The Katmai Valley, also known as the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, is located in Katmai National Park in a remote area of Alaska, and is named because of the eruption of Novarupta Volcano in 1912, which caused smoke to curl up from the floor. The area is known for its world-renowned sport fishing. Freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing are both available in this area. The Valley is located in such a remote area of Alaska that the only way to access it is via floatplane. There is more to do in the Katmai Valley than just sport fishing. Bear watching, kayaking and hiking and backpacking are also very popular activities. The Katmai Valley has been called a backpackers dream due to the hiker-friendly ash and sand surface.
Wild Trout Area
The Bristol Bay Wild Trout Area is located in Katmai National Park. Rainbow trout, char and arctic grayling are available all year long, and northern pike and lake trout are available in June and July. There are three sport fishing lodges in this area named Anglers Paradise. Guests of these lodges have access to hundreds of miles of lakes and streams to fish. In order to fish in this area, an Alaska sport fishing license is required for anyone 16 years and older.
Salmon Spawning
Every summer and early fall, the world's largest run of Pacific salmon come into the lakes and rivers in the Katmai National Park to spawn. Tens of millions of Pacific salmon, both sockeye and coho, come in from the Bering Sea. They make their way up the rivers and streams to the Brooks Falls, which offers a great place to watch the salmon jumping and watch brown bears catching them.
Float Trips
The Angler's Paradise Lodges offer unguided float and fishing trips down the Alagnak River. This river is known for having a large variety of sport fish including rainbow trout, arctic char, arctic grayling and five different species of salmon. These trips are approximately eight days long and are up to the traveler to plan as they float; fishing, hiking and camping anywhere they decide.
Backpacking in the Valley
The Valley is considered one of the best places in Alaska for backpacking. Alaska Alpine Adventures is a company that takes visitors on many different outings. From 10-day backpacking trips to kayaking adventures where you're guaranteed to see a brown bear. In the Katmai Valley, you'll also have the opportunity to attempt non-technical ascents of Mt. Mageik, Mt. Katmai Caldera and Mt. Griggs.
Bears
Katmai National Park is home to the largest brown bear population in the world; brown bears, grizzlies and Kodiak bears all live there. Mature male bears in Katmai weigh up to 900 pounds. The Angler's Paradise lodges will guarantee you a brown bear sighting when you stay at there.
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