KATMAI
NATIONAL PARK

AREA - 4,093,077 ACRES

EST. 09 24 1918

ALASKA

Planning a Trip to
Katmai National Park

Katmai National Park is a spectacular and diverse park located in Alaska. It is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including bears, caribou, moose, and salmon, as well as its numerous volcanoes, glaciers, and rivers. The park is home to the largest protected brown bear population in the world, and the famous Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, an ash flow created by the 1912 eruption of the Novarupta volcano. Katmai also offers some of the best fishing and hiking opportunities in Alaska, with plenty of trails and campsites to explore. There are also many opportunities to explore the park's cultural history and learn about the native Alaskan people who have lived in the area for generations. Katmai National Park is an outdoor paradise that should not be missed.

"the grandest of all special temples of Nature" and "the only one of the world's great parks that could not be improved."
- John Muir

"In God's wildness lies the hope of the world - the great fresh unblighted, unredeemed wilderness. The galling harness of civilization drops off, and wounds heal ere we are aware.
-Theodore Roosevelt

BEST TIME TO GO

The best time to visit Katmai National Park is during the summer months, from mid-May to mid-September. During this time, the weather is mild and the park is in full bloom. The days are long and the wildlife is most active. However, the park is usually very crowded during this time due to the high number of visitors. It is best to avoid visiting Katmai National Park during the winter months, as the weather can be unpredictable and the days are much shorter. There are fewer visitors, but the wildlife activity is much lower as well. Additionally, some of the park's roads and trails may be closed due to snow or ice.

The best time to visit Katmai National Park depends on what activities you want to take part in. If you want to go bear watching, late spring and early summer are the best times to go, from May to July. For salmon fishing, the best time is July and August when the fish are running upstream. If you are interested in bird watching, the best time to go is late spring and early summer, from May to June. For hiking and camping, the best time to go is from July to September when the weather is at its warmest. Finally, if you want to see the iconic Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, the best time to go is late summer and early fall, from August to September.

OVERVIEW

Katmai National Park, located in Alaska, is an amazing place to explore and experience nature. Featuring beautiful glaciers and rivers, hot springs, and an abundance of wildlife, Katmai offers some of the most interesting and unique experiences. The park is home to over 2,000 brown bears, making it one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Visitors can take part in various outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking. Additionally, visitors can take part in ranger-led programs that provide educational experiences about the park's natural history and ecology. From watching bears catch salmon to exploring the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, Katmai National Park is an experience that won't soon be forgotten.

WEATHER

Katmai National Park is located in Alaska and offers some of the most unique weather conditions in the world. The weather can vary drastically throughout the year, ranging from extreme cold temperatures in the winter to hot and humid conditions in the summer months. The park experiences a variety of precipitation, from light snow in the winter to heavy rains in the summer. Temperatures during the summer months reach highs of seventy degrees Fahrenheit and lows of around forty-five degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter months, temperatures drop to lows of around minus twenty-five degrees Fahrenheit and highs of around zero degrees Fahrenheit. Overall, the weather at Katmai National Park is unpredictable and often extreme, making it an exciting destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Katmai National Park is home to a variety of ecosystems, including coastal wetlands, alpine tundra, boreal forests, and subarctic taiga. The park is renowned for its rugged terrain, amazing wildlife, and stunning views. When it comes to weather, Katmai National Park offers a range of climates and temperatures. In the summer, temperatures can reach up to 80°F and in the winter, temperatures can drop to -40°F. Rainfall is common throughout the year, with an average of over 80 inches of precipitation annually. The park can experience high winds, especially during the autumn months. The coastal area of Katmai National Park typically experiences higher temperatures and more precipitation than the interior of the park.

GEAR

Hiking in Katmai National Park is an amazing experience, and preparing with the right gear can make it even more enjoyable. Here are the top 10 items you should bring when hiking in Katmai National Park:
1. Hiking boots – Choose shoes that are comfortable, sturdy, and waterproof.
2. Rain gear – Katmai National Park experiences lots of rain, so be sure to have a waterproof jacket, pants, and hat.
3. Camera – Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture all the amazing sights of the park.
4. Sunscreen and Sunglasses – Protect yourself from the sun’s rays with sunscreen and sunglasses.
5. Water and snacks – Stay hydrated and energized with plenty of water and snacks.
6. Map – A map of the park will help you plan your route and stay on track.
7. Flashlight – Bring along a flashlight in case you find yourself hiking after dark.
8. First aid kit – Be prepared for any minor injuries or cuts with a first aid kit.
9. Insect repellent – Keep pesky bugs away with insect repellent.
10. Bear safety items – Stay safe in bear country with bear spray,

When camping at Katmai National Park, it is important to have the right gear with you. Here are the top 10 pieces of equipment to bring with you for a successful and safe camping trip: 1) Tent – A reliable and waterproof tent is essential for keeping you and your gear dry while camping. 2) Sleeping Bag – A warm and comfortable sleeping bag is essential for a good night's sleep. 3) Flashlight or Headlamp – A flashlight or headlamp is important for navigating your way around the campsite in the dark. 4) Camping Stove – A camping stove is great for cooking up meals and boiling water for coffee or tea. 5) Water Bottle – A reusable water bottle is important for staying hydrated while camping. 6) Clothing – Make sure to pack appropriate clothing for the weather and terrain. 7) First Aid Kit – A first aid kit is essential for any outdoor activity. 8) Sunscreen – Sunscreen is important for protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays. 9) Insect Repellent – Bug spray is important for keeping pesky insects away. 10) Binoculars – Binoculars are great for spotting wildlife from a distance.

GEAR UP

HISTORY

Katmai National Park and Preserve was established in 1980 and is located on the Alaska Peninsula in southcentral Alaska. It was created to protect the volcanically devastated region around Mount Katmai and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, which was formed by the 1912 eruption of Novarupta. This eruption was the largest eruption of the 20th century and resulted in the collapse of the summit of the mountain, creating an immense ash flow and numerous pyroclastic flows. The park and preserve covers an area of 4.09 million acres and is home to an abundance of wildlife and fish, including brown bears, salmon, and caribou. Katmai was designated as an International Biosphere Reserve in 1976 and is also part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Katmai National Park is home to many legendary stories. One such tale is the story of a giant brown bear that is said to have lived in the park during the early 1900s. This bear was so large that it was said to be able to stand on its hind legs and look into the windows of nearby cabins. Another legend is that of a giant eagle that is said to have been seen flying over the park with a fish in its talons. Finally, there is the story of a mysterious creature that is said to inhabit the park's lakes and streams, leaving behind strange tracks in the snow. All these legends and stories make Katmai National Park an intriguing and mysterious place to explore.

RECOMMENDED

1. Take a floatplane tour to get an incredible view of the park from the sky.
2. Go bear viewing to see the famous brown bears fishing and feasting in their natural habitat.
3. Visit Brooks Falls and get up close to the bears in their natural environment.
4. Go kayaking on the Naknek Lake to explore the park’s wonders.
5. Hike the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes to explore the unique volcanic landscape.
6. Take a boat trip to explore the scenic coastline of the park.
7. Take a photography tour to capture some amazing images of the park.
8. Go fishing in the park’s rivers and streams.
9. Enjoy the stunning views of the park from the top of Mount Griggs.
10. Take a ranger-led day trip to get an in-depth look at the park’s wildlife and history.

1. Camera: Capture the beauty of Katmai National Park with a good quality camera.
2. Binoculars: Get a closer look at the nature and wildlife of Katmai with binoculars.
3. Sunscreen and insect repellent: Protect yourself from the sun and insects while exploring the park.
4. Hiking boots: Comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must for the trails at Katmai.
5. Water and snacks: Make sure to bring enough water and snacks on your hike.
6. A warm jacket: The weather can be unpredictable in Katmai, so make sure to bring a warm jacket.
7. A first aid kit: In case of any injuries, it's always a good idea to bring a first aid kit.
8. A map: Make sure you know where you are going by bringing a map of the park.
9. Fishing gear: Katmai is home to some of the best fishing in Alaska.
10. A sense of adventure: Most of all, don't forget your sense of adventure and be ready for an amazing experience in Katmai National Park.

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PLAN YOUR VISIT

1. Visit Brooks Falls and watch bears catching salmon. 2. Explore the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, an ash-filled valley created by a volcanic eruption. 3. Boat through Naknek Lake and search for eagles, loons and other wildlife. 4. Go fishing for rainbow trout, Arctic char, and Dolly Varden. 5. Take a guided tour of the park’s historic sites, including ancient villages and petroglyphs. 6. Hike through the lush boreal forests and meadows. 7. Observe the brown bears from an observation platform at Hallo Bay. 8. Go kayaking and explore the park’s many rivers and creeks. 9. Take a boat tour of the park’s many islands. 10. Spend a night camping under the stars.

Katmai National Park offers some of Alaska's most spectacular hikes, with incredible views of mountains, waterfalls and wildlife. Here are the top 10 hikes to do at Katmai National Park and the difficulty level associated with each one:
1. Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes: Moderate
2. Brooks Falls: Easy
3. Mount Griggs: Hard
4. Naknek Lake: Easy
5. Grosvenor Creek: Moderate
6. Dumpling Mountain: Moderate
7. Hallo Bay: Easy
8. Grewingk Glacier: Moderate
9. Trident Volcano: Moderate
10. Alagnak Wild River: Moderate

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# OF VISITORS/MONTH

Katmai National Park is a stunningly beautiful area in Alaska and an increasingly popular destination for visitors. In 2019, the park had a record-breaking number of visitors, with over 311,000 people coming to experience its beauty. The majority of visitors come in the summer months, with an average of over 50,000 visitors each month from May to September. However, winter is also a popular time for sightseeing and wildlife-viewing, with an average of around 10,000 visitors each month from December to March. Visitor numbers have steadily increased over the last few years and Katmai National Park continues to be a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.