Katmai National Park and Preserve

Katmai National Park is located in southern Alaska, USA, on the Alaska Peninsula, approximately 290 miles southwest of Anchorage. The park is remote, with nearby towns including King Salmon and Naknek, which serve as primary access points. The park was originally established as a national monument in 1918 to protect the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a volcanic area created by the 1912 eruption of Novarupta, the largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century. In 1980, it was redesignated as Katmai National Park and Preserve, encompassing over 4 million acres of wilderness. Due to its remote location, Katmai National Park is not accessible by road. Most visitors arrive by plane or boat, with floatplanes being a common mode of transport. Therefore, there are no traditional parking facilities in the park. Visitors typically arrive at Brooks Camp, the park’s primary visitor hub, which requires prior reservations for lodging or camping. Katmai is renowned for its abundant wildlife, particularly its population of brown bears. The park is one of the best places in the world for bear viewing, especially along the Brooks River, where bears gather to fish for salmon. Other wildlife includes moose, wolves, and various bird species like bald eagles, seabirds, and waterfowl. The flora of Katmai varies depending on the region, with coastal areas covered in lush sedges, alders, and willows, while inland regions feature tundra and boreal forests. The park’s ecosystems are influenced by the harsh Alaskan climate, with short growing seasons and long winters. Notable landmarks include the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, Brooks Falls (famous for bear viewing), and the Novarupta volcano. There are no public transportation services to Katmai National Park, so visitors must arrange private air or boat transport from nearby towns like King Salmon.