PO Box 7, King Salmon, AK 99613
Phone: 907-246-3305
Fax: 907-246-4286
Open All Year

Overview. In June 1912, the Novarupta volcano violently exploded, bringing the Katmai area to the world's attention. Located along Alaska's southern coast and the Pacific Ring of Fire, the area is no stranger to volcanic activity, with 15 active volcanoes peppering the landscape. After Robert Griggs of the National Geographic Society explored the area in 1916 to investigate the aftermath of the explosion, whose effects were felt throughout the Northern Hemisphere, the area immediately surrounding Novarupta and Mt. Katmai was declared a national monument in 1918. Griggs and his team were especially amazed by the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, where ground water percolated through still-hot layers of ash and turned into plumes of steam.





Even though originally set aside because of the spectacular results of this cataclysm, Katmai is now treasured for its rich natural resources. Gradually expanded to include a vast landscape of coastline, valleys, peaks, and waterways, Katmai was declared a national park and preserve in 1980 to keep intact the habitat of over 2,000 bears and their favorite food, spawning sockeye salmon. These tenacious fish migrate yearly to their home gravel beds far upstream from their winter ocean haunts. Attracting sport anglers and enormous bears alike, over a million salmon travel up the Naknek system of lakes and rivers by the end of July.
The Katmai area has also been home to human beings for over 6,000 years. Large herds of caribou and rich fishing waters supported several groups of people, whose cultural remains provide a valuable record of prehistoric life in southern Alaska. Today the park's four million acres lure kayakers, anglers, hikers, and bear-watchers into a largely untouched wilderness.

What to see and do. Because getting to Katmai requires much planning, the park is likely to remain largely untouched. You can't drive there. Most visitors fly from Anchorage to King Salmon, the park's headquarters. From here, you can catch floatplanes (which require advance reservations) or embark on a short drive and lengthy boating odyssey to Brooks Camp. There are no RV facilities, and if you bring a tent, you'll need to reserve a spot here during the summer season. There is a seven-day stay limit. Brooks Camp is a good place to begin, especially during summertime, because rangers offer informative programs, and several short hikes allow you to acquaint yourself with the surrounding area. Above all, you'll get to see the bears. A half-mile hike from Brooks Camp lies the bear-watching platform. During the July salmon run, don't miss 1,000-pound brown bears scooping bright red salmon from the rushing waters.
Another highlight of any stay in Katmai would be a trip to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. Even though the number of steam vents has diminished, the altered landscape is still spectacular. You'll also have a chance to see Novarupta and Mt. Katmai's caldera, which was formed when the Novarupta explosion drained magma from beneath its peak. Daily tours bring you to the Three Forks Overlook. You can stop here, take in the otherworldly landscape of ravines carved in 700 feet of volcanic deposit, then return to Brooks--or continue on and camp. From this trail, you can pursue a strenuous but rewarding hike through passes and over glaciers to Novarupta and the caldera, described by Robert Griggs as "weird, vitriolic robin's-egg blue." Along your way, keep eyes open for songbirds, caribou, and beaver, to name only some of the park's many other residents.

Remote expeditions are also possible, whether on foot or by kayak or canoe. Bring your own equipment, or get supplies and even a guide at several privately run lodges in the park. Backcountry exploration is welcomed, and it may be the best way to see as much wildlife as possible. Be prepared for rainy, cool weather, even in summer, and always expect swarms of mosquitoes. Fishing is excellent, so bring your gear and a license to see why bears and other predators make Katmai their home. Plan your trip with the help of park rangers.






Seasons play a large role at Katmai. Park concessionaires operate only during the summer. Most private lodgings are offered on a package basis and aren't cheap; call the park for details. Private outfits also organize "flightseeing" tours along with rafting and boating trips. However you choose to see Katmai, you won't be disappointed by the tremendous scale of both land and wildlife.