Alaska's parks

Katmai National Park and Preserve

Visitors go to see grizzlies and site of volcanic blast

Alaska.com

This park in the Aleutian Range is known worldwide for its bears, which gather at Brooks Falls each July and September to grab red salmon that have migrated up the Naknek River and Naknek Lake to spawn.

In October 2003, the park gained worldwide notoriety for being the location where bear enthusiasts Timothy Treadwell and Amie Huguenard were killed by bears.

What is now Katmai first gained attention in 1912 when an enormous volcanic eruption and resulting ashfall created the Valley of 10,000 Smokes.

Katmai National Park and Preserve covers 6,250 square miles near the top of the Alaska Peninsula west of Cook Inlet.

Near King Salmon, the Alaska Peninsula caribou herd may be found. Walrus and 10 other marine mammal species live along the coast. About 190 species of birds live in the area year-round or migrate through. North of Katmai is another famous bear-viewing spot, McNeil River State Game Sanctuary, which allows 10 people a day (chosen by lottery) to watch brown bears feed.

Access

Transportation is by air, generally by floatplane from Anchorage or a Kenai Peninsula airport or by commercial airliner to King Salmon and then by floatplane or powerboat to Brooks Camp in the middle of the park. No road reaches the park.

Rooms and dining are available at Brooks Lodge and other lodges.

Activities

Kayaking is popular, with boaters making a 75- to 95-mile loop involving Naknek Lake's North Arm, Lake Grosvenor, the Savonoski River and back through Naknek Lake's Iliuk Arm.

Fishing is best in July and September for red, or sockeye, salmon.