Katmai is renowned for its brown bear population, estimated at around 2,200 bears, which are drawn to the abundant salmon runs. The park's waters support all five species of Pacific salmon, along with rainbow trout and Arctic char. Other mammals include moose, wolves, caribou, red foxes, and sea otters along the coast. The park hosts over 150 species of birds, including bald eagles, ravens, and various seabirds. Marine mammals such as harbor seals, sea lions, and whales can be observed along the park's Pacific coast.
Despite its harsh climate, Katmai supports diverse vegetation zones including coastal meadows, alpine tundra, and spruce forests. The park's lower elevations feature dense stands of white spruce and paper birch, while higher elevations transition to alpine vegetation including dwarf shrubs, lichens, and wildflowers. Wetland areas support sedges, rushes, and various aquatic plants. The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, once completely devoid of vegetation following the 1912 eruption, now shows signs of plant succession with mosses, lichens, and hardy pioneer species gradually colonizing the ash deposits.
The park's landscape was dramatically shaped by the 1912 Novarupta eruption, one of the largest volcanic events of the 20th century. This eruption created the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a 40-square-mile valley filled with ash deposits up to 700 feet deep. The park contains the Aleutian Range mountains and features active volcanoes, including Mount Katmai and Mount Mageik. Numerous lakes, including Brooks Lake and Naknek Lake, were formed by glacial activity. The region continues to experience frequent seismic activity and contains over a dozen active volcanoes.
Katmai's human history spans over 9,000 years, beginning with Alaska Native peoples who lived and hunted in the region. The park gained national attention following the massive volcanic eruption of Novarupta in 1912, which created the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes and led to the area's designation as a National Monument in 1918. The discovery of significant brown bear populations in the 1930s shifted the park's focus to wildlife preservation. In 1980, the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act expanded Katmai to its current size of approximately 4.1 million acres and designated it as a National Park and Preserve.
The park's most famous attraction is Brooks Falls, where visitors can observe brown bears fishing for salmon from a safe viewing platform. The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes offers a stark, otherworldly landscape of volcanic deposits and fumaroles. The park contains over 15 active volcanoes, including Mount Katmai's caldera lake. The Brooks Camp area serves as the main visitor center and provides accommodations, bear viewing platforms, and interpretive programs. The park's pristine waterways offer world-class sport fishing opportunities, while its remote backcountry provides exceptional wilderness experiences for hiking and camping.
Katmai experiences a subarctic climate with cool summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures typically range from 40-60°F (4-15°C), while winters see temperatures between 0-30°F (-18 to -1°C). The region receives significant rainfall, averaging 60-80 inches annually, with September being the wettest month. Weather can change rapidly, and visitors should be prepared for rain, wind, and sudden temperature shifts even in summer. Fog is common, particularly along the coast, which can affect travel plans and visibility.
USA
58.5060°, -155.0440°
December 2, 1980
19122
Katmai National Park is famous for its brown bears, active volcanoes, and pristine wilderness. The park includes the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, formed by the largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century. It's best known for Brooks Falls, where bears gather to catch salmon.