Map of Katmai National Park and Presrve in Alaska

Katmai National Park & Preserve on the map. How to  get by car to the  Katmai National Park & Preserve. How to book a  room and its price in the Katmai National Park & Preserve      

Katmai National Park & Preserve In southeastern Alaska, near King Salmon      

Variety marks this vast land, where lakes, forests, mountains,  and marshlands abound in wildlife. The Alaska brown bear—the world's  largest carnivore—thrives here, feeding upon red salmon that spawn in  the many lakes and streams. Wild rivers and renowned sportfishing add to  the attractions of this subarctic environment. In 1912 Novarupta  Volcano erupted violently here, forming the ash-filled "Valley of Ten  Thousand Smokes" where steam rose from countless fumaroles. Today only a  few active vents remain. The park also contains part of the Alagnak  Wild River. The site was proclaimed as Katmai National Monument in 1918  and established as a national park and preserve in 1980.      

WHAT TO SEE & DO      

Backcountry camping, bear viewing, boat touring, bus touring,  fishing, hiking. Facilities: 2 visitor centers: King Salmon (next to the  airport terminal), Brooks Camp (open June-mid-Sept). Bear viewing  platforms, bookstore. Programs & Events: Ranger-led cultural walks,  interpretive programs, evening slide programs (June-mid-Sept., Brooks  Camp). Tips & Hints: Be prepared for cold, windy, rainy weather as  well as some warm, sunny days in summer. Temperatures usually hover  around 60°F. Winters days receive six hours of sunlight. Get  bear-resistant canisters at visitor centers. Be prepared for bears in  vicinity of Brooks Camp. Very close encounters with bears are common and  require visitors to move briskly. Go in July and Sept. for best bear  viewing. Expect waits and time limits on bear viewing platforms in July  Busiest in July, least crowded in Jan. and Feb.    

FOOD, LODGING & SUPPLIES      

Camping: In the park: Brooks Camp (17 sites; $8; flush toilets,  showers). Backcountry camping allowed. Hotels: In the park: Brooks  Lodge (tel. 907/243-5448 or 800/544-0551; 16 rooms; $144-$455; closed  Oct.-May), Grosvenor Lodge (tel. 907/243-5448 or 800/544-0551; 3 cabins;  $2,125 for 3 days, including meals, lodging, guided outings, and gear;  closed Oct.-May), Kulik Lodge (tel. 907/243-5448 or 800/544-0551; 12  cabins; $2,150 for 3 days, including meals, lodging, guided outings, and  gear; closed Oct.-May). See Alagnak Wild River. X Restaurants: In the  park: Brooks Lodge (tel. 907/243-5448; $12-$26). See Alagnak Wild River.  & Groceries & Gear: In the park: Brooks Lodge Trading Post  (tel. 907/243-5448). See Alagnak Wild River      

FEES, HOURS & REGULATIONS      

Free. Reservations recommended for daily bus tour ($79) from  Brooks Lodge (tel. 907/243-5448 or 800/544-0551) to the Valley of Ten  Thousand Smokes. The trip starts at Brooks Camp and includes a day hike  to Ukak Falls. Backcountry permits (recommended) available at Brooks  Camp and King Salmon. No capsicum bear spray allowed on commercial  flights. Park open daily. Park Service and concession services offered  at Brooks Camp early June-mid-Sept.      

HOW TO GET THERE      

290 mi southwest of Anchorage on the Alaska Peninsula, just  west of King Salmon; no road access. Daily commercial flights run  between Anchorage and King Salmon. Charters, air taxis, and boat tours  available from King Salmon, Anchorage, Homer, and Kodiak. Scheduled  service into Brooks Camp available from King Salmon by floatplane and  boat. Many area lodges provide their own transportation to the park.      

CONTACTS      

Katmai National Park & Preserve (Box 7, King Salmon, AK  99613, tel. 907/246-3305). Katmailand (concessionnaire, ). Alaska Public  Lands Information Center (605 W. 4th Ave., Suite 105, Anchorage, AK  99501, tel. 907/271-2737).      

Katmai National Park & Preserve. How to get  by car to the  Katmai National Park & Preserve. How to book a room  and its price in the Katmai National Park & Preserve

How to get to the Park and where to stay for the night. What to see in the Park and where you can relax in nature among the trees by the water.