Katmai National Park And PreserveKatmai National Park and preserve is almost 5 million acres. Located across from Kodiak Island, it is a Peninsula in Alaska. There are five active volcano's here. They are Mt. Martin, Mt. Mageik, Trident, Novarupta and Mt. Katmai. Mount Katmai errupted in a huge way on June 6, 1912. The eruption formed the land that is now this Alaska National Park. It has over 10,000 active steam vents where the gases from volcanoes escape. It is commonly referred to as the valley of 10,000 smokes. This is the Alaska National Park that has the grizzly bears (also called brown bears). There is a salmon run every July and September. Even though there is bears here every day of the year, they come out in large numbers to feast before hibernating every July and September. The best count shows approximently 2,000 grizzly bears here! This place has the highest density of bears in the world. They feast on the sockey and salmon fish. There are three bear viewing platforms for visitors to enjoy the bears from a safe distance. These bears weigh up to 900 pounds before hibernation. They hibernate from November through April. Without a doubt you will enjoy breath taking scenery when you are here. There are glaciers on both sides of the peninsula. The tall peaks surrounding the peninsula were formed from past volcanic action. There are many animals to see besides the bear. There are moose, caribou, wolves, red foxes, the lynx, weasel, porcupine, sea lions, otters, seals, beluga whales, killer whales and gray whales to mention a few. There is alot to do here. It is a great place for photography, kayaking, hiking and fishing. You can hunt on the preserve. This is where the commercial fisherman come to support themselves.
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