Last updated: April 14, 2026
Thing to Do
Float the Savonoski Loop
Courtesy of D. Harris
The Savonoski Loop is an 80 mile paddle through the scenic backcountry of Katmai National Park. Paddlers need intermediate canoeing or kayaking skills, and experience traveling in wilderness and in bear country. Depending on the route, experience, and weather, allow a minimum of 4-10 days for the trip.
At Fure’s Cabin, a 1.5 mile (2 km) portage trail connects Naknek and Grosvenor lakes. The unmarked, but maintained portage trail begins behind the outhouse at Fure’s Cabin. On the trail, be prepared to encounter mud and numerous biting insects.
After completing the portage trail, paddlers travel east and southeast for approximately 14 miles to the outlet of Lake Grosvenor. To best avoid the frequently strong south and east winds known as “williwaws,” paddlers are advised to travel along the south shore of Lake Grosvenor. Be prepared to pull to shore and wait out high winds anywhere on the route.
The Grosvenor River begins at the east end of Lake Grosvenor. It is a Class I or slow moving, clear water stream about 3 miles long.
The Savonoski River is a braided Class I-II (waves up to three feet) river with a swift current. It can be easily run in one day. Whitewater does not usually occur along the Savonoski River, but there are numerous obstacles to avoid, such as sandbars and fallen trees. The depth of the water is often impossible to estimate due to suspended glacial sediments. Follow the main channel to avoid running aground.
From the mouth of the Savonoski River in the Iliuk Arm of Naknek Lake, it is approximately 20 miles back to Brooks Camp. Due to steep cliffs along the base of Mount La Gorce, paddlers are advised to use the south shore of Iliuk Arm on Naknek Lake, which offers some limited shelter from severe winds when returning to Brooks Camp.
Depending on your route, mileages will vary from those stated in this brochure. Paddling along shorelines is always recommended due to frequent high winds.
Fure’s Cabin and associated structures are listed on the National Register of Historical Places, and the cabin is available by reservation for public use. It is $45 per night June 1 through September 17. Guests at Fure’s cabin are limited to no more than 4 consecutive nights and 7 nights per calendar year. Group size is limited to six.
Reservations can be made on recreation.gov. Please note: outside of June 1 through September 17, reservations for Fure’s Cabin are free and must be made through the park headquarters in King Salmon by calling (907)246-3305.
Equipment rentals, outfitters, and guides may be available locally. Contact the King Salmon Visitor Center at (907)246-4250 for more information.
SGS topographic maps for the Savonoski Loop include Mt. Katmai C-4, C-5, and C-6. Visit the USGS Map Store or Alaska Geographic to purchase maps. The Brooks Camp and King Salmon Visitor Centers maintain a limited stock only.
The Route
The Savonoski Loop starts and ends at Brooks Camp. After leaving Brooks Camp, the route heads northwest before turning east around the base of Mt. La Gorce and into the spectacular Bay of Islands in the North Arm of Naknek Lake. Paddlers should allow 2-3 days to travel the 20 miles from Brooks Camp to Fure’s Cabin in the Bay of Islands.At Fure’s Cabin, a 1.5 mile (2 km) portage trail connects Naknek and Grosvenor lakes. The unmarked, but maintained portage trail begins behind the outhouse at Fure’s Cabin. On the trail, be prepared to encounter mud and numerous biting insects.
After completing the portage trail, paddlers travel east and southeast for approximately 14 miles to the outlet of Lake Grosvenor. To best avoid the frequently strong south and east winds known as “williwaws,” paddlers are advised to travel along the south shore of Lake Grosvenor. Be prepared to pull to shore and wait out high winds anywhere on the route.
The Grosvenor River begins at the east end of Lake Grosvenor. It is a Class I or slow moving, clear water stream about 3 miles long.
The Savonoski River is a braided Class I-II (waves up to three feet) river with a swift current. It can be easily run in one day. Whitewater does not usually occur along the Savonoski River, but there are numerous obstacles to avoid, such as sandbars and fallen trees. The depth of the water is often impossible to estimate due to suspended glacial sediments. Follow the main channel to avoid running aground.
From the mouth of the Savonoski River in the Iliuk Arm of Naknek Lake, it is approximately 20 miles back to Brooks Camp. Due to steep cliffs along the base of Mount La Gorce, paddlers are advised to use the south shore of Iliuk Arm on Naknek Lake, which offers some limited shelter from severe winds when returning to Brooks Camp.
Depending on your route, mileages will vary from those stated in this brochure. Paddling along shorelines is always recommended due to frequent high winds.
Fure's Cabin
Roy Fure constructed a cabin in the Bay of Islands around 1916. Fure prospected for gold in the area and did occasional work as a caretaker and cannery worker, as well as other odd jobs. He also spent time trapping, hunting, and fishing.Fure’s Cabin and associated structures are listed on the National Register of Historical Places, and the cabin is available by reservation for public use. It is $45 per night June 1 through September 17. Guests at Fure’s cabin are limited to no more than 4 consecutive nights and 7 nights per calendar year. Group size is limited to six.
Reservations can be made on recreation.gov. Please note: outside of June 1 through September 17, reservations for Fure’s Cabin are free and must be made through the park headquarters in King Salmon by calling (907)246-3305.
Equipment rentals, outfitters, and guides may be available locally. Contact the King Salmon Visitor Center at (907)246-4250 for more information.
SGS topographic maps for the Savonoski Loop include Mt. Katmai C-4, C-5, and C-6. Visit the USGS Map Store or Alaska Geographic to purchase maps. The Brooks Camp and King Salmon Visitor Centers maintain a limited stock only.
Details
Duration
4-10 Days
Depending on the route, experience, and weather, allow a minimum of 4-10 days for the trip.
Activity
Boating
The Savonoski Loop is an 80 mile paddle through the scenic backcountry of Katmai National Park. Paddlers need intermediate canoeing or kayaking skills, and experience traveling in wilderness and in bear country
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Fure’s Cabin and associated structures are listed on the National Register of Historical Places, and the cabin is available by reservation for public use. It is $45 per night June 1 through September 17. Guests at Fure’s cabin are limited to no more than 4 consecutive nights and 7 nights per calendar year. Group size is limited to six.
Reservations
Yes
Reservations for Fure's Cabin can be made on recreation.gov. Please note: outside of June 1 through September 17, reservations for Fure’s Cabin are free and must be made through the park headquarters in King Salmon by calling (907)246-3305.
Accessibility Information
Paddlers with disabilities should be extremely experienced with boating before attempting this route through remote wilderness of Alaska. The Savonoski Loop is an 80 mile paddle through the scenic backcountry of Katmai National Park. Paddlers need intermediate canoeing or kayaking skills, and experience traveling in wilderness and in bear country.
NPS Map