Katmai National Park and Preserve - map, photos and other informations

Katmai National Park and Preserve is located in southern Alaska along the west coast of the Aleutian Chain. The park is home to the stunning Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, an immense ash flow and one of the largest volcanic eruptions of the 20th century, as well as Mount Katmai and Novarupta, the volcanic craters that caused it. The park also offers an incredible variety of wildlife, million-year-old glaciers, amazing views of the Aleutian Range and many more exciting features that have earned it the title of one of the most scenic parks in the nation.

Katmai National Park and Preserve covers an area of 4,093,077 acres (16,558 sq km), making it one of the largest in the U.S. Park Service. It includes two different sections - the park itself and the preserve. The park and preserve allow different activities, so visitors should be aware of the distinctions before going.

The park section is open to general recreation activities such as camping, fishing, backpacking, and hunting. Hiking trails lead to remote lakes, valleys and volcanoes and offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Lake fishing and bear viewing opportunities are also available and very popular with visitors.

The preserve section of the park mostly consists of protected wilderness, where no non-subsistence activities, such as hunting, are allowed. Much of the preserve stars here are old-growth forests, rivers, and large glaciers. Grizzly bears, wolves, caribou, tundra swans, bald eagles, and over 2,000 brown bears can also be found here.

The park was established in 1918, became part of the National Park Service in 1980 and later, was declared a Preserve in 1980. Prior to its establishment, the volcanic eruptions of 1912 had caused great devastation in the region and had buried over 4 square miles of land in volcanic ash. In 1924 explorer Robert Griggs led an expedition to the area and dubbed the ash flow valley "the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes", accurately describing the sight of volcanic vents still steaming from the eruption.

Today, Katmai is one of the most popular parks in the National Park system and one of the most scenic as well. Its incredible terrain, active wildlife, and amazing geysers, thermal springs and hot mud pots draw visitors from around the world. Visitors can take part in guided bear watching tours and experience the park in a way few do.

Katmai National Park and Preserve offers something for everyone and is a must-see for those seeking to discover Alaskan beauty and wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Katmai National Park and Preserve