Katmai National Park is one of the most beautiful national park in U.S. If you are an adventure seeker the park has plenty of activities to offer from bear watching to kayaking. The park is known for its wild rivers, lakes, mountains, forests, and marshlands and abundant wildlife. Here we have motioned the top places in the park that you shouldn’t miss.
Brooks Falls
Brooks Falls is one of the most popular areas in the park to watch bears fishing. July is the best time to watch bear fishing. Every July, when the salmon make their annual run. However, bears are in the area from mid spring until mid fall. You get to view Alaskan brown bears in their natural habitat.
Brooks Falls is located in Katmai National Park, which is about 290 miles southwest of Anchorage, Alaska. The only way to access the park is by plane or boat.
Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes
The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes is a valley which is filled with the ash flow of eruption. The valley was created by the eruption of the Novarupta and Mount Katmai volcanoes in 1912. The valley covers over 40-square-mile area of ash which is upto 700 feet deep.
This has been the most favorite spot for researchers. You can go for a hike in the valley which is 3.4 miles round trip with 1000 feet of elevation change. The deep canyons have been cut by the River Lethe, so you get to see the ash flow strata.
Savonoski Loop
Love Kayaking!! The park has lots of adventure to offer. One of the best places for kayaking is the Savonoski Loop. The loop is an 80 mile paddle through the scenic back- country of the park. To get into the water you at least need intermediate skill in Canoeing and Kayaking.
You will be allowed to paddle in the Savonoski Loop depending on the weather. To complete the entire loop you need 4 to 10 days depending on experience, weather, and the route. Trip to Savonoski Loop will give you a memorable experience if you are an adventure seeker.
Brooks River
Brooks Falls is a waterfall Located on the Brooks River a mile and a half. It is one for the world’s best bear viewing. You get to view Alaskan brown bears near the falls hunting for fish with their cubs. Brook Falls is the favorite spot of mother bears and cubs during summer. In September and October, salmon spawn and die in the lower river which attracts bears to fish before they begin winter hibernation.
Naknek Lake
Naknek Lake is a popular destination for nature lovers with breathtaking views. The lake is the largest in the national park system, the lake covers over 40 miles. The lake is known for bear viewing, volcanic sightseeing, fishing, and boating. If you are planning to go fishing you need a valid license and also read all the instructions. If you spot bears, stay far away and do not feed them.