The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Katmai National Park
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Family friendly hiking trails in Katmai National Park traverse a landscape shaped by dramatic volcanic activity, including the vast ash flows of the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. The region features numerous active and dormant volcanoes, pristine waterways like Naknek Lake, and diverse ecosystems ranging from lowland tundra to subalpine meadows. Glacial-hewn valleys and a rugged coastline further define the park's varied terrain, offering a unique environment for outdoor exploration.
Best family friendly hiking trails in Katmai National Park
- The…
Last updated: July 8, 2026
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3.78km
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The Brooks Falls Trail offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness brown bears in their natural habitat, making it one of the most popular trails in Katmai National Park. This easy…
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The Cultural Site Trail offers a fascinating, easy walk into the rich history of the region. You'll explore a path that leads directly to a Reconstructed Alaska Native Dwelling, providing…
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The Brooks Falls Trail offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in Alaska's wilderness, leading you through a quiet boreal forest on a mostly flat path. You'll traverse sections of…
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Embark on an extraordinary journey through the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes Road, a landscape utterly transformed by the 1912 Novarupta eruption. This trail guides you through a unique
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This easy 4.4-mile (7.1 km) loop near Brooks Falls offers an incredible journey through Alaskan boreal forest, leading to prime bear-viewing spots. You'll traverse a mix of gravel paths, natural…
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Tips from the Community
The two-tiered Brooks Falls viewing platform is the most popular place to be in Katmai National Park, because it offers great overlooks of the biggest and most dominant bears fishing around the waterfall. It can get crowded in July, so you should expect to wait a while before being allowed onto the platform. Your time on the platform may also be limited, usually to about an hour. There are restrictions on tripod use as well.
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The most dominant bears tend to do their fishing around Brooks Falls, visible from the Falls viewing platform. However the Riffles platform, situated about 100 yards downstream from the Falls platform, has some advantages. There is usually no time limit for occupancy, and you are allowed to use tripods here. It's also a great place to watch sows teaching their cubs how to fish, and subadults trying out their new skills. You can view bears fishing in the Riffles via a NPS webcam: explore.org/livecams/brown-bears/brown-bear-salmon-cam-the-riffles
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This picnic area on the shores of Brooks Lake offers a vault toilet, food cache, and covered cooking/eating area. The lake outlet, near the picnic area, is a good place for salmon-viewing in August and September. Sometimes you'll see bears fishing here, too. Human anglers also use this area as a starting point to access the upper Brooks River.
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The campground has vault toilets, potable water, and an electric fence to deter bears. Capacity is limited to 60 people and fills up quickly during the summer.
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The Brooks Camp Visitor Center, usually open June through late September, is your initial point of entry to Brooks Camp. This is where you'll get your mandatory introduction to bear etiquette. You can also chat with park rangers, attend ranger-led events, and shop the Alaska Geographic store, which include books and souvenirs. The camp has water and bathrooms and makes a great pitstop.
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You can get to know some of the specific bears you might see at Brooks Falls, or elsewhere along the Brooks River, with this electronic pamphlet from the National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/katm/learn/photosmultimedia/ebooks.htm
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From this viewpoint, you can see distant views of Margot Creek on its way to the Iliuk Arm of Naknek Lake. Bears do fish in this creek, and a second viewpoint down the road gets you much closer to the creek. Think about how far you want to walk: Going on to the second viewpoint will add a bit more than 6 miles, or 10 kilometers, to your round trip distance. If you don't want to make the long walk on the road, you can pay for a ticket on the tour bus run by park concessionaire Katmailand. The drivers will let you off anywhere you like, and they will also pick you up as long as they have seats available. https://katmailand.com/katmai-national-park/valley-of-ten-thousand-smokes/
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Heads up: The campground, and all the rest of Brooks Camp, is only accessible by float plane and, on rare occasions, boats from neighboring small communities. You can learn more about reaching this beautiful place from the National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/katm/planyourvisit/directions.htm
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Katmai National Park?
Our guide features 5 family-friendly hiking trails in Katmai National Park, with 4 of them rated as easy, making them suitable for various family skill levels.
What is the best time of year for family hiking in Katmai National Park?
The best time for family hiking in Katmai National Park is typically during the summer months, from June to September. This period offers the mildest weather, longer daylight hours, and the highest chances of wildlife viewing, especially brown bears fishing for salmon.
Are there any easy trails suitable for young children or strollers?
Yes, there are several easy trails perfect for families with young children. The Cultural Site Trail is a short, scenic walk, and parts of the Brooks Falls Trail are generally flat and accessible, though always be bear aware.
What natural features can we expect to see on family hikes in Katmai National Park?
Katmai National Park offers a dramatic blend of volcanic landscapes, pristine waterways, and diverse ecosystems. You can expect to see vast ash flows in areas like the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, numerous lakes and rivers, and varied terrain from lowland tundra to subalpine meadows. Keep an eye out for the park's abundant wildlife, especially brown bears.
Can we see bears on these family-friendly trails?
Katmai is world-renowned for its brown bear population. The Brooks Falls Trail is particularly famous for bear viewing, especially during the salmon runs, from designated viewing platforms at Brooks Falls. Always follow park guidelines for bear safety.
Are there any waterfalls suitable for families to visit?
Yes, Brooks Falls is a prominent waterfall known for its bear viewing opportunities, accessible via the Brooks Falls Trail. Further afield, Ukak Falls in the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes offers a mighty cascade, though reaching it involves a more challenging journey.
What historical or cultural sites can families explore?
The Cultural Site Trail provides a short, informative walk where families can learn about the history of the Alaska Peninsula and an ancient native village site dating back over 4000 years.
Are there any circular routes for families in Katmai National Park?
Yes, the Bridge over Brooks River – Brooks Falls loop from Brooks Camp offers a pleasant circular route that allows families to experience the area around Brooks Falls.
What should we know about hiking with dogs in Katmai National Park?
Katmai National Park has strict regulations regarding pets due to the abundant wildlife, especially bears. Pets are generally not permitted on trails, in public buildings, or at viewing platforms. It's best to check the official NPS website for the most current pet policies before planning your visit.
What kind of terrain can we expect on family-friendly trails?
Family-friendly trails in Katmai National Park typically feature relatively flat or gently rolling terrain. You'll often walk through boreal forests, subalpine meadows, and along riverbanks. Some trails, like the Brooks Falls Trail, are well-maintained, while others might be more natural paths.
Are permits required for family hiking in Katmai National Park?
While general entry to Katmai National Park does not require a permit, specific areas, especially during peak bear viewing season at Brooks Camp, may require reservations or permits for access to viewing platforms or overnight stays. It's highly recommended to check the official National Park Service website for the latest information on permits and reservations, particularly for the Brooks River area.
What do other hikers enjoy most about family hiking in Katmai National Park?
The komoot community highly rates the experiences in Katmai National Park, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities, especially the brown bears at Brooks Falls, and the unique, wild Alaskan landscape that offers an unforgettable adventure for families.
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