Katmai Coast, Alaska, September 2008
Katmai National Monument was created in 1918 to preserve the famed Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a spectacular forty square mile, 100 to 700 foot deep ash flow deposited by Novarupta Volcano in 1912.
A National Park & Preserve since 1980, today Katmai is still famous for volcanoes, but also for brown bears, pristine waterways with abundant fish, remote wilderness, and a rugged coastline. There has been no bear hunting within the park for 90 years and at times of plenty they are fat and happy and tho they are totally aware of our presence so long as we remain together, quiet and respectful they tolerate us. At no time did we feel threatened but we sure did pay attention. Our guide Brad Josephs has extensive experience here. He carries only a flare. No bear spray or firearm. |
