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Katmai National Park was established in 1918 to protect the region around Mount Katmai after the devastating eruption of the Novarupta Volcano in 1912. Today it remains an active volcanic landscape, but is also an important habitat for salmon and thousands of brown bears that feed on them.

Sockeye salmon run the Brooks River in July, and again from late-August to mid-September, at which times brown bears (grizzlies) can be seen in huge numbers. You can also see them (albeit fewer of them) in early August, as they wander the shoreline feeding on sedge grass and digging for clams. 

Within Katmai National Park is The Valley of 10,000 Smokes, which is lined with active volcanoes and is a fascinating landscape. It is one of the best places in the world to see the violence of volcanic eruptions and experience the raw power of nature.

View suggested itineraries

Key info

  • Ideal for viewing: brown bear, moose, caribou, pine marten, orca
  • Where: Alaska Peninsula, Alaska

Wildlife trips

This wildlife location is featured in the following itineraries:

Alaska Bear Odyssey

Combine two prime locations for seeing grizzly bears, in areas of phenomenal natural beauty. The world’s largest brown bears can be found on Kodiak Island, whilst Katmai National Park offers great opportunities to view them fishing for salmon, and here you will also find the wild volcanoes of the Valley of 10,000 Smokes. Find out more about Alaska Bear Odyssey

  • Price (inc. flights): 12 days from £7,695
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S

Alaskan Wilderness Adventure

Embark this outstanding ‘Access All Areas’ itinerary to visit Alaska’s national parks, by car, boat, plane, train and bus. Search for wolves and bears in the shadow of Mount McKinley at Denali National Park, be amazed at towering glaciers and icebergs in the Kenai Fjords, before photographing grizzlies at Brook Falls. Find out more about Alaskan Wilderness Adventure

  • Price (inc. flights): 15 days from £6,545
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S

Brown Bears of Kodiak

View the grizzlies of Kodiak Island (the largest in the world) gorge on salmon that swim up the rivers to spawn. This small-group trip also spends some time in Katmai National Park on board a private vessel, which enables you to reach remote spots and encounter bears as they feed along the shoreline. Find out more about Brown Bears of Kodiak

  • Price (inc. flights): 11 days from £9,795
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
    Tailor-made can be arranged
  • When to go:
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S

Bear Photography in Katmai

Katmai National Park is one of North America’s most pristine wildernesses and is arguably the finest location to observe and photograph brown bears. On board our chartered vessel and accompanied by photographer Chris Weston, we spend seven nights exploring Katmai to photograph the iconic bears. Find out more about Z) Bear Photography in Katmai

  • Price (inc. flights): 12 days from £10,995
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
  • When to go:
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
Suggested accommodation is shown below. Please contact us for further recommendations.

Hallo Bay Bear Camp

This purpose-built, wilderness lodge is on the remote Pacific coast and has expert naturalist guides on hand who conduct daily wildlife activities to see the region’s brown bears fishing for salmon. The accommodation consists of five comfortable cabins with separate showers. Find Out More about Hallo Bay Bear Camp

Recommended cruise vessel:

M/V Ursus

This converted fishing boat/research vessel sails out of Katmai, and is perfect for exploring Alaska’s pristine coastal wilderness. Accommodating just eight people in four cabins, the intimate ‘grizzly ship’ offers ample space, gourmet cuisine and shore excursions by Zodiac inflatables. Find Out More about M/V Ursus