Katmai Np in June

Question

Hello, we are working on June 25 plans, we have a week on Cruise thru Lindblad then are planning to drive to Denali and Seward. Looking at additional time to visit Katmai for a day. Expensive but sounds very interesting. We understand that it is not time for salmon run. Would it be good to do a day trip in June [if available] thanks

Answer

Visiting Katmai National Park in late June can absolutely be worthwhile, but it’s important to set the right expectations—especially since the famous Brooks Falls salmon run does not begin in earnest until early to mid-July. June is considered “shoulder season” at Brooks Camp, which means fewer bears concentrated at the falls but still a very meaningful wildlife and wilderness experience.

Here is what you can expect and what to consider if you’re planning a one-day trip around June 25:

Bear Viewing in Late June

While June is before the peak salmon run, bears are still around Brooks River, Naknek Lake shoreline, and meadows. You won’t see the iconic image of bears stacked at the falls, but you may observe:

Bears grazing on sedges in the meadows.
Bears scavenging or fishing for early salmon (a few start appearing but not the big runs yet).
Bears wandering through the area, often with fewer visitors around.
More natural bear behavior rather than the competitive feeding dynamics seen in July.

Overall, bear sightings are common in June, but not as dense or predictable as July.

Availability of Day Trips

Flights from Anchorage, Homer, or Kodiak often begin operating day bear-viewing trips in early summer. By June 25, many operators are fully running. However, each year weather can affect schedules, so be prepared for cancellations or delays—Katmai is remote, and many trips rely on small planes.

What a June Day Trip is Like

You’ll likely fly by floatplane to Brooks Camp.
You will attend the mandatory bear safety orientation.
You can hike the trails to viewing platforms at Brooks River, including the lower platform and the falls platform (though June bear density at the falls is low).
With fewer crowds, you may enjoy a quieter, more personal experience.

Is It Worth It?

Katmai is always impressive, but the value of a June day trip depends on what your priorities are:

Worth it if: you want unique remote wilderness, the chance to see bears in a quieter setting, the novelty of a floatplane adventure, and a lighter crowd experience.
Less ideal if: your main goal is the classic “bears catching salmon at Brooks Falls” photo—this almost never happens before July.
A very expensive use of a day if: you are budget-conscious and hoping for the prime bear-viewing peak.

Travel Logistics With Your Trip Plan

Since you’re already heading from Denali to Seward, know that a day trip to Katmai will require returning to Anchorage (or Homer/Kodiak) for the flight. Consider whether it fits naturally into your route:

Most convenient: A day trip from Anchorage either before driving north to Denali or after returning from Seward.
More scenic but slightly out of the way: A day trip from Homer, which has excellent bear-viewing flight operators.

Bottom Line

A day trip to Katmai in late June can still be a memorable highlight. You will see bears, but not in the dramatic, high-density way seen in July. If you go for the overall wilderness experience and remote beauty, you’ll likely feel it was worth the investment. If your heart is set on the iconic falls viewing, you may be slightly underwhelmed.

If your time or budget is tight, you might also compare it with other accessible bear-viewing options in June (such as Lake Clark National Park from Homer or Anchorage), which sometimes offer better bear activity earlier in the season.

Katmai Np in June

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