Katmai National Park

Katmai National Park, located in southern Alaska, is a remarkable wilderness area known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife. This national park covers an impressive 4.1 million acres and is situated on the Alaska Peninsula, adjacent to the Shelikof Strait and Gulf of Alaska.

Katmai National Park has a fascinating historical background, particularly associated with the 1912 eruption of the Novarupta volcano. This violent eruption resulted in the creation of the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a remarkable landscape dotted with towering ash deposits and volcanic debris. Today, visitors can explore this unique area, hike through the volcanic ash, and witness the remnants of the devastating eruption.

One of the major attractions of Katmai National Park is its abundant population of brown bears. The park is home to the largest concentration of protected brown bears in the world, making it a prime location for bear viewing. Visitors can observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, particularly during the peak salmon season when the bears gather along the park's rivers and streams to feed.

Another popular activity in Katmai National Park is fishing. The park boasts numerous rivers and lakes teeming with various fish species, including salmon and trout. Anglers can try their luck at catching these prized fish while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

For outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers, Katmai National Park offers a range of recreational activities, such as backpacking, hiking, and camping. With its vast wilderness and remote location, the park provides ample opportunities for backcountry exploration and wilderness experiences.

While Katmai National Park itself is relatively isolated, there are nearby attractions that visitors can explore. Brooks Falls, a famous bear viewing location, is located within the park and is accessible via a short floatplane ride or boat trip from nearby King Salmon. The nearby Katmai Coast is also worth visiting, with its dramatic rugged coastline, abundant marine life, and opportunities for sea kayaking and coastal exploration.

Overall, Katmai National Park offers a unique and unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Its incredible landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich historical background make it a must-visit destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in Alaska's wild beauty.

Katmai National Park is located in the southern part of the U.S. state of Alaska, encompassing the Alaska Peninsula and several nearby islands. Situated east of the Shelikof Strait, the park stretches over 4 million acres of diverse terrain, boasting coastal areas, lakes, mountains, and forests. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the rugged mountains of the Aleutian Range, the park is characterized by its isolated and remote nature. Its geographical location, far away from major urban centers, allows for an unparalleled wilderness experience for visitors. The park's proximity to the Pacific Rim of Fire brings volcanic activity, with several stratovolcanoes, including the iconic Mount Katmai and Novarupta, forming part of the park's dramatic landscape. This extraordinary setting makes Katmai National Park a haven for natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and captivating sights.

Address & Contact

1000 Silver Street
Building 603
King Salmon, AK 99613
Driving Directions
Phone: 9072463305
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Katmai National Park would be during the months of June, July, and August. These months offer pleasant outdoor weather with average maximum temperatures ranging from 59°F to 62°F and average minimum temperatures around 46°F. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation during this time is between 2.7 inches and 4.6 inches. These months also attract the highest number of visitors, indicating that they are popular but not overly crowded, providing a well-balanced experience for visitors.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Katmai National Park are: Food Picnicking Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Park Film Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Camping Backcountry Camping Hiking Boating Canoe or Kayak Camping Fishing Backcountry Hiking Hunting and Gathering Hunting Paddling Fly Fishing Dining Flying

Topics

Learn about these topics at Katmai National Park: Animals Birds Geology Night Sky Architecture and Building Archeology Native American Heritage Transportation Cats (wild) Fish Fire Trails Water Trails Wilderness Explorers and Expeditions Wolves Arctic Tundra Aurora Borealis Watersheds Science, Technology and Innovation Women's History Glaciers Lakes Mountains Natural Sounds Scenic Views Waterfalls Geothermal Volcanoes Aviation Coasts, Islands and Atolls Oceans Headwaters Whales

Visitor Centers

Robert F. Griggs Visitor Center

The Robert F. Griggs Visitor Center overlooks the famous Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes and is the starting point of the Ukak Falls Trail. The posted hours are estimated because the visitor center is only open during ranger-led Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes tours.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Robert F. Griggs Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Katmai National Park

Brooks Camp Campground

Brooks Camp Campground is the only developed campground in Katmai National Park and Preserve. It is located on the shore of Naknek Lake, about .3 miles (.5 km) from the Brooks Camp Visitor Center. Facilities in the campground include a food cache, gear cache, fuel storage locker, potable water, cooking shelters, fire rings, and vault toilets. The campground is also surrounded by an electric fence. Special regulations apply at Brooks Camp and in the campground.
Fees (US$): 18.00 (Brooks Camp Campground Fees: June 1 through September 17), 10.00 (Brooks Camp Campground Fees: May 1-31 and September 18-October 31), 0.00 (Brooks Camp Campground Fees November 1-April 30)
Total Campsites: 60
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: Coin-Operated - Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal