Born of the 1912 Novarupta eruption, the largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century; today famous for its brown bears fishing for salmon at Brooks Falls
Area
16,092 km²
Protection category
IUCN II
Parque nacional —
Designated in
1918
Katmai was declared a national monument in 1918 after the eruption of Novarupta in 1912 — the largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century by volume of material thrown out, far greater than Mount St Helens in 1980 — which buried a whole valley under burning ash and created the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. Today Katmai is famous the world over for Brooks Falls, where dozens of coastal brown bears gather each summer to fish for salmon leaping the cascade, a spectacle broadcast live on webcams and followed through the popular annual Fat Bear Week.
Location
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Katmai: 60 documented species
Mammals23Birds15Amphibians1Cartilaginous fish
Flora and ecosystems
Ecosystems found in the United States, where Katmai lies.
DesertTemperate forestTundra / polarWetland
Experiences in this park
Birdwatching
Wildlife you can see now
What is worth looking out for this month in the United States?
Now is a good time: Urban bat colony under Congress Avenue Bridge (March to November (peak in summer))
Similar parks
Which other parks are like this one?
Same country: United States
Same country: United States
Same country: United States
Same country: United States
Keep exploring
Based on what we already know about this park.
United States
