Katmai National Park and Preserve

Katmai National Park and Preserve, located in southwestern Alaska, is a premier destination for witnessing untamed wildlife in an extraordinary setting. The park is best known for its large brown bear population, especially where these bears gather at Brooks Falls each summer to catch leaping salmon. This natural spectacle offers visitors an intimate look at one of the most dynamic predator-prey interactions on the planet. Beyond the bears, Katmai covers over 4 million acres of pristine wilderness, including expansive spruce forests, coastal beaches, and volcanic landscapes.

A remarkable geological feature within the park is the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, formed after the massive 1912 eruption of the Novarupta volcano. This barren, ash-filled valley still shows signs of volcanic activity and offers a rare glimpse into the earth’s powerful forces. Visitors also find peaceful moments observing other wildlife such as Merganser ducks and the abundant salmon in the rivers and lakes.

Established as a national park in 1980, Katmai preserves Alaska’s natural heritage while maintaining a habitat critical for its wildlife. The park balances remote backcountry adventure with accessible viewpoints like those at Brooks Camp, where visitors can safely watch bears from elevated platforms. For nature lovers and photographers, Katmai offers a vivid experience that few places on earth can match—where wildlife thrives under wide-open skies framed by mountains and volcanic craters.

Katmai is truly unique for its combination of active volcanism, rich ecosystems, and world-class wildlife viewing, all set within an authentic Alaskan wilderness far from the everyday bustle.