Getting to Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park and Preserve requires multiple coordinated steps, and understanding the logistics ahead of time is critical. There is no road access to Brooks Camp — all visitors must fly in. Most photographers begin their journey by flying to King Salmon, Alaska, and then taking a float plane into Brooks Camp. Depending on where you stay, advance reservations are essential.
Here’s how the process works:
Step 1: Fly to King Salmon, Alaska
Most visitors route through Anchorage and take a regional flight to King Salmon (AKN).
King Salmon serves as the primary gateway to Katmai National Park. It’s a small, remote airport, so flight schedules are limited and should be booked well in advance — especially in July.
Step 2: Take a Float Plane to Brooks Camp
From King Salmon, visitors must board a float plane for the 20–30 minute flight to Brooks Camp.
There are no roads into Katmai. Float planes land directly on Naknek Lake near Brooks Camp. Weather delays are common, so flexibility in your travel schedule is important.
Step 3: Katmai National Park Entry
There is no traditional “permit” required just to enter Katmai National Park for day use. However:
- You must check in at the Brooks Camp Visitor Center upon arrival.
- All visitors attend a short bear safety orientation.
- Day visitors may have time limitations during peak season due to capacity controls.
Because Brooks Camp operates with strict visitor limits, planning ahead is essential.
Step 4: Lodging — Lodge vs. Campground
You have two primary overnight options at Brooks Camp:
Brooks Lodge
Operated by a park concessionaire, Brooks Lodge offers private cabins and meals. It books extremely far in advance — often a year ahead for July. The link to Brooks Lodge is: https://katmailand.com
Brooks Camp Campground
The campground is run by the National Park Service and must be reserved in advance. Sites are limited, and July availability fills extremely quickly. In fact, the entire month of July and September fill up within minutes after the reservations “Open” date has arrived. Reservations can be made at https://www.recreation.gov/permits/249991
Step 5: Accessing the Bear Viewing Platforms
Brooks Falls has two primary viewing areas:
- The Falls Platform (top of the waterfall)
- The Riffles Platform (downstream feeding area)
During peak July salmon runs, the Falls platform operates on a ranger-managed rotation system. Visitors may need to place their name on a waitlist, and time on the platform may be limited.
In September, access is generally easier due to lower visitation.
Why Logistics Matter More Than People Realize
Brooks Falls feels remote because it is remote. Every flight, every bed, and every campsite is limited. Weather delays are common. And during peak salmon runs, platform access is tightly managed to protect both visitors and bears.
Understanding these logistics ahead of time ensures you spend your energy photographing bears — not scrambling for reservations.
Explore my limited-edition Brown Bear prints here.