National park · United States
Katmai National Park and Preserve
Go only if you have booked Brooks Camp or a bear-viewing flight: entry is free, but the bus to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes costs about US$96 and July campground spots sell out the day bookings open in January.
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
16,600 km²6,409 sq mi
approximate
Established
1918
Best months
Jun–Jul
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 16,600 km²6,409 sq mi
- About 16,600 km² (4.1 million acres) of park and preserve; figures vary slightly by source (check).
- Established
- 1918
- Best months
- Jun–Jul
- Permits
- For some areas
Katmai is a fly-in park on the Alaska Peninsula, about 470 km (290 mi) southwest of Anchorage and unreachable by road. It was created in 1918 to protect the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, the ash flow left by the 1912 Novarupta eruption, and it now holds roughly 2,200 brown bears. Almost everyone goes to Brooks Camp, where platforms overlook Brooks Falls during the July sockeye run. Everything else — Hallo Bay, Geographic Harbor, Moraine Creek, the backcountry — needs a floatplane or boat charter and a guide.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national site · 1918Proclaimed a national monument in 1918; redesignated a national park and preserve in 1980.
Size and age
16,600 km²6,409 sq mi · national park since 1918
About 16,600 km² (4.1 million acres) of park and preserve; figures vary slightly by source (check).
Why go
- Brown bears fishing sockeye salmon at Brooks Falls in July, seen from fenced platforms.
- The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes: a 100 km² ash flow from the 1912 Novarupta eruption, reached by a 37 km park road.The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes: a 100 km² ash flow from the 1912 Novarupta eruption, reached by a 23 mi park road.
- Brooks River National Historic Landmark, with about 900 prehistoric dwelling depressions — the densest known concentration in North America.
- World-class rainbow trout and salmon fishing in the lakes and streams of the preserve.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarAvoid
- AprAvoid
- MayCaution
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugGo
- SepGo
- OctCaution
- NovAvoid
- DecAvoid
- JanDeep cold, −40 to 4 °C; no servicesDeep cold, −40 to 39 °F; no services
- FebFrozen water, no access
- MarStill winter; flights weather-dependent
- AprCampground free but no lodge or bus
- MayCampground opens 1 May; bears arriving
- JunLodge, bus tours and visitor centre open 1 Jun
- JulPeak salmon run and bear viewing; campground full
- AugStill good bear numbers; fewer people late in the month
- SepServices close 17 Sep; quieter, wetter
- OctCampground $6 to 31 Oct; no lodge
- NovWinter; backcountry only
- DecWinter; backcountry only
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brown bears at Brooks FallsJun–Sep · Peak numbers in July during the sockeye run; some bears stay into September. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Sockeye (red) salmon runJun–Jul · Drives the Brooks Falls gathering. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no |
| Coho (silver) salmonAug–Sep | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Bears in coastal sedge meadows (Hallo Bay, Geographic Harbor)May–Jul | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no |
| Mosquitoes and biting insectsJun–Aug · Headnets are worth packing. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
How to get there
From Anchorage
Daily commercial flights to King Salmon, then a floatplane or boat to Brooks Camp.
1 h flight + 20–30 min air taxi
Open the page →
From King Salmon
Air taxi to Brooks Camp, about 50 km east; also the base for the King Salmon Visitor Center.Air taxi to Brooks Camp, about 31 mi east; also the base for the King Salmon Visitor Center.
20–30 min
From Homer
Air taxi direct to Brooks Camp or to coastal bear-viewing sites.
1.5–2 h
From Southwestern Alaska plan
How Katmai fits with Lake Clark, Aniakchak and the Alaska Peninsula.
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Brooks Camp | Visitor center, lodge, campground and the falls viewing platforms. | Open 1 Jun–17 Sep; reached by floatplane or boat only. |
| Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes | The 1912 ash flow and Griggs Visitor Center at the end of the park road. | Daily bus tour in season; the valley floor is a steep 4.8 km round trip on foot.Daily bus tour in season; the valley floor is a steep 3 mi round trip on foot. |
| Coastal bear-viewing areas | Hallo Bay and Geographic Harbor sedge meadows and salmon streams. | Guided floatplane day trips only. |
| Preserve interior | Moraine Creek and Funnel Creek, popular with bear viewers and anglers. | Guided trips; no facilities. |
| Backcountry | Over 4 million acres open to wilderness camping. | No permit; bring your own bear barrel and, ideally, an electric fence. |
Sketch map
- 1Brooks Camp Visitor Center · Headquarters≈58.556, -155.778Map ↗
- 2Brooks Falls viewing platforms · Viewpoint≈58.555, -155.791Map ↗
- 3Brooks Camp Campground · Sleep≈58.556, -155.779Map ↗
- 4Griggs Visitor Center (Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes) · Ranger station≈58.394, -155.385Map ↗
- 5King Salmon Visitor Center · Town≈58.683, -156.668Map ↗
- 6Grosvenor Lodge · Sleep≈58.720, -155.495Map ↗
- 7Kulik Lodge · Sleep≈58.983, -155.119Map ↗
- 8Hallo Bay · Beach≈58.467, -154.067Approximate; coastal bear-viewing area.Map ↗
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entrance | Free | person | No entrance fee at Katmai; you pay for flights, lodging and tours instead. |
| Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes bus tour | US$96 | person | 2026 estimate; runs daily 1 Jun–17 Sep from Brooks Camp, booked through the park concessioner (check current price). |
| Brooks Camp Campground | US$12 | person per night | 2026 estimate; $6 in May and 18 Sep–31 Oct, free in April; reservations open 5 Jan. |
| Air taxi, King Salmon to Brooks Camp | US$250–400 | person round trip | 2026 estimate; floatplane, weather permitting (check). |
| Bear-viewing day trip by floatplane from King Salmon or Homer | US$700–1,200 | person | 2026 estimate; varies by operator and departure point. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Brooks Camp bear safety orientation permit or guide
Brooks Camp Campground reservation permit or guide
Backcountry camping no permit
Commercial bear-viewing or fishing guide permit or guide
Park rules
- Bear distance
- Stay at least 75 m from any bear; back away slowly, never run.Stay at least 250 ft from any bear; back away slowly, never run.
- Food storage
- All food, drink, garbage and scented items must be attended or in a bear-resistant container; bear barrels can be borrowed free at Brooks Camp and the King Salmon Visitor Center.
- Brooks Camp Developed Area
- No backcountry camping within 2.4 km of Brooks Falls at any time of year.No backcountry camping within 1.5 mi of Brooks Falls at any time of year.
- Hallo Bay meadows
- No backcountry camping in the core meadows from 1 Apr to 31 Oct.
- Fishing near bears
- Stop fishing when bears are close enough to see or hear you, and break your line if a bear takes interest.
- Drones
- Not allowed in the park without NPS permission (check).check
Where to stay
In the park
Brooks Lodge
The only lodge within walking distance of Brooks Falls; 16 rooms, buffet meals, open 1 Jun–17 Sep, book far ahead.
In the park
Brooks Camp Campground
18 sites, up to 60 people a night, electric fence, food cache and potable water; reservation required.
In the park
Grosvenor Lodge
Three guest cabins near two salmon rivers, popular with anglers.
In the park
Kulik Lodge
Fly-fishing lodge with two-person cabins and a main dining building.
Near the park
King Salmon
The gateway town: hotels, the only grocery store in the area and the year-round visitor center.
Safety
Bear encounter high
River crossings after rain high
Weather swings medium
Remoteness high
Insects medium
Accessibility
- The Brooks Camp Visitor Center, lodge and the flat path toward Brooks Falls are the most manageable areas, but the site is reached only by small floatplane or boat.
- The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes bus involves a long rough road and an optional steep descent; the overlook at Griggs Visitor Center is the accessible option.
- No paved roads, boardwalks or wheelchair-accessible trails exist in the backcountry.
Visiting lightly
- Keep the 75 m bear distance and never let a bear get food; a food-conditioned bear is usually destroyed.
- Use the food caches and electric fence at Brooks Camp rather than leaving scented items in tents.
- Book with operators that cap group size at bear-viewing sites and follow NPS closures.
- Pack out everything, including fishing line and food waste.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Katmai National Park?
Nothing. Katmai has no entrance fee. Your costs are transport and services: a floatplane from King Salmon to Brooks Camp runs roughly US$250–400 return, the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes bus tour about US$96, and Brooks Camp Campground US$12 per person per night in peak season (2026 estimates).
What are the best hikes in Katmai National Park?
There are almost no maintained trails. The realistic walks are the flat Brooks River path between the visitor center, the falls platforms and the campground (1–2 hours), and the optional descent from Griggs Visitor Center into the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes — 4.8 km round trip with 240 m of climb back out. Anything longer is unmarked backcountry travel.
When is the best time to visit Katmai National Park?
July for bears: the sockeye run concentrates the most brown bears at Brooks Falls, and the lodge, campground, bus tours and visitor center are all open 1 June–17 September. Late August and early September are quieter with bears still present. Outside that window there are no services and access is by chartered aircraft only.
Can I drive to Katmai National Park?
No. Katmai is about 470 km (290 mi) southwest of Anchorage and has no road connection. You fly commercially to King Salmon, then take a floatplane or boat to Brooks Camp or a coastal site.
Do I need a reservation for Brooks Camp?
Yes for the campground, which must be booked in advance at recreation.gov from 5 January — many July dates fill within hours. Brooks Lodge also requires reservations, usually made a year or more ahead. Day visitors arriving by air taxi still need to attend the bear safety orientation.
How do I see the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes?
Take the daily bus tour from Brooks Camp along the 37 km park road to Griggs Visitor Center, offered 1 June–17 September and booked through the park concessioner. It crosses boreal forest and tundra, stops for lunch, and allows an optional walk down onto the ash.
Is Katmai the same as Lake Clark or Aniakchak?
No. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve lies northeast of Katmai and is also fly-in; Aniakchak National Monument is further southwest on the Alaska Peninsula and even more remote. All three sit in Southwestern Alaska and are usually visited on separate trips.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go