• The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes at Sunset, from the Griggs Visitor Center

    Katmai

    National Park & Preserve Alaska

Operating Hours & Seasons

The park and preserve are open year-round. At Brooks Camp, National Park Service and concessioner services are offered from June 1 through September 17. 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.

Bear viewing in coastal areas is possible during June through August. Click here for a table for best bear viewing time periods. Backcountry activities are best during June through September.

Did You Know?

Red salmon drying on racks at Brooks Camp.

Alutiiq residents in the Katmai area maintain their traditional fall harvest of "red fish" (sockeye salmon in spawning colors). The low fat content fish dries easily for storage.