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1000 Silver Street Building 603 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. Unlike most national parks in the United States, Katmai is almost exclusively accessed by plane or boat. 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. Entrance Fee-free This site is fee-free year-round. No entrance fee or pass is required. King Salmon Visitor CenterLocated 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. Brooks Camp Visitor CenterThe 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. Robert F. Griggs Visitor CenterThe 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. Public WiFi is not available.
Located in the remote Alaska bush, there is no wifi or cell phone service available in most of Katmai National Park and Preserve. Visitors will likely only be able to communicate via satellite phone, should they choose to bring one. Some cell service is available at the visitor center in the town of King Salmon, Alaska. The purpose of Katmai National Park and Preserve is to protect, study, and interpret active volcanism surrounding the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, extensive coastal resources, habitats supporting a high concentration of salmon and brown bears, and an ongoing story of humans integrated with a dynamic subarctic ecosystem. The park and preserve offer unique opportunities to explore vast wilderness and immense volcanoes, watch brown bears, fish for salmon and trout, and many other activities.
Katmai is open year-round for you to enjoy. However, it is a remote park that cannot be accessed by car. There are few services in the park and preserve. The closest grocery store and post office are located outside of the park in King Salmon. Please, plan ahead and bring what you need to enjoy your visit. Browse the links below and Katmai’s frequently asked questions to help plan your visit. Backcountry Travel Special Use and Film Permits Bear Safety |
Last updated: August 2, 2024