Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park: The Ultimate Alaska Travel Guide
Two brown bears catching fish at the top of Brooks Falls.
You’ve probably seen the iconic photo of a massive brown bear standing at the edge of a waterfall, waiting for a salmon to leap into its mouth. This image appears on postcards, travel magazines, and posters around the world. Now, you don’t have to just imagine it—you can see this scene in real life at Brooks Falls during your Alaska adventure!
In this guide, you’ll learn why Brooks Falls is famous, how to get there, the best time to visit, safety tips, and where to stay. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, photographer, or first-time Alaska traveler, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip.
What Is Brooks Falls?
Brooks Falls is a stunning waterfall located along the Brooks River in Katmai National Park and Preserve. It’s famous for its population of brown bears that gather here during the summer to feast on salmon. The waterfall creates a natural barrier, making it easier for bears to catch fish and giving visitors the perfect opportunity for wildlife viewing.
Brooks Falls is accessible from Brooks Camp, a small hub in the park that includes:
Campgrounds and lodging
A small café and gift shop
A ranger station for safety briefings
There are no roads to Brooks Falls—visitors must arrive by plane or water taxi, making it a true off-the-beaten-path Alaskan adventure.
Elizabeth and Damian at Brooks Camp
Damian on the enclosed boardwalk.
About Katmai National Park
Katmai National Park covers over 4.3 million acres on the Alaska Peninsula and is home to more than 2,000 brown bears. It’s the fourth-largest national park in the U.S. and offers a mix of breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and history.
The park was famously shaped by the 1912 eruption of Novarupta Volcano, the largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century. This event created the dramatic Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, which you can explore on guided tours.
Katmai also has a rich cultural history, with Native Alaskans inhabiting the region for 6,000 to 9,000 years. Before the eruption, the area hosted year-round villages and thousands of seasonal camps, which were evacuated after ashfall destroyed settlements.
Map from National Park Service
A brown bear strolling beneath a viewing platform.
Why Brooks Falls Is Famous
Brooks Falls is one of the best places in the world to safely observe brown bears up close. During the summer salmon run, multiple bears—sometimes a dozen or more—gather at the waterfall. This spectacle makes it a bucket-list destination for wildlife photographers and travelers worldwide.
The combination of abundant food, easy viewing, and natural beauty ensures that visitors leave with unforgettable memories.
How to Get to Brooks Falls
Getting to Brooks Falls requires planning, but it’s worth it. There are two main ways to reach Brooks Camp:
1. Day Trip Flights from Anchorage or Homer
Quickest way if you’re short on time
Flight from Anchorage: ~2.5 hours
Flight from Homer: ~1.5 hours
Cost: $1,000–$1,500 per person (varies by company)
Private charters are available for larger groups
Tip: Weather can cause cancellations. Companies usually offer rescheduling or full refunds.
2. Fly to King Salmon and Take a Water Taxi
Fly from Anchorage to King Salmon on Alaska Airlines
Water taxi to Brooks Camp: ~45 minutes, $550 round trip
Option for air taxi from King Salmon if you prefer
This option can be more flexible and may reduce the risk of weather-related cancellations.
Our journey from Homer to Katmai National Park aboard a scenic float plane
Float planes are stationed at Brooks Camp, with a water taxi visible in the background.
Getting Around Brooks Camp
Brooks Camp is small and easy to navigate, but there are important rules to follow:
Attend the park safety briefing – required for all visitors
Store all food in designated lockers to prevent bear encounters
Use toilets before heading to trails – facilities are limited
Top Left: Food storage closet Top Right: Designated eating area with electric fence Bottom Left: Damian with Brooks Camp sign Bottom Right: Pin from park rangers received after attending informational session
We found a larger group to walk with on the Brooks Falls Trail.
Trails and Platforms
Brooks Falls Trail: 1.2-mile (2 km) round trip; flat with elevated boardwalks and forest sections; watch for bears!
Brooks Falls Viewing Platform: Two-level platform offering excellent bear-viewing opportunities; rangers manage visitor rotation to avoid overcrowding
Riffles Platform: Alternative viewpoint for a quieter experience
Pro Tip: Bears often share trails with humans. Stay alert, follow safety rules, and never approach a bear.
A gated boardwalk area with a brown bear and an angler in the distance.
Brown bears spotted near the Brooks Falls Trail.
Best Time to Visit Brooks Falls
July and September are peak months for bear viewing
Late July: the largest number of bears and visitors
September: bears focus on eating dead fish to prepare for winter hibernation; less action at the waterfall, but bigger bears
Late June and August: quieter, fewer crowds, fewer bears, and still good wildlife viewing
Visiting during late June or August can give you a more intimate experience with fewer tourists.
Damian and Elizabeth enjoying the view from the Brooks Falls observation deck.
A brown bear catches fish as seen from the viewing platform at Brooks Falls.
Where to Stay
Brooks Lodge: Luxury option, costly (~$1,150 per night for 4 in 2025); lottery-based booking
Brooks Camp Campground: Enclosed with an electric fence, up to 60 people, reservation required
Backcountry Camping: Option if the lodge or campground is full
Can you find the brown bear enjoying the scenery alongside the other guests?
Mama bear showing her cubs the art of fishing.
How Long to Spend at Brooks Falls
Typical visit: 5–7 hours
Overnight stays allow for additional exploration, such as the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes
Planning depends on your budget and schedule
A brown bear relaxing in the midst of the river.
View from the Riffles Platform
Bear Safety at Brooks Falls
Encounters with bears are common and normal. Safety rules include:
Always follow ranger guidance
Keep a safe distance
Store food and trash properly
Never approach or feed bears
Remember: we are guests in their habitat. Respecting bears ensures everyone enjoys a safe, unforgettable experience.
A brown bear and fishermen enjoying the river together.
A brown bear near the gift shop at Brooks Camp.
Visit Brooks Falls
Brooks Falls is a must-see Alaska destination, offering the perfect combination of wildlife, natural beauty, and adventure. Whether you’re photographing bears, watching the salmon run, or hiking the trails, Brooks Falls promises memories that last a lifetime.
If you are ready to start planning your trip to Alaska, head over to our Design Your Trip page!
