North and South Platforms

The North and South Platforms are excellent for bear watching along the lower Brooks River.

NPS Photo/M. Whalen

Quick Facts

Location:

Katmai National Park & Preserve, Alaska

Amenities

1 listed

Scenic View/Photo Spot

The North and South Platforms are located at the mouth of Brooks River on either side of the elevated bridge. The North Platform is located near Brooks Lodge while the South Platform is on the further side of the river, .3 miles from the visitor center. These platforms provide excellent views of the lower section of Brooks River that opens up into Naknek Lake and the surrounding area.

In July, many of the bears that cannot compete for fishing spots at Brooks Falls will fish the lower half of the Brooks River. It’s a good place to see sows with cubs, sub adults, and less dominant bears. After the salmon begin to spawn and die in late summer, bear activity is concentrated in this area as bears patrol the slower moving waters in search for dead and dying salmon that collect in the slow moving currents and eddies near the river mouth and bridge.

These platforms are accessible at any time, do not have a capacity limit or any tripod restrictions.