About Katmai
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.
Things to do: Boating · Camping · Backcountry Camping · Canoe or Kayak Camping · Fishing · Fly Fishing · Food · Dining · Picnicking · Flying · Guided Tours · Hiking · Backcountry Hiking · Hunting and Gathering
Trails
Katmai has roughly 9 named trails. Log the one you hiked in the app — or just the park if you're not sure.
Camping
Approximately 60 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reservations are strongly recommended in peak season (July – September).
Best time to visit
Peak season: July – September. Access is seasonal — confirm opening and closing dates on NPS.gov before you go.
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.
Getting there
Nearest city: King Salmon, AK. Park center: 58.500°, -154.970°.
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.
Common questions
How much does it cost to visit Katmai National Park?
Entry is Free. An America the Beautiful annual pass covers entrance fees at every national park.
When is the best time to visit Katmai?
Peak season is July – September. Access is seasonal; check NPS.gov for opening dates. 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.
Can you camp in Katmai National Park?
Yes — about 60 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reserve ahead in peak season.
What is the closest city to Katmai National Park?
King Salmon, AK is the nearest major city. 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.
Plan your trip
The practical bits, so more of the weekend goes to the trail.