Katmai National Park and Preserve is located on the northern Alaskan Peninsula, with headquarters in King Salmon. The park spans an active volcano landscape, the area surrounding Mount Katmai, and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. In addition to protecting 9,000 years of human history, the park is also a haven for thousands of brown bears, which take advantage of the salmon habitat.

  • How was Katmai National Park formed?
    • The park was formed by the world’s 5th largest volcanic eruption, which occurred at Novarupta in 1912. This was the largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century.
  • What is the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes?
    • The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes was named for its barren landscape and smoking fissures following the 1912 eruption. Today, the fissures have cooled, leaving behind colorful ash deposits that have hardened into clay.
  • What is Brooks Camp?
    • Brooks Camp is the most popular destination in the park. It is located on the shore of Naknek Lake at the mouth of the Bear River and is famous for:
      • World-class fishing
      • Brown bear viewing
      • Serving as a trailhead for hikes and backcountry adventures
  • What accommodations are available at Brooks Camp?
    • The campgrounds are located on the shore of Naknek Lake, surrounded by mature poplar and birch trees. The campground is enclosed by an electric fence to deter bears.
  • What historical significance does Brooks River have?
    • The area surrounding Brooks River is an archeological district on the National Register of Historic Places. Over 900 ancient depressions mark the locations of former Native Alaskan homes.
  • What historic structures can be found in the park?
    • Notable historic sites include:
      • Fure’s Cabin – A historic one-room log house on Naknek Lake, built in 1926 by Roy Fure, a Lithuanian immigrant.
      • Brooks Camp Fisheries Building
      Fure’s Cabin has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976.
  • How can visitors access the park?
    • Katmai National Park is extremely isolated and can only be accessed by airplane or boat.
  • What happened during the 1912 Novarupta eruption?
    • The eruption was 30 times larger than the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. It collapsed the summit of Mount Katmai and buried the Katmai Village, forcing locals to evacuate permanently.
  • How did the eruption affect Kodiak Island?
    • Kodiak Island was engulfed in ash and complete darkness for three full days following the eruption.
  • When was Katmai designated as a National Monument?
    • The area was designated as Mt. Katmai National Monument in 1918 following expeditions funded by the National Geographic Society.
  • What are some geological features left behind by the eruption?
    • Scientists initially believed the smoking fissures would lead to geysers like those in Yellowstone. However, by the 1930s, the vents had cooled, leaving behind colorful chimneys of red, purple, and orange clay.
  • What educational programs are available at Brooks Camp?
    • Ranger-led programs are offered from June through September. Visitors must begin their stay by watching a bear safety video.
    • At the Brooks Camp Auditorium, rangers lead illustrated talks on history, geology, and wildlife.
  • What fishing opportunities are available?
    • The Brooks River offers fishing for trout, salmon, and arctic char. However, visitors must use caution as it is home to the world’s largest gathering of brown bears.
    • Most of the river is catch and release only, with the exception of one area where visitors may keep one fish per person per day.
  • What cultural experiences does the park offer?
    • A ranger-led cultural walk near Brooks River takes visitors on a half-mile walk past a partially reconstructed traditional Native Alaskan home.
  • What is the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes Tour?
    • This 7-hour, ranger-led tour includes:
      • A bus trip into the valley with three river crossings
      • A lunch break
      • An optional 3.4-mile hike with an elevation change of 1,000 feet
  • Is hunting allowed in Katmai National Park?
    • Hunting and trapping are allowed in the Preserve but not in the National Park. Moose and brown bear are the most commonly hunted species.
  • How can visitors experience the park remotely?
    • The park offers live online chats with rangers and a popular bear cam on its YouTube channel year-round.

Katmai National Park and Preserve, 1000 Silver Street King Salmon, AK 99613, Phone: 907-246-3305

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