A landscape is alive underneath our feet, filled with creatures that remind us what it is to be wild. Katmai was established in 1918 to protect the volcanically devastated region surrounding Novarupta and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. Today, Katmai National Park and Preserve also protects 9,000 years of human history and important habitat for salmon and thousands of brown bears.
The Brooks River is closed to all non-subsistence users below Brooks Falls effective immediately and until October 31, 2024, or until rescinded by the Superintendent. The Brooks River corridor includes 50 yards on either side of the river
Updated on 09/30/2024
Dumpling Mountain is open for day-use including trail hiking and overlooks, yet closed for camping until further notice due to bear management activity and bears obtaining food from campers.
Updated on 08/20/2024
Check out the year-round views from Dumpling Mountain in Katmai National Park. Keep in mind that winter daylight hours are rather short, while summer daylight is nearly 24-7!
In the spring, this camera provides intimate views of waterfowl like ducks, geese, and swans as well as the exciting spectacle of beluga whales swimming upriver to feed. Watch the mudflats and shallow areas adjacent to the riverbanks for dabbling waterfowl like pintails, mallards, American widgeon, green-winged teal, greater-white fronted geese, and tundra swans. Diving ducks like scaup, goldeneyes, and mergansers use the deeper stretches of the river. Beluga whales usually swim upriver chasing schools of smelt on incoming tides. 1-2 hours before the highest, high tide of the day is usually best for watching beluga whales.
Check out a view of Brooks Falls, an iconic bear-viewing area in Katmai National Park. This camera is available thanks to a partnership with Explore.org.
This camera provides a bear’s eye view of Brooks Falls and a trout’s eye view at the mouth of the Brooks River.
The Brooks River is closed to all non-subsistence users below Brooks Falls effective immediately and until October 31, 2024, or until rescinded by the Superintendent. The Brooks River corridor includes 50 yards on either side of the river
Updated on 09/30/2024
Dumpling Mountain is open for day-use including trail hiking and overlooks, yet closed for camping until further notice due to bear management activity and bears obtaining food from campers.
Updated on 08/20/2024