National Park

Katmai National Park & Preserve

National Park★ 4.8
Salmon leap up a rocky cascade at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park & Preserve, Alaska.

A landscape is alive underneath our feet, filled with creatures that remind us what it is to be wild. Katmai was established in 1918 to protect the volcanically devastated region surrounding Novarupta and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. Today, Katmai National Park and Preserve also protects 9,000 years of human history and important habitat for salmon and thousands of brown bears.

Plan your visit

Best Time To Visit
Bear viewing peaks in July and September; June offers earlier-season access

Highlights

Why Visit
Katmai is a vast, remote wilderness where colossal brown bears roam a rugged coastline shaped by volcanic history. The value here is in scale: a landscape mostly inaccessible by road, requiring deliberate planning and decisive logistics to access; this is a place where natural processes are felt as much as they are seen. The preserve aspect adds a managed, seasonal rhythm that concentrates wildlife viewing and backcountry exploration into a few core windows each year. You’ll witness a direct, unmediated relationship between habitat, wildlife, and weather—an environment where preparation and respect are non-negotiable.
Top Things To Do
Brooks Falls bear viewing platforms; ranger-led Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes tours; Brooks Camp campground; kayak rentals; wildlife watching along Brooks River

Areas to plan around

Brooks Camp Area
Brooks Falls observation platforms; Brooks Camp Lodge; campground with bear safety talks; backcountry planning; Alaska Geographic bookstore
King Salmon Gateway
King Salmon Visitor Center; Alaska Geographic bookstore; adjacent to King Salmon Airport
Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes
Robert F. Griggs Visitor Center; vantage overlook; ranger-led tours
Hallo Bay & Backcountry
Hallo Bay meadows; backcountry camping opportunities; designated zones with restrictions near developed areas

Getting there & around

Getting There Airports
King Salmon Airport; connections via Anchorage (ANC)
Getting There Driving Distances
Not applicable; park is not reachable by car
Getting There Entrances
No road entrances; access via air taxi or boat to Brooks Camp or King Salmon; main hubs are King Salmon Visitor Center and Brooks Camp
Getting Around Reservations
Backcountry planning at Brooks Camp; Special Use Permits possible with 14 business days lead time via katm_dispatch@nps.gov or 907-246-2113
Getting Around Parking
Not applicable; no private-vehicle access

Where to stay

Where To Stay Inpark Lodging
Brooks Camp Lodge
Where To Stay Campgrounds
Brooks Camp Campground (electric fence); backcountry camping permitted in designated areas with restrictions; Brooks Camp campground reservations released in blocks for May–June, July–August, and September–October
Where To Stay Gateway Towns
King Salmon (gateway town); nearby Naknek

Safety & wildlife

Safety Bear Country
Brown bear population ~2,200; mandatory ranger-led Bear School on arrival; fishing within 50 yards of a bear prohibited; hikers should travel in groups and make noise; store food properly
Safety Weather
Remote wilderness with variable weather; expect rain and cooler temperatures; volcanic activity is a factor
Safety Altitude
Varies
Safety Leave No Trace
Pack it out; stay on trails; food storage in designated shelters; bears encounter risk—follow rules
Safety Permits Needed
Backcountry permit mandatory; Special Use Permits for filming, weddings, or organized gatherings require 14 business days in advance
Wildlife Overview
Alaskan brown bears dominate the landscape; estimated ~2,200 bears in the region
Wildlife Where To See
Brooks Falls and Brooks River; Hallo Bay; backcountry zones
Wildlife Safety
Mandatory Bear School; travel in groups; make noise; food storage in shelters; fishing within 50 yards prohibited

Trip strategy

Itinerary Strategy
Day 1: Fly into King Salmon, Brooks Camp; Day 2: Brooks Falls and backcountry briefing; Day 3: Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes; Day 4+: optional Hallo Bay/backcountry itineraries
Entrance Hacks
No road access; use King Salmon as entry hub; booking air taxis early is essential; Brooks Camp is the primary entry point for lodge and campground
Basecamp Logic
WEST SIDE not defined here; Brooks Camp offers lodging and services; gateway towns on the coast provide access routes; plan for non-vehicle access
Crowd Calendar
July is the peak visitation window; September sees bear activity and fewer crowds; June has mid-season activity with limited services
Tips Advice
  • Book Brooks Camp accommodations early; Brooks Camp campground reservations are released in blocks.
  • Flights and logistics fill up quickly—secure air taxi space well in advance.
  • There are no roads; plan to travel by air or boat.
  • Follow Bear School guidance and store food properly; do not approach bears.

More details

Park Code
katm
Tagline
Katmai National Park and Preserve
Quick Facts Entrance Fees
Fee-free year-round
Nearby Services
Air service to King Salmon; Alaska Geographic bookstores; camp stores at Brooks Camp
Family Friendly Notes
Remote setting; plan for kids’ travel by air/boat; shorter day trips are possible with proper planning
Accessibility
Limited ADA-accessible facilities; main visitor centers at King Salmon and Brooks Camp; most trails and experiences require air/boat access
Photography Tips
Position for Brooks Falls viewing; avoid blocking river traffic; respect wildlife distances
When To Visit Peak Season
July and September
When To Visit Shoulder Season
June or October
When To Visit Winter
Limited services; mainly air/boat access; King Salmon and Brooks Camp operate seasonally
When To Visit Road Opening
Not applicable; no roads within Katmai
Weather Averages
Variable climate; cool summers; wet conditions common
Weather Precipitation
Frequent rain; snow possible in elevated areas; precipitation year-round
Weather Info
Located between the stormy north Pacific Ocean and the even stormier Bering Sea, the Katmai region is often a battleground between weather systems. When you visit, be prepared to encounter all types of weather. On average, wet and cool conditions predominate in spring, summer, and fall. Winters are drier and colder.
What To Bring Essential Gear
Bear spray, appropriate layers, rain gear, water, food storage, headlamp
What To Bring Clothing
No cotton; prioritize wool and synthetic layers; waterproof outerwear
Review Summary
Visitors consistently praise the magnitude of the wilderness and bear viewing at Brooks Falls, while noting the remote logistics and limited services require careful planning. Crowds peak in July; September is quieter. Weather can shift quickly, so preparedness is non-negotiable.

Location

salmon jumping at waterfallBear standing at the edge of a waterfall while a salmon is leaping towards it.Three bears walk near a sleeping bearlake inside of an ash and glacier covered volcanomeadow in foreground and snow capped volcanoes on the horizon

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee to Katmai National Park and Preserve?

No. Katmai is fee-free year-round.

How do I reach the park if there are no roads?

Access is by air taxi or boat to Brooks Camp or King Salmon; no private vehicle entry is possible.

Do I need a permit for backcountry camping?

Yes. Backcountry planning is handled at Brooks Camp; backcountry permits and Special Use Permits (for filming, weddings, or organized gatherings) require advance arrangements (14 business days).

When is bear viewing best at Katmai?

July and September offer peak bear viewing opportunities.

Are pets allowed in the park?

Pets are allowed in the backcountry but are not permitted within the Brooks Camp Developed Area from May 1 to October 31.

King Salmon

Fly-in gateway to Katmai. Seasonal, small, book lodging months ahead.

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Sources

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated August 2026. Report an issue.