Operating Hours & Seasons

The park and preserve are open year-round. Most visitors arrive between June and October, when transportation and guiding services are readily available.

In King Salmon, Alaska, Katmai operates a shared visitor center with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Visitors arriving by plane can get information about Katmai National Park & Preserve, Becharof National Wildlife Refuge and other refuges, Bristol Bay or Lake and Peninsula boroughs, and more. The King Salmon Visitor Center hours of operation vary by season.

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 bears are still often in the area at any time between late May and December. Only very limited visitor services are offered at Brooks Camp from September 18 through the end of the month.

Bear viewing in coastal areas is possible during June through August. For more information about best bear viewing time periods and a table illustrating bear concentrations, visit Bear Watching in Katmai. If you plan to explore Katmai's backcountry, most activities are best during June through September.

Last updated: September 28, 2020

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 7
1000 Silver Street, Building 603

King Salmon, AK 99613

Phone:

907 246-3305

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