Brooks Falls Trailhead

From the trailhead (on the right), it is .6 miles one way to the Brooks Falls and Riffles Platform.

NPS Photo/B. Lutes

Quick Facts

Location:

Katmai National Park & Preserve, Alaska

Amenities

1 listed

Trailhead

This is the most popular trail in Katmai. It contrasts a quiet walk through the boreal forest with the intimidating and exciting presence of brown bears. The Brooks Falls Trail begins across from the vault toilets .3 miles from the South Platform. During July, the Brooks Falls Trail rewards visitors with superb bear viewing opportunities. At the end of the trail, .6 miles one way, two raised platforms offer a bird’s eye view of bears fishing in the Brooks River. Bear viewing at the Falls is best during the July salmon run. This hike can be intimidating with frequent bear encounters along its entire length. Bears are commonly encountered walking and sleeping along the Falls Trail especially in July and September. Hikers must exercise caution and be prepared to move off of the trail in order to let bears pass.

The trail is unpaved. While the trail is wheelchair accessible, it will be difficult to move off trail in the event of bear encounters.