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Katmai<br />
Sitting on a peninsula in southern Alaska and 260 miles southwest<br />
of Anchorage this is a true wilderness destination! It<br />
was designated a national monument after the eruption of Novarupta<br />
in 1912 which formed the Valley of 10,000 Smokes. It<br />
became a National Park in 1980. Unconnected to any town by<br />
road it is only accessible by boat or floatplane, so planning is<br />
essential. The greatest attraction for visitors is that it is home<br />
to about 2,000 brown bears that are drawn to Brooks Falls for<br />
the abundance of sockeye salmon. You can get great views and<br />
photos from the lookout platforms at Brooks Camp. There are<br />
other locations that offer bear watching opportunities in season.<br />
In the month of June, Hallo Bay and Swikshak Lagoon are<br />
a good bet. Always have your camera at the ready as you might<br />
also spot moose, caribou, wolf, waterfowl, bald eagles, whales<br />
and seals. Katmailand, Inc. is the only National Park Service authorized<br />
concessioner in Katmai, offering overnight accommodations<br />
and food and beverage service based at Brooks Lodge<br />
and Grosvenor Lodge. They also offer guided sport fishing, gifts<br />
and merchandise, outdoor recreation equipment rental, public<br />
showers, ground transportation and sightseeing, and camper<br />
drop-off services. The park’s visitor center at Brooks Camp is<br />
open seasonally from June 1 through mid-September and guests<br />
can sign up for ranger-led tours of the Valley of 10,000 Smokes<br />
or a walking tour to learn the human history of the Brooks River<br />
Archeological District. Visit www.nps.gov/katm.<br />
katmai national park<br />
COPYRIGHTED<br />
www.<strong>Atlantic</strong><strong>Ave</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.com | may <strong>2022</strong> | 69
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