Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Katmai National Park and Preserve is located in southern Alaska, covering over four million acres of rugged wilderness. The park is famous for its dramatic landscapes that include the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a vast ash flow left by the 1912 eruption of Novarupta Volcano. This volcanic area offers a stark, otherworldly environment that's a testament to the powerful natural forces at work. The park is also renowned for its large population of brown bears, which attract visitors who come to observe these magnificent animals at the Brooks Falls as they fish for salmon. In addition to bear watching, the park provides opportunities for hiking, camping, and kayaking, with expansive views of glacial rivers, dense forests, and a coastline teeming with marine life. Historically, the area is rich in Native Alaskan heritage, with archaeological sites that offer glimpses into past human inhabitants of the region. Katmai's remote location ensures a truly wild experience for visitors.
