Katmai - Alaska
In 1980 a portion of Katmai, Alaska was designated as a national park and preservation area. The Katmai National Park is filled with spectacular views and abundant with wildlife that has made this area their home for hundreds of years. Visitors to the park will have the opportunities to experience the true feel of Alaska and see all of the beauty that this state has to offer while staying in the park. They will also get to view wildlife such as brown bear, caribou, wolves and red fox in their natural habitat. Whether planning a family get away or a hunting expedition, there are activities for everyone who visits this pristine park.
Getting Around:
The terrain that makes up the Katmai National Park and Preserve can be very rough in areas. You will find that there are areas of very dense forests and valleys, pristine streams that can flow at various rates with some being swift and others lazily trickling, mountainous areas and volcanic ash and rock areas. There are no roadways that can be used to travel to the park area, so you must charter a boat or hire the services of an air taxi when planning your visit to the Katmai National Park.
For the visitor who wants to take in the sites of the park and preservation area you can either purchase or rent snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles or travel with a tour guide to see the wonders that surround this area. There are paths and travel ways through the park that are set up for the safety of both the visitors and the occupants of the area.
Climate Conditions:
To truly be able to enjoy all that the Katmai National Park and Preserve has to offer you will need to make sure that you are prepared for the climate conditions in the park. The average temperature during the summer averages between 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the day hours. There is always the possibility for unexpected storms and strong wind gusts that can sneak up on you when you are participating in the many outdoor activities throughout the park. Make sure that you pack clothing that will allow you to stay warm when spending time outdoors in this great National Park.
What To See and Do:
There is never a lack of activities when spending time at the Katmai National Park and Preservation area. Whether you have a passion for hunting, fishing, hiking, camping or just enjoy seeing nature for the beauty that it has to offer, you are sure to be pleased with your time spent here.
When bear viewing is an activity that you want to partake in, there is no other place that you will want to be than Katmai National Park. A recent survey that was conducted shows that there are more than 2000 brown bear that call the park home. The prime time for viewing these brown bear is from July to September. However, it is possible to see the bear anytime from May until December. The rest of the year the bear are in hibernation.
Fishing is another great pass time for the guests at Katmai National Park. This park is world-renowned for its trophy fishing opportunities and tournaments. There are several different types of fish that are prevalent to the streams that run through the park. These fish include rainbow trout, sockeye salmon, Coho salmon, grayling and Dolly Varden. To take advantage of the fishing in this area you will need to purchase an Alaskan sports fishing license through the Alaskan Department of Fishing and Game division for anyone who will be fishing and is 16 years of age or older. Hunting and trapping is also available but only in the preservation area. For all of the latest regulations on hunting in the Katmai Preservation you can visit the Alaskan Department of Fishing and Game to this information because it changes quite frequently.
Camping is available at the Brooks Camp Campground which is located on the shores of the Naknek Lake in the Katmai National Park area. This facility is open from June 1 to September 17 each year. This is the only area where camping is facility, so make sure that you prepare for this if visiting the area.
Canoeing and Kayaking are very popular activities within the park due to the many streams and lakes that run through the area. This allows you to see bear and other wildlife who feed along the shorelines in more intimate manner. Some visitors claim that canoeing or kayaking these streams is incomparable to anything they have ever experienced.
Whatever activities you choose to get involved with while visiting the Katmai National Park and Preservation area, you are sure to have a memorable time during your stay. You will find that you cannot wait to visit the area again as each site is more breathtaking than your last.