Katmai National Park and Preserve is a United States National Park and Preserve in southern Alaska, notable for its volcanoes, rivers, and Alaskan brown bears. The park and preserve encompass 4,093,077 acres, which is between 4 and 5 percent of the total area of Alaska. Most of the national park is a wilderness area, inaccessible by road. The park is famous for salmon fishing, bear viewing, and for the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a 40-mile long valley filled with ash from the 1912 eruption of Novarupta, one of the largest volcanic eruptions of the 20th century.
The park is located on the Alaska Peninsula, across from Kodiak Island, with most of the park being a wilderness area inaccessible by road. There are several ways to get to the park, including flying into the nearby towns of King Salmon or Kodiak and taking a boat or plane to the park. There are also several tour companies that offer multi-day tours of the park.
Once in the park, there are several different activities to enjoy, including bear viewing, salmon fishing, hiking, and camping. There are also several ranger-led programs offered throughout the summer months. The best time to visit the park is between June and September when the weather is warmest and the bears are most active.
- Watch the bears catch salmon at Brooks Falls
- Hike to the top of Mt. Katmai
- Explore the geothermal features at Valley of 10,000 Smokes
- Take a floatplane tour of the park
- Go fishing in Naknek Lake
- Visit the Petroglyph Beach
- Watch the sunrise from the top of Anan Creek Falls
- Take a boat tour of the Kvichak River
- 10. Hike the Beech Ridge Trail or the Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge
1. Watch the bears catch salmon at Brooks Falls
The visitor's experience when they watch the bears catch salmon at Brooks Falls in Katmai is awe-inspiring. The sound of the bears' claws clanging against the salmon's scales as they reel them in is loud and mesmerizing. The sight of the bears leaping out of the water and landing with their fish in their mouths is beautiful.
2. Hike to the top of Mt. Katmai
If someone hikes to the top of Mt. Katmai in Katmai National Park, they will likely experience an awe-inspiring view of the surrounding area. The hike up is strenuous, but the payoff is worth it – hikers will be able to see glaciers, peaks, and valleys from the top.
3. Explore the geothermal features at Valley of 10,000 Smokes
When a visitor visits Valley of 10,000 Smokes in Katmai, they would likely experience a variety of emotions. The first would likely be amazement at the sheer magnitude and beauty of the geothermal features. The second would be a sense of awe at the power and energy that is manifested in these unique features. Finally, visitors would likely feel a sense of peace and tranquility in the natural environment.
4. Take a floatplane tour of the park
When someone takes a floatplane tour of the park in Katmai, they will see some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Alaska. The tour will take them over glaciers and mountainous terrain, and they will be able to see some of the most iconic attractions in the park, such as the Gates of the Arctic National Park and the Katmai National Monument.
5. Go fishing in Naknek Lake
When a visitor goes fishing in Naknek Lake in Katmai, they are likely to experience a varied landscape with clear waters. The visitor might see some big fish swimming around or they might spot a few smaller fish swimming around. The visitor might also feel a sense of adventure when they go fishing in Naknek Lake in Katmai.
6. Visit the Petroglyph Beach
A visitor would experience a beautiful view of the Katmai National Park from the Petroglyph Beach. The beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the nature.
7. Watch the sunrise from the top of Anan Creek Falls
When viewing the sunrise from the top of Anan Creek Falls in Katmai National Park, visitors will experience a breathtaking view of the valley below and the mountains surrounding the area. The misty, golden light of the sunrise will be a beautiful addition to the already incredible sight of the falls.
8. Take a boat tour of the Kvichak River
The visitor's experience when taking a boat tour of the Kvichak River in Katmai will likely be enjoyed. The tour will provide a scenic view of the river and its surrounding areas, and visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the natural and cultural history of the area.
9. 10. Hike the Beech Ridge Trail or the Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge
Visitors hiking the Beech Ridge Trail or the Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge in Katmai may experience a variety of different environments, including forests, wetlands, and mountains. The trails are well-maintained and provide visitors with a scenic and challenging hike.