Katmai National Park has risen to prominence for two main reasons: an illustrious collection of volcanoes and an abundance of Alaskan wildlife. For decades, avid outdoor enthusiasts have traveled our beloved regional treasure due in no small part to its remote location and unspoiled alpine environment. Covering over four million acres in southern Alaska, it’s not surprising that so many adventurers covet this pristine backcountry destination. It’s no secret that hiking in Alaska is a popular reason to visit our great state. As such, we thought it would be fitting to provide you with an inside look to exploring one of the nation’s most prized possessions. Ideally located directly adjacent to Katmai, Alaska’s Gold Creek Lodge is your basecamp for adventure.
Getting to Know Katmai National Park
Considering our proximity to Katmai National Park, it’s easy to imagine the seemingly endless opportunities for hiking in Alaska. Although archeologists have found artifacts dating back around 6,000 years, the area known as Katmai National Park didn’t gain significant notoriety until 1912, when a massive volcano burst 10 times more powerful than the Mount St. Helens eruption of 1980. Although there are less than five miles of official trails, many patrons take pride in blazing routes as they make their way through a nearly unscathed wilderness. One of the park’s must-see areas, known as the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, is a huge draw for visitors and is an excellent place to start your journey. Furthermore, there are hundreds of miles of meandering waterways, such as the 86-mile Savonoski Loop, so perhaps a kayaking trip would be a great follow-up mission after becoming more familiar with the lay of the land.
Hiking in Alaska: Remote Excursions
Because of the remote nature of the park, a floatplane is the only way to get there. The best part about hiking in Alaska at Katmai National Park is, no matter how popular it is, you’ll be hard-pressed to come across a large gathering of tourists. Instead, you’ll be delighted to find a diverse assortment of Alaskan wildlife life, an undisturbed ecosystem, and unparalleled serenity.
Book An All-Inclusive Vacation at the Best Wilderness Lodge
We often hear from our guests that finding the words to describe hiking in Alaska is challenging. One thing is for sure, it will be an unforgettable experience that you’ll cherish forever. With practically unfettered access to one of the most revered landmasses in the world, you’ll be glad you stayed with Alaska’s Gold Creek Lodge. For more information or to book your reservation, please contact us online or call 1-907-246-GOLD (4643).
