Katmai National Park & Preserve News
Showing the last 10 news releases. Click here to visit nps.gov's Katmai National Park & Preserve - News section for more.
Sugpiaq Qayak Model Workshop
January 30, 2026 | 1:40 pm
Katmai National Park is hosting a free traditional Sugpiaq qayak model building workshop for the communities of King Salmon and Naknek. The workshop takes place from 5 to 8 pm February 23 to 27, 2026, and from 1 to 4 pm February 28 to March 1, 2026.
2026 Brooks Camp Bear Pin Logo Contest
January 29, 2026 | 8:19 am
The park invites Southwest Alaskan residents of all ages to submit a design for the bear pin. The winning design becomes the official Katmai bear pin that tens of thousands of visitors wear this summer
Meeting Notice for 2026 Subsistence Caribou Hunt for Igiugig and Kokhanok Residents
December 3, 2025 | 7:36 am
A public meeting will be held regarding a proposed limited subsistence caribou hunt for residents of Igiugig and Kokhanok, Alaska. The caribou hunt is tentatively scheduled from January 1 to March 31, 2026.
Something Big is Coming!
September 16, 2025 | 12:00 am
Fat Bear Week returns to Katmai National Park September 23-30, 2025. Choose the bear that has what it takes to survive the winter and experience the crowning of the champion on September 30, 2025, at www.fatbearweek.org.
Federal Subsistence Hunt and Public Meeting Notice
September 11, 2025 | 12:00 am
The National Park Service (NPS) will open a federal subsistence hunt on September 14, 2025 for the Kukaklek Shelf caribou in Katmai National Preserve. This hunt is limited to residents of Kokhanok and Igiugig, Alaska who are federally qualified subsistence users.
Small Plane Crash in Katmai National Park
July 7, 2025 | 2:59 pm
On July 5, 2025, a small float plane crash landed near Brooks Camp within Katmai National Park. The four occupants of the plane were transported to an Anchorage area hospital with non-critical injuries.
Bear Pin Design Contest Winner
June 9, 2025 | 11:23 am
Katmai National Park celebrates the winning Brooks Camp bear pin design by Jess Thomas from King Salmon, Alaska. Park staff distribute the pins to thousands of visitors each year who complete mandatory Brooks Camp bear safety training, also known as “bear school.”
Draft Wilderness Management Plan Available for Comments
December 3, 2024 | 12:00 pm
From December 3, 2024, to February 1, 2025, Katmai National Park & Preserve and Alagnak Wild River seek input on a plan for improving visitor experiences and access in wilderness, backcountry, and wild river areas.
Meeting Notice for Subsistence Caribou Hunt for Igiugig and Kokhanok Residents
November 6, 2024 | 1:58 pm
A public meeting will be held regarding a proposed 90-day limited subsistence caribou hunt for residents of Igiugig and Kokhanok, Alaska.
Brooks River Corridor Reopening at Katmai National Park
October 5, 2024 | 2:30 pm
The lower Brooks River corridor from Brooks Falls downstream to the elevated bridge and boardwalk will reopen at sunrise on Monday, October 7, 2024. During the closure park staff have worked to address habituated bear behavior exhibited by bear #307 and will continue these efforts thru sunset on Sunday, October 6, 2024. One section of the Brooks River downstream from the elevated bridge and boardwalk along with adjacent upland areas on the north side of the river between Brooks River and Brooks Lodge will remain closed due to the presence of a concentrated food source (bear carcass) in the area.