Where is Katmai Brooks Falls,King Salmon, Alaska?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Katmai Brooks Falls is located in Alaska, USA. It lies between the Naknek River and Brooks River, situated in Katmai National Park in southwestern Alaska, and is famous for its large brown bears catching salmon at the falls.

Katmai Brooks Falls Location Map,King Salmon, Alaska

Top Attractions Inside Katmai Brooks Falls

  • Brooks Falls – Iconic waterfall where brown bears gather to catch salmon during the summer run.
  • Bear Viewing Platforms – Safe elevated platforms offering close-up views of bears in their natural habitat.
  • Brooks River – Scenic river area where bears fish, swim, and interact with the environment.
  • Wildlife Observation – Opportunities to see eagles, otters, and other Alaskan wildlife along the river.
  • Guided Ranger Programs – Educational talks and walks providing insights into bear behavior and local ecology.
  • Photography Points – Designated areas ideal for capturing bears, waterfalls, and the surrounding wilderness.

Katmai Brooks Falls Facts

Official NameKatmai National Park & Preserve – Brooks Falls
LocationKing Salmon, Bristol Bay Borough, Alaska, USA
Latitude & Longitude58.5887° N, 155.9797° W (approx.)
Total AreaKatmai National Park & Preserve: ~4 million acres (16,500 km²); Brooks Falls area is part of the Brooks River Wildlife Viewing Area
EstablishedDecember 2, 1980 (National Park designation; Katmai originally established 1918)
FounderUnited States Congress / National Park Service
Managed ByU.S. National Park Service (NPS)
RegionAlaska Peninsula / Bristol Bay Region
AddressKing Salmon, AK 99613, USA (Visitor Services)
Zip Code99613
Area Code907
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneAlaska Standard Time (AKST) – UTC−9 Standard / UTC−8 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptWildlife Observation, Brown Bears, Salmon Spawning, Remote Wilderness, Eco-Tourism
Sections (Areas)Brooks River - Brooks Camp - Brooks Falls Viewing Platforms - Lake Brooks - Katmai Wilderness Trails
Famous AttractionsBrooks Falls - Brown Bear Viewing - Salmon Spawning - Brooks Camp Visitor Center - Guided Wildlife Programs
Annual VisitorsApprox. 30,000–40,000
Entry Fee TypePaid Park Entry
Ticket Price RangeVehicle/Visitor Pass: ~$15–$30 per person; Flight/Boat Access Fees additional
Ticket OptionsPark Pass - Guided Bear Viewing Tours - Flightseeing Tours - Boat Excursions - Camping Permits
Best Time to VisitJuly–September (peak salmon run and bear activity)
Nearby AirportKing Salmon Airport (AKN) – primary access point to Katmai National Park
TransportationSmall aircraft from King Salmon - Boat access via Lake Brooks / Brooks River - Hiking Trails & Boardwalks
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/katm/planyourvisit/brooks-river.htm

Distances from Katmai Brooks Falls to Nearby Landmarks

  • Brooks Camp Visitor Center – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Brooks River – 0.2 km (0.1 mi)
  • Brooks Falls Observation Platform – 0.8 km (0.5 mi)
  • Lake Brooks – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Marston Lake – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Katmai National Park Visitor Center – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes – 45 km (28 mi)
  • Brooks Lake – 1.5 km (0.9 mi)
  • Kukaklek Lake – 75 km (46.6 mi)
  • Alagnak River – 60 km (37.3 mi)
  • Stepovak Bay – 120 km (74.6 mi)
  • Naknek Lake – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Katmai River – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Brooks Camp Airstrip – 0.7 km (0.4 mi)
  • Savonoski River – 40 km (24.9 mi)
  • Mud Volcano – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Katmai Coastline – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Katmai Mountains – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Lake Grosvenor – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • Kamishak Bay – 150 km (93.2 mi)