About Katmai National Park & Preserve
A landscape is alive underneath our feet, filled with creatures that remind us what it is to be wild. Katmai was established in 1918 to protect the volcanically devastated region surrounding Novarupta and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. Today, Katmai National Park and Preserve also protects 9,000 years of human history and important habitat for salmon and thousands of brown bears.
Quick Facts
Operating Hours
Katmai is open 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
Activities
Getting There
Katmai National Park & Preserve is located on the northern Alaska Peninsula, northwest of Kodiak Island and southwest of Homer, Alaska. The park’s headquarters is in King Salmon, about 290 air miles southwest of Anchorage. Unlike most national parks in the United States, Katmai is almost exclusively accessed by plane or boat.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Float the Savonoski Loop
The Savonoski Loop is an 80 mile paddle through the scenic backcountry of Katmai National Park. Paddlers need intermediate canoeing…
The Savonoski Loop is an 80 mile paddle through the scenic backcountry of Katmai National Park. Paddlers need intermediate canoeing…
Become A Katmai Jr. Ranger
Take your stewardship to the next level by earning your Junior Ranger Badge.
Become a Not-So-Junior Ranger at Katmai
Become a Not-So-Junior Ranger Journeys at Katmai: An Activity Book for Not-So-Junior Rangers is geared toward young adults and adults.…
Explore Katmai by Air
Katmai National Park and Preserve spans over four million acres of remote, wild, and spectacular country and there's no better…
Boating in Katmai National Park and Preserve
Katmai contains hundreds of miles of rivers and streams, many large lakes, and countless small ponds. These waterways were used…
Watch Bears at Brooks Camp
Brooks Camp is renowned for its remarkable bear viewing opportunities.
Visitor Centers
Brooks Camp Visitor Center
The Brooks Camp Visitor Center, open June 1 – September 29, is the point of entry for all visitors to Brooks Camp. A park ranger…
Hours: The Brooks Camp Visitor Center, open June 1– late September, is the point of entry for all visitors to Brooks Camp. A park ranger is on duty to provide information, campground check-in, mandatory bear etiquette and safety talks, and backcountry planning. An Alaska Geographic Association (AGA) bookstore offers books, maps, and other Katmai-related items.
King Salmon Visitor Center
Located next door to the King Salmon Airport, the King Salmon Visitor Center provides information on the many federal public lands of Southwest Alaska, particularly…
Hours: The King Salmon Visitor Center is open weekdays during the summer season from 10am - 6pm. The VC is closed during the winter and will open in Mid May.
Robert F. Griggs Visitor Center
The Robert F. Griggs Visitor Center overlooks the famous Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes and is the starting point of the Ukak Falls Trail. The…
Hours: These hours are estimated because the visitor center is only open during ranger-led Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes tours.
Campgrounds
Brooks Camp Campground
Brooks Camp Campground is the only developed campground in Katmai National Park and Preserve. It is located on the shore of Naknek Lake, about .3…
🗺️ Guided Tours & Experiences
Discover Katmai National Park & Preserve with expert-led tours
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
🏨 Find Hotels Near Katmai National Park & Preserve
Compare accommodation options for your visit
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
