Planning for Katmai National Park, Alaska: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Trip
If I had a dollar for every time I’ve refreshed my countdown app for this trip… I might be able to afford another seaplane ticket. Planning for Katmai National Park has definitely been an adventure in itself.
This July, we’re heading to one of the most remote, wild, and awe-inducing places on the planet—Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park, Alaska—to witness the famous grizzly bear salmon feast. It’s a bucket list trip for sure, and it’s one of those experiences that requires some serious planning. (Hint: there’s no hopping in a rental car to get there.)
With limited access, high demand, and a short viewing season, Brooks Falls isn’t your average weekend getaway. It’s more like an epic logistical puzzle with a jaw-dropping reward at the end—and I’ve loved every second of planning it.
Today, I’m showing you how I pulled this trip together, completed the planning for Katmai National Park, and what’s on my final prep list before takeoff. Plus, if you’re a planner at heart (or wish you were), I’ll show you the exact system I used to organize it all.
Why Brooks Falls?
Three words: bears. catching. salmon. If you’ve ever seen a photo of a bear with a fish mid-air in its jaws, chances are it was taken at Brooks Falls.
But here’s the catch (😏 see what I did there?): getting to Brooks Falls isn’t simple. You can’t drive. Lodging is limited. And timing is everything. That’s why this trip has been circled, starred, and set to perfection for nearly 12 months. And why planning for Katmai National Park is a must.
My Final Prep Checklist
Here’s what’s on my radar as the trip inches closer:
Planning a Trip Like This Takes a System
And let’s be real: I didn’t just wing it. The way I stay sane planning trips like this—especially ones that are remote, multi-leg, and require permits or timed entries—is with a solid, repeatable system.
Enter: my Travel Planner Bundle.
This is the same toolkit I used to plan Brooks Falls—complete with editable Canva itineraries, checklists, packing list, and step-by-step guidance. Here are some behind the scenes images so you can see how I mapped out this trip start to finish.
Want In on the Planning Magic?
If you’re dreaming up a bucket list trip of your own—or just want to make your next vacation 100x less stressful—my Travel Planner Bundle is your new BFF.
It’s digital, printable, and made for travelers who want epic memories without the last-minute scramble. Whether you’re heading to the wilds of Alaska or just trying to make the most of your PTO days, this will be your go-to tool.
Snag the Travel Planner Bundle
Stay tuned—once we’re back (and sort through 10,000 bear photos), I’ll be sharing a full trip report with tips, photos, and everything I learned. But for now, it’s countdown mode.
Brooks Falls… I’m coming for you.
More Trips into the Mountains
Wow. What an amazing adventure. Definitely a place I would have never considered visiting and it is now on my list of travel destinations. All the best for your next trip.
We leave in 4 weeks! I’m so excited!!!
What an amazing trip this will be!
Planning like this is no small fete and takes a lot of time!
Thank goodness you are sharing your tips and tricks.
I can’t wait to see the pictures.
Love this so much! So excited for you to see bears….I learned so much reading your post…..saving up to go someday! Hopefully sooner rather than later!! Can’t wait tobsee your bear pics!!! I was hoping to see them in Washington or Oregon….but no luck!
What a great way to spend time in Alaska! Can’t wait to hear more about it!