Katmai National Park

Brown bears fishing Brooks Falls, and a volcanic valley.

Brooks Camp is the boardwalk and the bears. The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes is the older story. You fly in; you follow bear rules like they are law, because they are Alaska.

Gallery

See all photos

Tap a photo to enlarge.

Add my photo

Location

58.56° N, 155.78° WOpen in OpenStreetMap

Must-see spots

Choose one and the map moves to it.

Best time to visit

July for the falls; September for fatter bears

Trip planner

A Katmai National Park itinerary

Tell us how long you have. If a SpaceXAI key is configured, Grok writes the plan. Otherwise you get an editor-built outline from the field guide.

Field guide

Katmai National Park is a U.S. National Park in Alaska. Brown bears fishing Brooks Falls, and a volcanic valley.

When to go

July for the falls; September for fatter bears is the window most visitors aim for. Shoulder seasons mean fewer cars at trailheads. Winter can close roads; summer can fill parking lots by 8 a.m. Check NPS alerts the night before you drive in.

How to see it

Start with brooks Falls platform in season. Then bear-safe walking in Brooks Camp. If you have a second day, valley of Ten Thousand Smokes bus if it runs. Keep one spare hour for a floatplane arrival you will remember.

Park practicalities

An America the Beautiful pass covers entry at most national parks. Timed-entry reservations are used at several busy parks in peak season — book those before lodging. Wildlife has the right of way; 25 yards from most animals, 100 yards from bears and wolves.

Pack this in your notes

Brooks Camp permits and lodges sell out far ahead. This is not a walk-up park.
Download offline maps. Cell service drops in most parks.
Bring layers. Elevation and wind change the day faster than the forecast.
Enter the park early. Famous lots and shuttles fill first.

Open the long-form guide →

Traveler reviews

Rate and review

Marcus L.

10/10

Start early in Katmai National Park

Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes bus if it runs. A floatplane arrival you will remember. Give Katmai National Park days, not hours, and go in July for the falls; September for fatter bears. The trailhead line is the tax; the quiet after it is the park.

Apr 6, 2025

Wes P.

8/10

Katmai National Park is bigger than the postcard

Bear-safe walking in Brooks Camp. Brown bears fishing Brooks Falls, and a volcanic valley. Crowds thin if you are moving at first light. July for the falls; September for fatter bears is the window I would book again.

Mar 5, 2025

Cole H.

6/10

Start early in Katmai National Park

Brooks Falls platform in season. Bear-safe walking in Brooks Camp. Give Katmai National Park days, not hours, and go in July for the falls; September for fatter bears. The trailhead line is the tax; the quiet after it is the park.

Feb 4, 2025