[FULL GUIDE] 50 Unforgettable Activities at Katmai National Park

Key Takeaways:

• Katmai National Park offers an extraordinary mix of dramatic landscapes, wildlife, and geological wonders.
• Known for its bear viewing opportunities, the park provides unforgettable experiences for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
• Whether you’re hiking, kayaking, or witnessing volcanic activity, Katmai is an adventurer’s paradise with something for everyone.

Located in the heart of Alaska, Katmai National Park is a vast wilderness that attracts visitors with its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. Famed for its brown bear population, which gathers in droves near its many rivers, Katmai is one of the best places in the world to watch these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The park is also home to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a volcanic landscape formed by the 1912 eruption of Novarupta, one of the most powerful volcanic events of the 20th century. From hiking in the pristine wilderness to kayaking through untouched waters, Katmai National Park offers a unique, wild experience that immerses visitors in the raw beauty of Alaska.

50 Things to Do at Katmai National Park:

#1 Go Bear Watching at Brooks Falls:
Catch a glimpse of brown bears fishing for salmon in the crystal-clear waters of Brooks Falls.

#2 Hike the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes:
Explore this incredible volcanic landscape, formed after the 1912 eruption, with surreal views.

#3 Visit the Brooks Camp Visitor Center:
Stop by the Brooks Camp Visitor Center to learn about the park’s history and wildlife.

#4 Kayak on Naknek Lake:
Paddle across Naknek Lake, offering serene waters and views of the surrounding wilderness.

#5 Take a Flightseeing Tour Over the Park:
See Katmai’s stunning landscapes from above on a flightseeing tour, including its volcanoes and rivers.

#6 Hike the Dumpling Mountain Trail:
Climb Dumpling Mountain for a rewarding view of the park’s wild landscapes and wildlife-rich areas.

#7 Go Camping at Brooks Camp:
Camp at Brooks Camp and enjoy easy access to the park’s trails, wildlife watching, and nearby attractions.

#8 Take the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes Hiking Tour:
Join a ranger-led hiking tour to explore the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes and its unique volcanic features.

#9 Photograph the Brown Bears:
Capture stunning shots of the park’s brown bears, known for their impressive fishing skills.

#10 Explore the Katmai Wilderness:
Hike through the remote Katmai Wilderness to discover its untouched beauty and diverse ecosystems.

#11 Visit the Katmai National Park Archeological Site:
Learn about the park’s ancient history by visiting one of its archeological sites showcasing early Native Alaskan culture.

#12 Go Fishing in the Brooks River:
Fish for salmon in the Brooks River, a prime spot for both experienced and beginner anglers.

#13 Hike the Kukaklek Lake Trail:
Take a scenic hike around Kukaklek Lake, enjoying breathtaking views and abundant wildlife.

#14 Observe Wildlife in the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes:
Catch sightings of caribou, moose, and other wildlife while exploring this volcanic valley.

#15 Visit the Novarupta Lava Flow:
Stand on the Novarupta Lava Flow, the result of the 1912 eruption that shaped the landscape.

#16 Take a Guided Bear Viewing Tour:
Join an expert guide to safely watch brown bears in their natural habitat from a designated platform.

#17 Explore the Brooks Lake Trail:
This easy hike around Brooks Lake offers beautiful views and a chance to spot wildlife.

#18 Go Backcountry Hiking:
For experienced hikers, venture into Katmai’s rugged backcountry for a truly remote adventure.

#19 Take a Bear Viewing Photography Tour:
Capture close-up photos of Katmai’s bears with a professional photography guide.

#20 Hike the Pasagshak River Trail:
This trail takes you through picturesque landscapes and along the riverside, ideal for wildlife watching.

#21 Take a Scenic Boat Ride on Naknek Lake:
Relax on a scenic boat tour around Naknek Lake, with spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness.

#22 Visit the Bear Viewing Platforms at Brooks Falls:
Stand on the viewing platforms at Brooks Falls to watch brown bears fishing for salmon.

#23 Explore the Savonoski Loop Trail:
This loop trail offers great views of the landscape, rivers, and wildlife in Katmai’s northern section.

#24 Go Canoeing on the Brooks River:
Paddle through the calm waters of the Brooks River, surrounded by the stunning wilderness of Katmai.

#25 Hike to the Ukak Falls:
Hike to the dramatic Ukak Falls, known for its cascading waters and stunning beauty.

#26 Take a Helicopter Tour Over the Park’s Volcanoes:
Fly over Katmai’s active volcanoes for a bird’s-eye view of the awe-inspiring landscape.

#27 Join a Katmai National Park Wilderness Survival Course:
Learn survival skills while exploring the wilds of Katmai on a wilderness course designed for adventurers.

#28 Visit the Brooks Camp Historic Site:
Explore the historic Brooks Camp, a place of significance for both wildlife and human history in the park.

#29 Take a Wildlife Photography Workshop:
Join a workshop that teaches you how to photograph the diverse wildlife, including bears, moose, and birds.

#30 Go on a Volcanic Landscape Hiking Tour:
Hike through Katmai’s volcanic terrain with a ranger guide, learning about the geology and history of the area.

#31 Go Whale Watching in the Park’s Coastal Areas:
Head to the park’s coastal regions to spot migrating whales and other marine life.

#32 Visit the Katmai Volcanoes:
Explore the park’s impressive volcanic peaks, including Mount Katmai and Novarupta, famous for their eruptions.

#33 Take the Dillingham to Katmai Scenic Flight:
Enjoy a scenic flight from Dillingham to Katmai, offering panoramic views of the park and surrounding area.

#34 Watch the Salmon Migration at Brooks Falls:
Witness the incredible spectacle of salmon migrating upstream, attracting both bears and visitors alike.

#35 Visit the Katmai National Park Historical Exhibits:
Learn about the park’s history through exhibits highlighting its unique cultural and natural heritage.

#36 Explore the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes by Boat:
Take a boat trip down the valley for an unparalleled view of the volcanic landscape from the water.

#37 Go Hiking in the Katmai Wilderness:
Hike through the wild and untouched wilderness of Katmai for a challenging and rewarding adventure.

#38 Watch the Northern Lights in Katmai:
In the fall and winter months, witness the aurora borealis from the dark skies of Katmai.

#39 Go On a Guided Wildlife Photography Tour:
Capture Katmai’s wildlife, including its iconic bears and moose, with the help of a professional photographer.

#40 Kayak in the Sourdough Bay Area:
Paddle through the stunning waters of Sourdough Bay, surrounded by forests, mountains, and abundant wildlife.

#41 Join a Bear Safety Class:
Learn about bear behavior and how to safely observe these magnificent creatures in their natural environment.

#42 Climb on the Katmai Volcanoes:
For experienced climbers, summit one of the active volcanoes in Katmai for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

#43 Take a Boat Tour of the Alagnak River:
Explore the Alagnak River by boat for an up-close look at Katmai’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife.

#44 Visit the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes Interpretation Center:
Stop by the interpretation center for insights into the volcanic eruptions that shaped Katmai’s unique landscape.

#45 Go on a Fishing Trip at Brooks River:
Book a guided fishing trip along Brooks River, known for its world-class salmon fishing opportunities.

#46 Explore the Sand Point Area:
Visit the secluded Sand Point area for solitude, wildlife watching, and stunning coastal views.

#47 Take a Photography Tour of Katmai’s Volcanic Landscapes:
Capture stunning photos of Katmai’s volcanoes and lava flows on a specialized photography tour.

#48 Hike the Amakdedori River Trail:
Explore this trail through forested areas and wetlands, ideal for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.

#49 Relax at the Brooks Camp Campground:
Set up camp at Brooks Camp, offering a peaceful retreat with easy access to wildlife viewing and trails.

#50 Take a Scenic Hike to the Katmai Falls:
Hike to Katmai Falls, known for its impressive flow and stunning natural surroundings.

For an unforgettable adventure at Katmai National Park, plan your visit with PlanMyWeekend.ai to make the most of your trip!

Author: Dejon Brooks

Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai