Page 212 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2017 - Alaska

210  ALASK A AREA B Y AREA

7 Katmai National Park

Katmai was proclaimed a National Monument in 1918 to
preserve the unique geological features that were formed
after the eruption of Novarupta in 1912. Designated a
National Park when ANILCA was passed in 1980 (see p61),
it now encompasses 6,400 sq miles (17,000 sq km) of cold
lakes, scenic valleys, volcanic landscapes, and wild seacoasts.
Lakes and marshes serve as nesting sites for waterfowl,
including swans, ducks, grebes, loons, and Arctic terns. The
Brooks River, which flows past Brooks Camp, and the McNeil
River to the northeast draws large numbers of visitors to Fishing at Naknek Lake
view bears feeding at the red salmon runs into Bristol Bay. Anglers flock to the park’s rivers
and lakes to fish for salmon, trout,
and Arctic char.

Kukaklek Lake

Alagnak
Nonvianuk
Lake Kulik Lodge
. Brooks Camp
This prime bear-viewing spot lies on
the shores of Naknek Lake. It consists
of a camp ground, ranger station,
lodge, and elevated viewing plat-
forms overlooking the Riffles and Lake
iconic Brooks River Falls. KING SALMON-NAKNEK RD Coville
King Salmon Lake
Grosvenor
Exploring the Park Naknek Lake
From Brooks Camp, a rough 23-mile (37-km) road Brooks Mount
La Gorce
accesses the Valley of 10,000 Smokes. A steep trail Camp 3,183 ft Savonoski
descends into the valley, from where trails lead to Brooks Iliuk Arm
Lake
Ukak Falls and the confluence of River Lethe and
Windy River. A chartered bush plane is neces sary to Mount Kelez Three Ukak
3,250 ft
access remote areas of the park, while hiking to Mount Forks
Katmai or Novarupta is challenging and requires good Mount Griggs
7,600 ft
backcountry skills. Camping is allowed throughout the Novarupta
park, but a backcountry permit is needed. Windy Lethe 2,759 ft
Trident Volcano
6,050 ft
Mount Martin
6,050 ft Katmai
Valley of 10,000 Smokes

. Valley of 10,000 Smokes
After the 1912 Novarupta eruption, thousands of fumaroles 0 km 10
steamed from this bleak landscape of ash deposits, which is now
slashed by deep river canyons. 0 miles 10
For hotels and restaurants in this area see p245 and p255

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