Popular types of activities in Katmai National Park

Updated April 26th, 2022
Camping Tents and High Mountain View
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Katmai National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Alaska. The park is known for its diverse landscape and its abundant wildlife. Katmai is home to many different animals, including bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. The park also has a variety of different landscapes, including mountains, forests, and tundra. Visitors to Katmai can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. There are also many different lodges and tour companies that offer a variety of different activities, such as kayaking, rafting, and glacier tours.

1. Go fishing in one of the many rivers and lakes in the area

It is best to go fishing in the summer when the rivers and lakes are flowing with fresh water. When fishing in a river, you will want to cast your line into the water and wait for a fish to take the bait. When fishing in a lake, you will want to find a spot that has good fish populations and cast your line into the water. Fish will feed on small baitfish, so you will want to bring a variety of baits with you.

2. Take a scenic hike through the woods or up one of the nearby mountains

The hike will be an enjoyable experience, with beautiful scenery and interesting wildlife.

3. Visit one of the many national parks or monuments in the area, such as the Katmai National Park and Preserve

Visiting one of the national parks or monuments in the area will give you a chance to experience some of the natural beauty that Alaska has to offer. You'll likely find yourself surrounded by stunning landscapes, wildlife, and spectacular views. Some parks have visitor centers that offer interpretive programs and exhibitions, while others are more open to letting you explore on your own. Most national parks and monuments are open year-round, but some may be closed during winter due to weather conditions.

4. Enjoy the wildlife by going on a safari or wildlife tour

When going on a safari or wildlife tour in or near Katmai, you will get to see some of the most amazing animals in the world. Some of the animals you may see on a safari or wildlife tour in or near Katmai include lions, tigers, elephants, bears, and more. You may also get to see some of the natural habitats that these animals live in, which can be quite amazing.

5. Take a floatplane or helicopter tour to get a bird's eye view of the stunning scenery

When you take a floatplane or helicopter tour to get a bird's eye view of the stunning scenery in or near Katmai, you will be able to see some of the most iconic sights in the area, such as the peaks of Mt. Katmai and the glaciers of the Alaska Range. You will also be able to see many of the smaller lakes and rivers that make up the landscape, as well as the many wildlife habitats that can be found in the area.

6. Go kayaking or canoeing in one of the many waterways

A kayaking or canoeing trip in Katmai will give you a chance to experience some of the most beautiful and pristine waterways in the country. The paddling will be easy and the scenery will be stunning. You'll likely see bald eagles, salmon, and other wildlife.

7. Spend a day at one of the many hot springs in the area

When you arrive at the hot springs, you will first be checked for any metal objects such as jewelry. Once you are cleared, you will be given a towel and a robe to wear. You will then be led to the hot springs where you can get in and enjoy the warm water.

8. Go dog sledding or mushing through the snowy landscape

Go dog sledding or mushing through the snowy landscape in or near Katmai can be a thrilling experience. You may feel the cold air on your face as you zip through the snow, and the sights and sounds of the animals running ahead of you will be a unforgettable experience.

9. Try your hand at gold panning in one of the area's rivers

Gold panning is a popular activity in many rivers in and near Katmai National Park. You will typically need to wade into the river and start panning with a small streamer or nugget pan. You may find gold, silver, and other valuable minerals in the riverbed. Be prepared for cold water and strong currents.

10. Take a scenic drive through the area to enjoy the beautiful scenery

When taking a scenic drive through the area to enjoy the beautiful scenery, visitors may expect to see mountains, valleys, rivers, and lakes. Some of the more popular destinations for scenic drives include the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, the Stony Mountains, and the Glacier Bay National Park.