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Katmai is famous for volcanoes, brown bears, fish, and rugged wilderness and is also the site of the Brooks River National Historic Landmark with North America's highest concentration of prehistoric human dwellings (about 900). Katmai National Monument was created to preserve the famed Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a spectacular forty square mile, 100 - to 700 foot deep, pyroclastic ash flow deposited by Novarupta Volcano. There are at least fourteen volcanoes in Katmai considered "active", none of which are currently erupting. Brown bear and salmon are very active in Katmai. The number of brown bears has grown to more than 2,000. During the peak of the world's largest sockeye salmon run each July, and during return of the "spawned out" salmon in September, forty to sixty bears congregate in Brooks Camp along the Brooks River and the Naknek Lake and Brooks Lake shorelines. Brown bears along the 480mile Katmai Coast also enjoy clams, crabs, and an occasional whale carcass. A rich variety of other wildlife is found in the Park as well. There is plenty room for great diversity of wildlife in Katmai which encompasses millions of acres of pristine wilderness, with wild rivers and streams, rugged coastlines, broad green glacial hewn valleys, active glaciers and volcanoes, and Naknek Lake. |
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How can I get to the National Park?
Katmai National Park is accessible by air only. The flight times on commercial and/or chartered aircraft from Anchorage to King Salmon is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. From here a floatplane connection to Brooks takes approximately 25 minutes. We offer either day tours or multi-day programs within Katmai National Park.
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When is the best time to see bears?
The bear viewing opportunities vary throughout the season and also from year to year, mostly due to differences in salmon runs. While it is common to see bears almost any time during the summer at Brooks, especially if salmon are present, the possibility also exists that you may not. The National Park Service suggests that the peak times are July and/or from the end of August / September. Katmai’s coastline offers also spectacular fully guided bear viewing opportunities
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When are the salmon running at Brooks River?
Salmon runs vary from year to year and it is not possible to predict them with absolute accuracy. Most years a large run of sockeye (red) salmon will begin to enter the Brooks River during the middle of June. This run continues through July and the salmon usually begin to spawn in the Brooks River in early August. The spawn continues throughout August and peaks during early September.
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Are there any designated bear viewing areas?
There are 2 designated viewing platforms along Brooks River / Brooks Falls, all within a short walking distance from the lodge. Thus, you may encounter bears also along the shores of Brooks Lake. In general: bear encounters may occur at any area and at any given time.
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What’s about accommodation and camping?
The closest accommodation is at Brooks Lodge. The 16 basic-cabins are just a short walk away from the designated bear viewing area. Other comfortable and remote lodges are available in King Salmon and outside the National Park Boundaries along Katmai’s rugged coastline. Please inquire for additional information. A National Park Campground with limited space is available adjacent to Brooks Lodge.
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What’s about reservations?
Advance reservations are a MUST. The lodge is usually booked one year in advance and during prime bearviewing times. Alternatives are: multi-day overnights in King Salmon with daily fly-in/out to Brooks.
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What’s about food?
If you stay at Brooks Lodge - no food or drinks of any kind are allowed in the rooms. This is also a National Park Service regulation. The lodge provides a restaurant (with daily buffet-style menus) and bar. Limited supplies may be available the convenience store.
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What’s about bugs?
This depends how wet or dry it is. You want a good insect repellent with a high DEET concentration for it to be effective. Thick socks will help keep the bugs off while walking through the brush and head nets are available at the Convenience Store.
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What’s about weather conditions?
The weather in Katmai is very unpredictable. Temperatures can range between 45 and 70 degrees and even lower in September. Wind and rain are common so bring layers that can be added to or taken away as the weather dictates. Be generally prepared for stormy weather and sometimes sunshine. Light rain can last for days. The following items are highly recommended to pack: Warm Jacket or Sweater, Gore Tex rain gear, Personal Items, Walking Shoes or Boots, Sunglasses, Raincoat, Camera, Long Sleeve Shirts, Mosquito Repellent, Hat or cap. |
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A trip is too expensive – how about less expensive alternatives?
The only concessionaire within the park is Brooks Lodge and these people are setting the rates for visitation. Less expensive bear viewing opportunities are available along the Katmai Coastline, within Denali National Park and in certain areas of Southeast Alaska. Thus, Brooks Lodge has the name but you are paying for it too. |
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