There are not many maintained hiking trails at Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska. As a matter of fact, there are less than 5 miles (8 km) of actual trails. Katmai is a wilderness park with myriad backpacking opportunities for exploring over 4 million acres (1.6 million hectares) of landscape on foot, kayak, canoe, raft, boat, or plane.
Two backcountry hikers roaming the slopes on Broken Mountain, Katmai National Park / NPS file
The hiking trails at Katmai all start at Brooks Camp. These five trails range from .1 mile (.2 km) to 23 miles (37 km) in distance, with varying activity levels. Click on the link above for information about each of these trails. For even more detailed information about each of these hikes, you can open, read, and download this PDF.
To strike out into Katmai’s backcountry takes preparation and planning beyond basic camping skills. No permits are necessary, but you should possess a good understanding of Katmai’s Backcountry Regulations and Suggested Best Practices.
In addition to whatever else you pack for your backpacking adventure, remember the Ten Essentials for backcountry travel.
It’s a good idea to decide upon your destination prior to your backcountry trip. This is especially helpful for determining your backcountry method(s) of access: foot, kayaking/canoeing/rafting, flying. The park’s website lists seven suggested destinations from which you might choose.
Leaving a trip itinerary is not required, but certainly prudent. Park rangers will not track your trip, but the information you leave in person with either the King Salmon or Brooks Camp visitor center, or via email to Katmai's dispatch office will be helpful in the event any assistance is needed. In addition, you might wish leave your itinerary with a family member or friend.
Remember to Leave No Trace during your backcountry exploration of Katmai. Doing so minimizes your impact upon the landscape and leaves it as pristine for the next backpackers as it was for you.
