Katmai Hiking: The Best Trails for Every Experience Level

By Erika Müller · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Katmai

Katmai isn't a park where you show up with your hiking poles and a ten-day trail plan. There isn't an endless network of marked trails, a packed shuttle full of hikers, or an overflowing parking lot. What you'll find here is the real Alaska: a handful of maintained trails around Brooks Camp, a bus ride into a breathtaking volcanic landscape, and beyond that, a vast wilderness with no established trail or landmark.

The one hike you shouldn't miss: Dumpling Mountain, from Brooks Camp, for views over Naknek Lake and a chance to spot grizzlies along the way. If you want to see bears without much climbing, the trail to the Brooks Falls platforms is more than enough. And for a complete geological change of scenery, the descent into the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes is worth a full day.

How to Prepare for a Hike in Katmai

Brown Bears: The No. 1 Safety Rule

Grizzlies, or Alaska brown bears, are found throughout the park, including on the trails around Brooks Camp. The NPS requires every visitor to attend an orientation before heading out. Show up with bear spray within easy reach, not buried at the bottom of your pack. On the trail, talk out loud so bears know you're there, hike in a group, and never run if you encounter one.

Permits

You don't need a permit for day hikes in the park. The shuttle to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, operated by concessioner Katmailand, must be reserved in advance during the season. It's a separate arrangement, so don't forget it.

Dogs

Dogs aren't allowed on the trails in Katmai National Park.

Water and Terrain

Filter or purify all water from springs and rivers before drinking it, even in areas that look untouched. Beyond the Brooks Camp trails, the terrain is wild and unmarked. You'll need a topographic map and GPS as soon as you leave the maintained area.

Don't Underestimate the Weather

Set between the North Pacific and the Bering Sea, two of the planet's stormiest areas, Katmai regularly gets hit by sudden weather changes. Even in July, a cold shower or strong winds can move in within minutes. Always bring a waterproof layer, no matter how long you plan to be out.

The Best Hikes, Area by Area

Brooks Camp: Three Trails for Every Experience Level

Brooks Camp has most of the park's maintained trails. Every trailhead starts near the lodge, which you can reach only by plane or boat.

This trail connects the lodge with two bear-viewing platforms: the Brooks Falls platform, where you can watch grizzlies catch salmon leaping above the falls, and the Riffles platform farther downstream, where you can watch them fish in shallow water. The trail itself is flat and very accessible. The experience can be intense, though. In July, around 50 brown bears sometimes gather along a few miles of river. When we visited in mid-July, we counted 22 bears from the Falls platform alone in less than an hour. Trailhead: From the Brooks Camp lodge, after the required orientation. Tip: During the peak season, a rotation system may limit access to the platforms. Arrive early in the day to avoid a wait.

This is Katmai's signature hike if you're looking for something more strenuous. You leave Brooks Camp to the north, follow Naknek Lake briefly, and then climb steadily to the summit of Dumpling Mountain. From the overlook, you can see across Naknek Lake and, on a clear day, the volcanoes of the Alaska Range in the distance. Grizzlies regularly use this slope, especially early in the morning. Trailhead: From the Brooks Camp area, following the sign near the lodge trailhead. Tip: Start early for the best light and visibility. Make noise all the way up so you don't surprise a bear.

This trail passes archaeological sites used by Alutiiq people more than 4,000 years ago. Interpretive signs line the route. It's a good choice for a quiet evening walk or for visitors who don't want to take on a more demanding trail. The terrain stays flat throughout. Trailhead: From the Brooks Camp area.

Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes: A Landscape from the End of the World

The 1912 eruption of Novarupta, one of the most powerful eruptions of the 20th century, buried an entire valley under ash and pyroclastic deposits several dozen yards deep. A century later, the result is a strangely quiet mineral plain crossed by turquoise rivers, with steam still escaping from cracks in places.

Descent into the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes Varies with how far you go · 500 to 820 feet of elevation loss from the overlook · moderate to strenuous · full day

The park bus drops hikers at the Overlook Cabin, about 23 miles from Brooks Camp on an unpaved road. From there, you hike down into the valley. The floor is a stretch of compacted ash that can be unstable in places, crossed by streams with unusual mineral chemistry. Waterproof boots are strongly recommended. You can go as far as time and energy allow before climbing back up to catch the bus. Trailhead: Overlook Cabin, the bus terminus. Reservations are required through Katmailand. Tip: Bring a full meal, plenty of water, and warm clothing. The valley is exposed to the wind, and the weather can change very quickly.

Easy, Family-Friendly Hikes

Brooks Camp offers two accessible options, even with kids.

The Cultural Site Trail is a flat, 1.6-mile loop that works for kids as young as 6 or 7. The easy terrain, educational stops, and short duration make it a good fit. The Brooks Falls platforms trail is also physically easy, but having dozens of bears nearby can overwhelm younger children. Use your judgment based on your kids' ages and temperaments. In every case, stay on marked trails, and never let children leave the group.

Beyond Brooks Camp, Katmai isn't a good fit for families with very young children. The terrain is wild and unmarked, and the wildlife demands constant attention. The Katmai family guide has all the advice you need to plan this kind of visit.

Strenuous and Full-Day Hikes

Dumpling Mountain is the most accessible option for hikers looking for a workout and a view: about 4.3 miles round-trip with 1,200 feet of elevation gain on a maintained trail. It's a good fit for anyone used to half-day hikes.

The descent into the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes is the park's most rewarding full day for anyone interested in geology and unusual landscapes. Plan on a full day from Brooks Camp, including the bus ride and hike.

For self-sufficient, experienced hikers, Katmai's backcountry offers multi-day cross-country trips along the Pacific coast, through volcanic areas, and into remote parts of the park. These trips require strong route-finding skills in unmarked terrain, a complete camping setup, and a solid understanding of bear safety. We strongly recommend checking in with the King Salmon visitor center before setting out on your own.

Access, Trailheads, and Parking

No roads connect to Katmai. The park headquarters is in King Salmon, about 292 miles southwest of Anchorage by air. To reach Brooks Camp, first fly from Anchorage to King Salmon, then take a floatplane or wheeled plane to camp. Several airlines and air-taxi operators offer these connections, including direct flights from Anchorage during the peak season.

There is no parking. Visitors arrive by air or by boat on Naknek Lake. At Brooks Camp, all trails are accessible on foot from the lodge and campground.

To reach the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, you must take the bus from Brooks Camp. Reservations are required through Katmailand. Personal vehicles can't reach the valley.

For details on connections from Anchorage and King Salmon, see the Getting to Katmai guide and Getting Around the Park.

When to Hike in Katmai

The hiking season runs from late June to early September. July is the main draw: the weather is at its mildest and bears gather at the falls for sockeye salmon, making it the busiest time. August and early September are a little quieter without sacrificing good hiking conditions.

Outside this window, conditions deteriorate quickly. Persistent rain, strong winds, thick fog, and low temperatures make outings a poor choice for hikers who aren't used to subarctic conditions.

For a month-by-month breakdown and closure dates, the When to Visit Katmai guide has all the information you need.

Which Hike Fits Your Trip?

Our complete Katmai guide puts these hikes in the broader context of the park and its other activities.

Frequently Asked Questions