You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
that National Parks host some of the darkest skies in the country. In<br />
some areas of the Great Sand Dunes National Park, it’s possible to<br />
see up to 15,000 stars throughout the night. Stargazing at its best!<br />
There is no lodging inside the park but at the entrance you will find<br />
Great Sand Dunes Lodge, an excellent alternative to those not wanting<br />
to pitch a tent. There are several options for camping inside the<br />
park, mostly on a first-come-first-served basis. If you enjoy fishing,<br />
hiking or photography this might be the National Park for you. Visit<br />
www.nps.gov/grsa.<br />
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 />
katmai national park<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 <strong>June</strong>, 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 <strong>June</strong> 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 />
COPYRIGHTED<br />
www.<strong>Atlantic</strong><strong>Ave</strong>Magazine.com | june JUNE <strong>2023</strong> | 67
Change language