The best walks and hikes in Katmai National Park

No, you cannot drive to Katmai National Park. It is a remote wilderness area accessible only by plane or boat. The most common route is to fly from Anchorage to King Salmon, and then take a smaller floatplane to Brooks Camp, the park's main visitor hub.

Hiking in Katmai is a true wilderness experience. The park has less than five miles of officially maintained trails, most of which are located in the Brooks Camp area. Beyond these paths, hiking often involves navigating unmarked terrain, a practice known as 'bushwhacking', which requires excellent navigation skills and self-sufficiency.

The primary challenges are the remote, undeveloped terrain and the high concentration of brown bears. Hikers must be completely self-sufficient, carrying all necessary gear, food, and bear safety equipment. Navigating through dense brush, across rivers, and over volcanic terrain requires significant experience. Weather can also change rapidly.

The Brooks Camp area is the premier location for bear viewing while hiking. The easy Brooks Falls — Katmai National Park trail leads directly to viewing platforms where you can safely watch bears fishing for salmon. While bears can be encountered anywhere in the park, this area offers the most reliable and safest viewing opportunities.

Yes, the trails around Brooks Camp are generally easy and well-suited for most visitors. Besides the trail to the falls, the Brooks Camp Cultural Site Trail is a very short, flat walk that offers historical insights. For a slightly longer but still easy walk, the Lake Brooks Road provides a relatively flat route.

Bear safety is critical. Always carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make noise while you hike by talking or clapping to avoid surprising a bear. Never run from a bear. All visitors to Brooks Camp must attend a mandatory bear safety briefing upon arrival. For more detailed park-specific rules, you can consult the official NPS hiking page.

Yes, but it's a challenging undertaking. There are no marked or maintained trails in the valley itself. Most visitors experience it via a bus tour from Brooks Camp. Hiking in the valley is a multi-day backcountry expedition requiring careful planning for river crossings and navigation across the vast ash flow. The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes Road tour follows the access road but does not enter the valley floor.

The main visitor season, and the best time for hiking, is from June through September. July is particularly popular as it coincides with the peak of the sockeye salmon run at Brooks Falls, offering incredible bear viewing. Weather is most favorable during these summer months, but you should still be prepared for rain and cool temperatures at any time.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities, especially observing the brown bears in their natural habitat. The unique and dramatic volcanic landscapes, like those seen from the Dumpling Mountain Overlook, are also frequently highlighted as a memorable part of the experience.

While there are no permits required for backcountry hiking itself, you do need a permit to camp in the backcountry. It's also mandatory to check in with park rangers before and after your trip. For camping at the developed Brooks Camp Campground, reservations are required and must be made far in advance due to extremely high demand.

For any hike, even a short one, you should be prepared. Essential items include sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, layered clothing, rain gear, water, snacks, a map, and a compass or GPS. Most importantly, you must carry bear spray and have it readily accessible.