Katmai National Park & Preserve
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courtesy of the National Park Service |
Contact Information:
Katmai National Park & Preserve Headquarters
P.O. Box 7, #1 King Salmon Mall
King Salmon, AK 99613
907-246-3305
http://www.nps.gov/katm/
Size: 4,725,188 acres.
Location: Katmai National Park & Preserve is located on the Alaska Peninsula, across from Kodiak Island. Park Headquarters is in King Salmon, about 290 air miles southwest of Anchorage. Several commercial airlines provide daily flights into King Salmon as there is no road access. Brooks Camp, along the Brooks River approximately 30 air miles from King Salmon, is a common destination for visitors to the park. Brooks Camp can only be reached via small float plane or boat.
Description: Variety marks this vast land with lakes, forests, mountains, and marshlands that all abound in wildlife. The Alaska brown bear, the world's largest carnivore, thrives here, feeding upon red salmon that spawn in the many lakes and streams. Wild rivers and renowned sport fishing add to the attractions of this subarctic environment. Here, in 1912, Novarupta Volcano erupted violently, forming the ash-filled "Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes" where steam rose from countless fumaroles. The park-preserve contains part of the Alagnak Wild River.
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Katmai National Park & Preserve
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Operating
Hours: The park is open year-round. National Park Service and concessioner services are offered at Brooks Camp from
early June through mid September. Backcountry activities are also best during this time. Prime bear viewing months at Brooks Camp are July and September, although a few bears may be in the area at any time between late May and December.
History: Proclaimed as Katmai National Monument on September 24, 1918; established as a national park and preserve on December 2, 1980. Wilderness designated on December 2, 1980.
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See other National Preserves
See other Alaska National Parks