This park was established in 1918 to protect the volcanically devastated region surrounding the Novarupta and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, but today this park also protects 9,000 years of human history and is an important habitat for thousands of brown bears and salmon. This is a place that reminds us all of what it is to be wild.
Current Park Alerts
Live from the National Park Service · Official park site →
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
Katmai is open 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
Weather
Located between the stormy north Pacific Ocean and the even stormier Bering Sea, the Katmai region is often a battleground between weather systems. When you visit, be prepared to encounter all types of weather. On average, wet and cool conditions predominate in spring, summer, and fall. Winters are drier and colder.
Things to Do
Float the Savonoski Loop
Reservation requiredThe Savonoski Loop is an 80 mile paddle through the scenic backcountry of Katmai National Park. Paddlers need intermediate canoeing or kayaking skills, and experience traveling in wilderness and in bear country. Depending on the route, experience, and weather, allow a minimum of 4-10 days for the trip.
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. This book delves deeper into Katmai's history and resources on an exploratory journey fit for any National Park fan.
Explore Katmai by Air
Reservation requiredKatmai National Park and Preserve spans over four million acres of remote, wild, and spectacular country and there's no better way to see it than from the window of a small airplane.
Boating in Katmai National Park and Preserve
Reservation requiredKatmai contains hundreds of miles of rivers and streams, many large lakes, and countless small ponds. These waterways were used by Native Alaskans long before contact with Russian and European explorers. Today, they remain beautiful and attractive travel corridors allowing contemporary explorers relatively easy access to Katmai’s wilderness. Explore Katmai's pristine water features by boat.
Getting There
Address: 1000 Silver Street King Salmon AK 99613
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.
Get driving directions → Official NPS directions →Where to Stay – Campgrounds
Brooks Camp Campground
32 sites · $18/night
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 miles (.5 km)…
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation or permit to visit Katmai National Park?
Some entry windows or activities at Katmai National Park require a reservation or permit. Check the Current Park Alerts and Things to Do sections above, and confirm on the official NPS site before you go.
When is Katmai National Park open?
Katmai is open 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
What are the best things to do in Katmai National Park?
Popular things to do in Katmai National Park include Float the Savonoski Loop, Become A Katmai Jr. Ranger, Become a Not-So-Junior Ranger at Katmai, Explore Katmai by Air. See Things to Do above for photos and details.
Are there campgrounds in Katmai National Park?
Yes — Katmai National Park has 1 campground, including Brooks Camp Campground. See Campgrounds above for site counts, fees, and booking links.