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.
Photo: NPS/David Jacob
Katmai National Park & Preserve
A landscape is alive underneath our feet, filled with creatures that remind us what it is to be wild.
- LocationKing Salmon, AK
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
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Weather now39°F Sunny
- Alerts No active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Archeology
- Architecture and Building
- Arctic
- Aurora Borealis
- Aviation
- Birds
- Cats (wild)
27 more topics
- Coasts, Islands and Atolls
- Explorers and Expeditions
- Fire
- Fish
- Geology
- Geothermal
- Glaciers
- Headwaters
- Lakes
- Mountains
- Native American Heritage
- Natural Sounds
- Night Sky
- Oceans
- Scenic Views
- Science, Technology and Innovation
- Trails
- Transportation
- Tundra
- Volcanoes
- Water Trails
- Waterfalls
- Watersheds
- Whales
- Wilderness
- Wolves
- Women's History
Things to Do
9 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Become A Katmai Jr. Ranger
Take your stewardship to the next level by earning your Junior Ranger Badge.
Learn more about Become A Katmai Jr. Ranger on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Become a Not-So-Junior Ranger at Katmai
Become a Not-So-Junior Ranger Journeys at Katmai: An Activity Book for Not-So-Junior Rangers is geared toward young adults and adults. This book delves deeper into Katmai's history and resources on…
Learn more about Become a Not-So-Junior Ranger at Katmai on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Boating in Katmai National Park and Preserve
Reservation required Fee applies
Katmai contains hundreds of miles of rivers and streams, many large lakes, and countless small ponds. These waterways were used by Native Alaskans long before contact with Russian and European…
Learn more about Boating in Katmai National Park and Preserve on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Explore Katmai by Air
Reservation required Fee applies
Katmai National Park and Preserve spans over four million acres of remote, wild, and spectacular country and there's no better way to see it than from the window of a small airplane.
Learn more about Explore Katmai by Air on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Float the Savonoski Loop
Reservation required
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…
Learn more about Float the Savonoski Loop on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Hike to Dumpling Overlook
Dumpling Overlook offers expansive panoramic views of Naknek Lake, Brooks River, and Lake Brooks. Visitors also have the option to continue beyond the maintained trail to the summit.
Learn more about Hike to Dumpling Overlook on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Take a Guided Tour to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes
Reservation required Fee applies
Join a ranger-guided tour to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. Experience the raw power of nature and learn about the largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century.
Learn more about Take a Guided Tour to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Watch Bears at Brooks Camp
Brooks Camp is renowned for its remarkable bear viewing opportunities.
Learn more about Watch Bears at Brooks Camp on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 8 of 9
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Camping
1 campground listed on Recreation.gov. Check availability and current conditions before you go.
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Fure's Cabin
Reservable Campground
Fure's Cabin, a beautifully constructed one-room house, is a public use cabin in Katmai National Park and Preserve. The cabin is located on the north side of the Bay of…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Hiking
- Fishing
- Backpacking
- Canoeing
Details
Overview
Fure's Cabin, a beautifully constructed one-room house, is a public use cabin in Katmai National Park and Preserve. The cabin is located on the north side of the Bay of Islands in Naknek Lake and accessed by float plane or boat. Now a refuge for kayakers, canoers, and hikers, the cabin was once the home of trapper, miner, and famed Naknek local Roy Fure. The cabin was built in 1926, a labor of love. The roof, walls, and floor are made of hand-hewn spruce logs with dovetail notching reminiscent of European craftsmanship. In 1931 the land on which the cabin stands was incorporated into the expanded Katmai National Monument. Fure's cabin was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.Recreation
Fure's Cabin is a key stopover for those attempting the Savonoski Loop (PDF) paddle trip, or as a beautiful destination in its own right. It is not an alternate for Brooks Camp Campground and requires a full day of paddling to reach, or the use of a boat or plane. View a list of authorized commercial partners that may provide transportation services to Fure's Cabin. Paddlers originating from Brooks Camp should allow one to three days to travel the 32 miles along shorelines from Brooks Camp to Fure's Cabin in the Bay of Islands.
Facilities
The cabin accommodates up to four people and is furnished with a bunk bed, table, chairs, and a wood burning stove. Limited firewood is available on site. Guests must bring all supplies including bedding, sleeping pad, water, food, toilet paper, flash light or lantern, garbage bags, cook stove and cooking supplies. Consider packing all the supplies needed when camping. A fire ring is located in front of the cabin. Dead/downed wood may be gathered for campfires. One vault toilet is available 50 yards uphill from the cabin.
Natural Features
Katmai National Monument was established in 1918 to protect the volcanically devastated region surrounding Mount Katmai and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. Today, Katmai National Park and Preserve remains an active volcanic landscape, but it also protects 9,000 years of human history as well as important habitat for salmon and the thousands of brown bears that feed on them.Charges & Cancellations
Fure's Cabin follows the standard Recreation.gov cabin cancellation policy.
Facilities & Services
Find permits, visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Permits & Passes
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Brooks Camp Camping Permits
Permit
Katmai National Monument was established in 1918 to protect the volcanically devastated region surrounding Mount Katmai and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. Today…
Details
Overview:
Katmai National Monument was established in 1918 to protect the volcanically devastated region surrounding Mount Katmai and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. Today, Katmai National Park and Preserve remains an active volcanic landscape, but it also protects 9,000 years of human history as well as important habitat for salmon and the thousands of brown bears that feed on them.
Reservations for both Brooks Camp and Fures Cabin become available for reservations each year on January 5.
Brooks Camp Campground:
With its wildlife viewing opportunities, access to Naknek Lake and stunning views of nearby mountains, the Brooks Camp Campground is considered by many to be one of the top campgrounds in North America.
Camping at Brooks Camp is only permitted within the designated campground. Campers arriving without a reservation, especially in July when the campground is usually full, must be prepared to backcountry camp outside of the Brooks Camp Developed Area (see Backcountry/Wilderness Camping below).
Backcountry/Wilderness Camping:
More than 4 million acres of Katmai are open to backcountry/wilderness camping. Backcountry camping is not permitted within the Brooks Camp Developed Area (the area within 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of Brooks Falls) year-round or within the core Hallo Bay meadows from April 1 through October 31. No permits are required for backcountry camping.
Fure's Cabin:
Fure's Cabin, a beautifully constructed one-room house, is a public use cabin. Now a refuge for kayakers, canoers and hikers, the cabin was once the home of trapper, miner and famed Naknek local Roy Fure. The cabin is located on the north side of the Bay of Islands in Naknek Lake. There is anchorage and limited beach access. Primary heat at the cabin is wood. This cabin is not a substitute for the Brooks Camp Campground. Fure's Cabin is over 20 miles by water from Brooks Camp and no public transportation is available. GPS: 58 degrees 40'10.19"N, 155 degrees 25'51.02"W
Katmai email: http://www.nps.gov/katm/contacts.htm
Visitor Centers
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Robert F. Griggs Visitor Center
Visitor Center
The Robert F. Griggs Visitor Center overlooks the famous Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes and is the starting point of the Ukak Falls Trail. The posted hours are estimated…
Brooks Camp, King Salmon, AK Directions
Details
The Robert F. Griggs Visitor Center overlooks the famous Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes and is the starting point of the Ukak Falls Trail. The posted hours are estimated because the visitor center is only open during ranger-led Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes tours.
Other Visitor Services
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Brooks Camp Visitor Center
Facility
The Brooks Camp Visitor Center, open June 1 – September 29, is the point of entry for all visitors to Brooks Camp. A park ranger is on duty to provide information…
Brooks Camp, King Salmon, AK Directions
Details
The Brooks Camp Visitor Center, open June 1 – September 29, is the point of entry for all visitors to Brooks Camp. A park ranger is on duty to provide information, campground check-in, mandatory bear etiquette and safety talks, and backcountry planning. An Alaska Geographic Association (AGA) bookstore offers books, maps, and other Katmai-related items. -
King Salmon Visitor Center
Facility
Located next door to the King Salmon Airport, the King Salmon Visitor Center provides information on the many federal public lands of Southwest Alaska, particularly…
King Salmon Visitor Center, King Salmon, AK (907) 246-4250 Directions
Details
Located next door to the King Salmon Airport, the King Salmon Visitor Center provides information on the many federal public lands of Southwest Alaska, particularly those in the Bristol Bay area. A large collection of films is available for viewing and an Alaska Geographic bookstore sells maps, charts, videos, posters, clothing and more.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · Katmai National Park and Preserve
Hours details
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Katmai National Park and PreserveOpen 24 hours, daily
Katmai is open 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
1000 Silver Street, Building 603King Salmon, AK 99613
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
39°F
Sunny · feels like 31°
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Today
44° 37°
Sunny5% rain
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Tomorrow
43° 39°
Patchy rain nearby21% rain -
Sunday
43° 40°
Patchy rain nearby89% rain
Updated 5 hr ago
WeatherGale Warning Details
Gale Warning issued October 1 at 3:38PM AKDT until October 3 at 5:00AM AKDT by NWS Anchorage AK
Coastal Waters Forecast for the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast
up to 100 nm out including Kodiak Island and Cook Inlet.
Wind forecasts reflect the predominant speed and direction
expected. Sea forecasts represent an average of the highest
one-third of the combined wind wave and swell height.
.TONIGHT...NW wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.FRI...NE wind 25 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.FRI NIGHT...NE wind 25 kt increasing to 35 kt after midnight.
Seas
9 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 40 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.SAT NIGHT...NE wind 30 kt. Seas 8 ft.
.SUN...NE wind 25 kt. Seas 6 ft.
.MON...Variable wind 10 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.TUE...NW wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
WeatherGale Warning Details
Gale Warning issued October 2 at 3:29AM AKDT until October 3 at 5:00PM AKDT by NWS Anchorage AK
Coastal Waters Forecast for the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast
up to 100 nm out including Kodiak Island and Cook Inlet.
Wind forecasts reflect the predominant speed and direction
expected. Sea forecasts represent an average of the highest
one-third of the combined wind wave and swell height.
.TODAY...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.TONIGHT...NE wind 30 kt. Seas 9 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 40 kt. Seas 13 ft. Rain.
.SAT NIGHT...NE wind 40 kt. Seas 11 ft.
.SUN...NE wind 25 kt. Seas 6 ft.
.MON...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.TUE...NW wind 15 kt. Seas 4 ft.
What to expect by season
Located between the stormy north Pacific Ocean and the even stormier Bering Sea, the Katmai region is often a battleground between weather systems. When you visit, be prepared to encounter all types of weather. On average, wet and cool conditions predominate in spring, summer, and fall. Winters are drier and colder.
Photos
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Salmon streams in Katmai attract high numbers of brown bears. — NPS/Bryanna Plog -
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Getting There
King Salmon, AK 99613
Katmai National Park & Preserve is located on the northern Alaska Peninsula, northwest of Kodiak Island and southwest of Homer, Alaska. The park’s headquarters is in King Salmon, about 290 air miles southwest of Anchorage.
Full directions
Unlike most national parks in the United States, Katmai is almost exclusively accessed by plane or boat.
Mailing address: PO Box 7, King Salmon, AK 99613
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