Katmai National Park & Preserve • Alaska

salmon jumping at waterfall

Bear standing at the edge of a waterfall while a salmon is leaping towards it.

Three bears walk near a sleeping bear

lake inside of an ash and glacier covered volcano

meadow in foreground and snow capped volcanoes on the horizon

A landscape is alive underneath our feet, filled with creatures that remind us what it is to be wild. Katmai was established in 1918 to protect the volcanically devastated region surrounding Novarupta and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. Today, Katmai National Park and Preserve also protects 9,000 years of human history and important habitat for salmon and thousands of brown bears.

Each year, 200,000 to 400,000 sockeye salmon jump Brooks Falls.
NPS/David Jacob

In July, brown bears often stand on the lip of Brooks Falls to try to catch leaping salmon.
NPS/David Jacob

Salmon streams in Katmai attract high numbers of brown bears.
NPS/Bryanna Plog

Mount Katmai's summit collapsed during the 1912 Novarupta-Katmai eruption. Today, the caldera is filled with a deep lake.
NPS/Roy Wood

Glacially clad volcanoes loom over the sedge meadows of Hallo Bay
NPS/Michael Fitz

Pixelated bears by a waterfall eating salmon under a “Fat Bear Week 2026” banner.

Learn all about Katmai's famous fat bears. Fat Bear Week voting begins September 22 and ends on Fat Bear Tuesday, September 29

a dramatic coastline with towering cliffs

Get started planning your Katmai adventure.

Arial view of a bay with snowy mountains and braided river area

Parked at home this season? Engage with us virtually and explore Katmai.

bear sitting on gravel bar near water

Find out why Brooks Camp is Katmai's single most popular destination, and learn how to plan a visit here.

A brown bear standing in a river with gulls in the background.

Watch live views of Katmai, including bear activity at Brooks River.

weasel stands on its hind legs among low-growing tundra plants

Learn about Katmai's wildlife, plants, natural features, and environmental influences.

a rustic cabin on a hill above a lake

People have lived in the Katmai area for thousands of years. Discover the human dimension of Katmai.

red salmon swimming in shallow water

Read the latest news, information, and opinions from park staff.

a white wolf with an intense gaze

Have a question about planning your Katmai trip or about the park in general? Check our FAQ for answers.

floatplane parked along lakeshore

Looking for a bear viewing guide, an air taxi, or a sport fishing guide? Browse the list of authorized commercial service providers.

Last updated: September 9, 2026

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 7
1000 Silver Street, Building 603
King Salmon, AK 99613

Phone:

907 246-3305

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