Katmai National Park & Preserve

How to Get to Katmai National Park & Preserve:

Katmai National Park & Preserve is situated on the Alaska Peninsula, across from Kodiak Island. Park Headquarters is in King Salmon, about 290 air miles southwest of Anchorage. Several commercial airlines provide daily flights into King Salmon as there is no road access. Brooks Camp, along the Brooks River approximately 30 air miles from King Salmon, is a common destination for visitors to the park. Brooks Camp can only be reached via small float plane or boat.

Recommended Scenic Routes Near Katmai National Park & Preserve:

Katmai is a remote park that cannot be accessed by car. However, visitors can utilize the Alaska Marine Highway System, a 3,100-mile scenic coastal ferry route in southern Alaska that includes Alaska's Inside Passage, Prince William Sound, Kodiak, and the Aleutians.

Park Size:

3,674,530 acres (national park); 418,699 acres (national preserve)

Description:

Variety marks this vast land with lakes, forests, mountains, and marshlands that all abound in wildlife. The Alaska brown bear, the world's largest carnivore, thrives here, feeding upon red salmon that spawn in the many lakes and streams. Wild rivers and renowned sport fishing add to the attractions of this subarctic environment. Here, in 1912, Novarupta Volcano erupted violently, forming the ash-filled "Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes" where steam rose from countless fumaroles. The park-preserve contains part of the Alagnak Wild River.

Facilities:

There are few services in the park and preserve. The closest grocery store is located outside of the park in King Salmon. At Brooks Camp, the park concessioner runs a lodge where meals can be purchased from early June 1 through mid September. Limited items can also be purchased from the lodge store. No other services are provided to general park visitors.

Things to Do:

Activities at Katmai National Park & Preserve include camping, hiking, mountain climbing, boating, kayaking, whitewater rafting, boat tours, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, cross-country skiing, interpretive programs, and ranger-led walks. The focus of visitor use is at the Brooks River, where brown bear congregate to feed on sockeye salmon, although increasing visitor use is occurring along the outer coast and elsewhere in the park interior. Three bear viewing platforms are located along the Brooks River. The park also offers world-class sportfishing. The Katmai coast also attracts visitors for sportfishing as well as coastal tours and bear viewing. Access to the coast is available by boat tours and charter air taxis from Kodiak, Homer, and Anchorage, or from many of Katmai's commercial operators and lodges.

Operating Hours:

The park is open year-round. National Park Service and concessioner services are offered at Brooks Camp from early June through mid September. Backcountry activities are also best during this time. Prime bear viewing months at Brooks Camp are July and September, although a few bears may be in the area at any time between late May and December.

History:

Proclaimed as Katmai National Monument on September 24, 1918; established as a national park and preserve on December 2, 1980. Wilderness designated on December 2, 1980.

Contact Katmai National Park & Preserve:

Katmai National Park & Preserve
P.O. Box 7, #1 King Salmon Mall
King Salmon, AK 99613
Interior, SD 57750
907-246-3305