led hikes into volcanic landscapes
Places to Stay
In Park: Brooks Lodge (basic cabins, book a year ahead), Brooks Camp Campground
Nearby: Limited lodging in King Salmon
Backcountry: Fly-in wilderness lodges
Places to Eat
Brooks Lodge provides basic meals for guests and day visitors. Beyond that, pack your own supplies.