Katmai Webcams

Introduction

Katmai National Park and Preserve, located in southern Alaska on the northern Alaska Peninsula, is a federally protected area known for its volcanic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and cultural history. The park was originally established as Katmai National Monument in 1918 and later redesignated as a national park and preserve on December 2, 1980, under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.

History

The history of Katmai National Park is closely tied to the 1912 eruption of Novarupta Volcano, which was the largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century. The eruption released approximately 30 times the volume of magma as the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. It created a vast ash-filled valley later named the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes due to the thousands of fumaroles that vented steam from the ash deposits.

The eruption displaced local Alaska Native communities, including those in the villages of Katmai, Savonoski, and Kaguyak. Remarkably, no fatalities were reported. The dramatic transformation of the landscape drew the attention of scientists and conservationists, particularly the National Geographic Society, which funded several expeditions to study the area. Their advocacy led President Woodrow Wilson to proclaim the area a national monument in 1918.

Over the following decades, the monument was expanded to protect salmon streams, coastal ecosystems, and brown bear habitats. In 1980, the area was redesignated as a national park and preserve, with a broader conservation mandate that included wildlife protection, cultural preservation, and support for subsistence activities by local Alaska Native communities.

Katmai National Park and Preserve covers a total area of approximately 4,093,077 acres, which is equivalent to 16,564 square km. Of this, 3,922,529 acres (15,873.91 km²) are designated as national park land, where hunting is prohibited, and 418,548 acres (1,690.18 km²) are designated as preserve land, where regulated sport and subsistence hunting are allowed.

The park is located on the Pacific Ocean side of the Alaska Peninsula, across from Kodiak Island. It features a rugged coastline, the Aleutian Range with numerous volcanic peaks, and a series of large lakes and river systems. The park includes at least 18 volcanoes, seven of which have been active since 1900.

Wildlife

Katmai is internationally recognized for its high concentration of Alaska brown bears. It is estimated that over 2,000 brown bears inhabit the park, making it one of the best places in the world for bear viewing. The bears are particularly visible during the summer months at Brooks Falls, where they gather to catch spawning sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) as they leap upstream.

In addition to brown bears, the park supports 42 species of mammals, including moose, caribou, red foxes, wolves, lynx, beavers, and river otters. The park’s rivers and lakes are home to several species of fish, most notably the sockeye salmon, which play a critical role in the park’s ecosystem.

Birdlife is also abundant, with species such as bald eagles, ospreys, merlins, northern harriers, and a variety of songbirds and seabirds. The coastal areas provide habitat for marine mammals and seabird colonies, while tundra ponds support waterfowl and shorebirds.

Visitor Statistics

Katmai National Park is relatively remote and less visited compared to other U.S. national parks. Annual visitation has fluctuated over the years. In 2023, the park recorded 33,763 visitors, a recovery from the pandemic-related decline in 2020, when visitation dropped to approximately 25,000. In previous years, such as 2019, the park saw over 84,000 visitors, but the average annual visitation typically ranges between 25,000 and 37,000.

The peak visitation season is from June to September, with July being the most popular month due to the salmon run and optimal bear viewing opportunities at Brooks Falls.

 For more information go to the park’s Wikipedia site.

Getting There

Getting to Katmai National Park and Preserve is an adventure in itself, as there are no roads connecting it to the Alaska road system. The park is located on the northern Alaska Peninsula, about 290 air miles (467 km) southwest of Anchorage, and is accessible only by plane or boat.

Step 1: Fly to King Salmon, Alaska

Most visitors begin their journey by flying into King Salmon (AKN), a small town that serves as the primary gateway to the park. You can take a commercial flight from Anchorage via Alaska Airlines or Ravn Alaska. The flight takes about 1.5 hours.

Step 2: Travel from King Salmon to Brooks Camp

From King Salmon, you’ll need to take a floatplane or boat to reach Brooks Camp, the most popular destination in the park. Brooks Camp is located about 30 air miles (48 km) from King Salmon. Several air taxi services operate in the area and offer chartered flights directly to Brooks Camp. Alternatively, some visitors use powerboats from the Naknek River to reach the camp.

Other Access Points

For those exploring more remote areas of the park, air taxi services are available from other towns like Homer, Kodiak, and Dillingham. These flights can take you to various backcountry locations, including the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes or coastal areas along the Shelikof Strait.

Important Notes

• There are no roads into or within the park, so all travel is by air or water.

• Reservations for flights and lodging should be made well in advance, especially during peak bear-viewing season (June to September).

• Weather can delay flights, so flexibility in your travel plans is essential.

If you're thinking about visiting, I can help you compare air taxi options or plan your itinerary around bear viewing or hiking. Just say the word.

Lodging and Campground 

Katmai has only two lodges and one campground.   

Lodges

Brooks Lodge is located just a short walk from Brooks Falls, where bears gather each summer to catch leaping salmon.  The hotel was built in the 1950's and has 16 guest rooms, each with it's individual bathroom.  The lodge is open from June 1st to September 17th.  Reservations are hard to come by.  A lottery is held every year.  For more information, see the Katmailand site.

Grosvenor Lodge is located in a remote area of the park.  The lodge holds up to 6 people.  There are three cabins, with heat and electricity.  There are two private bathrooms, with showers.  To make reservations, go to their site.

Campground

As this is bear country, carry bear spray (how to use bear spray) and make noise to let them know you are around.

Brooks Camp is the only developed campground in the park.  There are designated sites in the campground, but has a 60 person capacity.  During bear viewing, late June thru September, are heavily in demand.    At the campground you will find electrical fences (good thing), cooking shelters, food storage lockers, potable water and vault toilts.  You can make reservations at recreation.gov

You can also camp outside of the 1.5 mile radius of Brooks Falls.  There are signs that designate the areas.  Food storage containers or lockers are required.