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Camper’s Guide: Katmai National Park, Alaska

Camper’s Guide: Katmai National Park, Alaska

October 19, 20141211Views

Katmai National Park is located in the northern peninsula of Alaska and has a large array of things to see and do while visiting.

A brief history

Before wandering through the park and experiencing all it provides, take advantage of the ranger-led programs that are offered.  These programs are a way to learn about the Katmai National Park and it’s history.  There are many different programs offered from guided walks to stories about the park. Joining a ranger-led event is a great way to start your Alaskan park adventure.

Main Attraction

Brown bears
Photo from Adam Willoughby-Knox/Unsplash

One of the most popular activities to take part in at Katmai National Park is bear watching.  This area is one of the best in the world for viewing brown bears.  In fact, it is believed that there are more bears living on the Alaskan peninsula than there are humans.  This is due to the fact that their habitat has remained mostly uninterrupted by humans.  The bears’ schedules are mostly dominated by food.  Find a spot in the park containing an abundance of food that can be found in the bears’ diet, and you are likely to catch sight of a brown bear.

If you enjoy exploring, Katmai National Park is a sublime location for hiking and camping.  There are few actual hiking trails throughout the park, so the possibility for adventure is multitudinous.  Keep in mind that due to the lack of maintained trails, preparedness is very important when heading out on a camping or hiking escapade.  Novice campers should team up with experienced campers in order to stay safe.

So you’ve seen the park from the ground level, but the beauty of the land is just as spectacular when viewed from above.  The surrounding areas offer flighseeing tours where one can observe the park from overhead in a plane.  On these tours, you will see the beautiful scenery as well as have the opportunity to see the wildlife that inhabits the park.

There are a plethora of activities to do and sights to see at Katmai National Park; it is easy to tailor your visit and make your trip and unforgettable one. Check out this video featuring all the best sights and sounds of this amazing Alaskan national park.

When to go

While the park is open year round, the best time to visit is during salmon season in Alaska, from June to September. The salmon traveling down the stream make a great meal for the bears in the area, meaning you’ll have a great show.

Featured Image from Paxson Woelber/Unsplash