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Katmai National Park in Alaska is the fourth largest national park in the US, established in 1918 and expanded in 1980 to protect its volcanic formations, rugged landscapes, and wildlife. The Valley of 10,000 Smokes is a popular attraction, and the park is home to six active volcanoes and brown bears that gather during salmon runs. Access is by air or sea.
Katmai National Park is a US national park southwest of Anchorage, Alaska, at the northern tip of the Alaska Peninsula. The name is pronounced “cat-my”. At more than 4,000,000 acres (about 16,200 sq km) it is the fourth largest national park in the United States. The park was first established in 1918 and was expanded in 1980. The geological formations related to volcanic activity, rugged Alaskan landscapes and wildlife are the main attractions of the park. All access to Katmai National Park is by air or sea.
When Novarupta Volcano on the Alaska Peninsula erupted in 1912, it covered 45 square miles (about 120 square km) of the surrounding countryside with an ash layer 650 to 700 feet (198 to 213 m) deep. The superheated water from under the ash sheet burst to the surface forming jets of steam. Called the Valley of 10,000 Smokes, the area continued to smoke for years. In 1918, a national park was established in the area to preserve the unusual feature.
The steam jets have died down, but volcanoes and related geological features still play an important role in Katmai National Park. There are six active volcanoes within the park boundaries and ten that are considered possibly active but have not erupted in the last few centuries. The Ash Sheet in the Valley of 10,000 Smokes is one of the park’s most popular attractions.
In 1980, the park was expanded to more include and protect the surrounding area. Land features within the park include the Aleutian mountain range, glaciers, and vast forests. Wetlands, coastal areas, rivers and lakes are found within the park boundaries as well as arctic tundra and grassland areas.
Katmai National Park offers a rich environment for animals. Smaller mammals found there include snowshoe hares, beavers, and porcupines. Moose and caribou live within the park, as well as wolves, lynxes and wolverines. The park also provides shelter for at least 150 bird species including ptarmigan, tundra swans and grebes. Bald eagles, hawks and owls are among the birds of prey found there.
Brown bears are one of the park’s biggest attractions. The salmon runs in the area are among the largest in the world, and every year large numbers of brown bears gather to catch fish during the runs. At other times of the year, they spread across much of the park, but are still easy to find and observe.
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