The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Katmai Wilderness
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Hiking in Katmai Wilderness offers a unique experience across a vast landscape shaped by volcanic activity and glacial forces. The region features an otherworldly ash-flow deposit known as the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, expansive lakes like Naknek Lake, and wild rivers such as the Brooks River. Trails traverse diverse ecosystems, including boreal forests, subalpine meadows, and alpine tundra, providing varied terrain for exploration.
Best family friendly hiking trails in Katmai Wilderness
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is…
Last updated: May 29, 2026
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24
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3.78km
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Embark on an easy hike along the Brooks Falls Trail, a 2.3-mile (3.8 km) route that takes about 57 minutes to complete. You will experience a gentle ascent of only…
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834m
00:13
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Explore the easy 0.5-mile Cultural Site Trail in Katmai National Park, featuring a reconstructed Alaska Native dwelling.
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3.86km
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Hike the easy Brooks Falls Trail in Katmai National Park to see brown bears fishing for salmon from viewing platforms.
27.6km
07:06
130m
130m
Hike the difficult 17.2-mile Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes Road in Katmai National Park, exploring a unique volcanic ash-covered landscape.
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7.11km
01:50
30m
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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 there in Katmai Wilderness?
There are 5 family-friendly hiking trails in Katmai Wilderness featured in this guide, with 4 of them rated as easy. These routes offer a range of experiences suitable for families looking to explore the unique landscapes of the region.
What are the easiest trails for families with young children in Katmai Wilderness?
For families with young children, the Cultural Site Trail is an excellent choice, being less than a kilometer long. The Brooks Falls Trail is also easy and offers a rewarding experience, leading to prime bear-viewing platforms.
What kind of natural features can we expect to see on family hikes in Katmai Wilderness?
Katmai Wilderness is renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, including the vast ash-flow deposits of the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. You'll also encounter expansive lakes like Naknek Lake and Lake Brooks, and wild rivers such as the Brooks River. The trails often traverse diverse ecosystems, from boreal forests to subalpine meadows, offering glimpses of the region's unique geology and plant life. For more details on the natural features, you can visit the National Park Service website.
Are there opportunities to see wildlife on these family-friendly trails?
Yes, Katmai Wilderness is famous for its abundant wildlife, especially brown bears. The Brooks Falls Trail is particularly known for unparalleled opportunities to observe brown bears fishing for sockeye salmon, especially during their annual spawning runs. Always maintain a safe distance and follow park guidelines for wildlife viewing.
What is the best time of year for family hiking in Katmai Wilderness?
The best time for family hiking in Katmai Wilderness is typically during the summer months, from June to September. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions, longer daylight hours, and the highest chances of wildlife viewing, particularly the salmon run at Brooks Falls.
Are there any circular routes suitable for families in Katmai Wilderness?
Yes, the Bridge over Brooks River – Brooks Falls loop from Brooks Camp offers a pleasant circular route. It's an easy hike that allows families to experience the area around Brooks River and Brooks Falls, providing a varied and engaging walk without retracing steps.
What should we pack for a family-friendly hike in Katmai Wilderness?
Given the remote and wild nature of Katmai, it's essential to pack layers of clothing suitable for varying weather, rain gear, sturdy hiking shoes, insect repellent, plenty of water, snacks, and a first-aid kit. Bear spray is also highly recommended, and knowing how to use it is crucial. Always check the latest weather forecast before heading out.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails in Katmai National Park?
No, pets are generally not permitted on trails, in public buildings, or at viewing platforms in Katmai National Park and Preserve. This regulation is in place to protect both the park's wildlife and your pets. Service animals are an exception, but specific rules apply.
Are permits required for family hiking in Katmai Wilderness?
While backcountry camping does not require permits in Katmai, careful planning is essential for a safe experience. For specific regulations regarding day hiking and any potential access restrictions, it's always best to consult the National Park Service's backcountry hiking and camping page before your visit.
What do other hikers enjoy most about family hiking in Katmai Wilderness?
The Katmai Wilderness is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially the brown bears at Brooks Falls, and the unique, otherworldly volcanic landscapes. The accessibility of easy trails that lead to such dramatic natural spectacles is also frequently highlighted.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic overlooks accessible on family hikes?
While not explicitly listed in this guide's routes, the region offers stunning vistas. The Brooks Falls Trail leads to viewing platforms that provide excellent vantage points for observing bears and the Brooks River. For more challenging hikes, the Dumpling Mountain Trail (not in this guide) offers panoramic views of Naknek Lake, Brooks River, and Lake Brooks.
Most popular routes in Katmai Wilderness
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