5 Must-Take Hikes at Katmai National Park

Experience the many incredible sights in the pristine Alaska backcountry

If you want to visit a park where you can witness the power of nature up close, Katmai National Park is your paradise.

The park is home to active volcanoes, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. It's also a historically significant area, as it was the site of the largest volcanic eruption in modern history, where two volcanos — Mount Katmai and Novarupta — erupted simultaneously in 1912. This eruption created what is now known as the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes.

First designated a national monument in 1918 to protect the area's volcanoes, geothermal features, and Alaskan brown bears, Katmai National Park became an official national park and nature preserve in 1980. With miles of volcanic mountain ranges and diverse wildlife, Katmai National Park is a nature lover's dream.

 Discover a hiking adventure with the park's amazing trails! In this blog post, Parks and Landmarks will look at five of the best hikes at Katmai National Park.

Cultural Site Trail

While more of a walking trail than a hike, the Cultural Site Trail is perfect for those looking to learn more about the history of Katmai National Park and the Alaska Peninsula.

The out and back trail takes you to the site of what used to be a native village. With archeologists dating this site to over 4000 years old, there is a plenty of history to learn about and additional signs that will tell you more about the area. 

Total Distance: 0.49 Miles

Elevation Gain: 78.7 Feet

Difficulty: Easy - Walking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• This trail is not a regular hiking trail, it is a historical site. This is more of a scenic walk 
• Bears frequently visit this area, so be on alert
• Dogs must be leashed on this trail

Brooks Falls Trail

Bears, bears, and more bears!  The Brooks Falls Trail is one of the best places in Katmai National Park to see Alaskan brown bears.

The trail takes hikers to two incredible viewpoints down on  Brooks River, where many bears fish. While they look like grizzlies, Alaskan brown bears are typically bigger and less aggressive than their inland counterparts. Have the camera ready because being able to see bears in their natural habitat undisturbed is an exhilarating experience. 

Total Distance: 1.18 Miles

Elevation Gain: 118 Feet

Difficulty: Easy - Hiking, Walking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Bears use this area to fish for food; bear spray is recommended
• If you are using this trail for bear sporting, please keep your distance 
• Dogs must be leashed on this trail

Windy Creek Overlook and Ukak Falls

Interested in exploring the Ten Thousand Smokes Valley? 

The Windy Creek Overlook and Ukak Falls hike is a great way to see the valley up close.

Created by volcanic eruptions in the early 1900s, the valley got its name from the massive amount of smoke that filled the air for weeks after the eruptions. The valley is now home to a variety of wildlife and was where NASA trained their astronauts for the first moon landing, having them reconize different volcanic features and landforms for geological knowledge that could be useful in space exploration. 

Total Distance: 4.22 Miles

Elevation Gain: 820 Feet

Difficulty: Moderate - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Dogs must be leashed on this trail
• Bears are seen frequently on this trail, bear spray is recommended
• Little to no shade on this trail, bring sunscreen
• Bring plenty of water when hiking this trail
• The trail is unmarked for most of the hike, make sure to have a map

Dumpling Mountain

The best view in the park? You can find it on Dumpling Mountain.

This trail is more challenging than the others, but the view from the top of Dumpling Mountain is worth the effort. Just be aware that the mountain is more than 2000 feet in elevation, so make sure you pace yourself for the climb up!

Overlooking both Katmai and Brooks Camp, you’ll get a postcard-like look at many of the surrounding mountains and lakes. 

Total Distance: 9.19 Miles

Elevation Gain: 2582 Feet

Difficulty: Hard - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Dogs must be leashed on this trail
• Bears are seen frequently on this trail, bear spray is recommended
• This trail is mostly unmaintained so be ready for some amount of bushwhacking
• Lot of mud on this trail, be sure to bring proper hiking footwear
• This trail is only recommended for those with a high fitness level or have experience hiking

Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes Road

Ready for a backwoods hiking challenge?  

Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes Road is an unmaintained trail that takes you into the heart of Katmai National Park.

Once covered in ash from a volcanic eruption, this valley is now home to a variety of wildlife. The trail itself is overgrown and can be difficult to follow at times, but the scenery and wildlife sightings make it all worth it.  This is the type of trail you want to ensure you train for before tackling. It's an experience of a lifetime if you're willing to learn how to make a safe camp in bear country and how to deal with emergencies situations. 

Total Distance: 22.9 Miles

Elevation Gain: 2910 Feet

Difficulty: Hard - Hiking

Route Type: Point to Point

Other Info:

• This trail is a multiday hike and requires camping equipment
• This trail is only recommended for those with a high fitness level or have experience hiking
• Bears are seen frequently on this trail, bear spray is recommended
• This trail is mostly unmaintained so be ready for some amount of bushwhacking

The hikes of the Alaskan back country in Katmai National Park are not for the faint of heart. With many of the trails being unmaintained and overgrown, you really have to be up for a challenge when taking them on. 

But with stunning views, an abundance of wildlife, and the chance to have the experience of a lifetime, these hikes are definitely worth it.

So if you're feeling adventurous and are up for a challenge, be sure to check out these five must-take hikes the next time you're in Katmai National Park!

Happy trails!