Telephone: 907-246-3305 Lodging: Brooks Camp Lodge, Grosvenor Lake Camp, or Kulik Lodge, contact: Katmailand, Inc. Mailing Address 4700 Aircraft Drive, Suite 2;
Anchorage, AK 99502;
Telephone 907-243-5448 or 1-800-544-0551.
DIRECTIONS
The Park is accessible by scheduled airlines from Anchorage to King Salmon (290 air miles), and charter flights are available to Brooks Camp and the source of the Alagnak River at Kukaklek Lake. The Katmai National Preserve is located in the Aleutian Range, South Central Alaska, across Shelikof Straight from Kodiak. Visitor information, backcountry permits, and camping reservations may be obtained from the Brooks Camp Visitor Contact Station and at Park Headquarters in King Salmon. Fishing permits are available at Brooks Lodge.
WHEN TO VISIT
The Park is never closed. Peak visitor season is July. It is accessible by private or charter aircraft anytime, but by commercial aircraft only from June-September. The lodge and concession facilities are closed from September 11 to June 1. Cool, rainy weather can be expected in Summer; freezing temperatures, snow, and wind in other seasons. Strong winds and sudden, gusty rainstorms periodically sweep the area. Come prepared for some sunshine (approximately 20% during Summer) and stormy weather. Appropriate rain gear and wool clothing are recommended. Climate: January, -42 to - 24 degrees F; July, 25 to 67 degrees F. Precipitation: January, 2.1; July, 2.2; August, 4.2.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Katmai National Park and Preserve is one of the largest areas in the National Park System. This vast land is marked with variety--forests, mountains, lakes, and marshlands--including an abundance of wildlife. The Alaska brown bear, the world's largest carnivore, thrives here, feeding upon red salmon that spawn in the many lakes and streams. Wild rivers and renowned sport fishing add to the attractions of this subarctic environment. The ash-filled "Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes" was formed in 1912 when the Novarupta Volcano violently erupted.
ACTIVITIES
The Katmai National Park and Preserve have guided tours and backcountry use permits are available from the NPS, and there are guides for hire. Other available are: self-guided tours/trails; picnic area; campground (reservations must be made through Park headquarters); mountain climbing; boating, boat rental, boat ramp; fishing; and hunting.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Katmai is a wildlife sanctuary. Keep your distance from the animals, do not feed them, keep all food sealed in food caches to reduce odors, and make lots of noise when you walk. Bring sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, warm clothing, and insect repellent. Lake Camp (just inside boundary) can be reached by a ten mile dirt road from King Salmon; however, Brooks Camp is not accessible by any road system, and is accessed by aircraft or boat. Medical facilities are available in Naknak where a doctor is on duty in Summer. The nearest hospital is in Anchorage.
