Brooks Falls is a famous waterfall located in Katmai National Park in Alaska. It is renowned for its salmon runs and spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The falls are fed by Brooks River, which flows from Lake Brooks into Naknek Lake before plunging over the falls at an elevation of about 25 feet (7.6 meters).
Details about Brooks Falls
The area around Brooks Falls has been designated as a critical habitat for brown bears that come to feast on spawning sockeye salmon during summer months. Bears can often be seen fishing or wading in the river below the falls with visitors able to watch from two observation platforms located nearby.
We also recommend this Alaskan natural attraction for it’s scenic views of Mount Katmai and other volcanoes in the region. Photographers from all over the world come here for the best panoramic views of mother nature. Katmai National Park also gives tourists plenty to do with miles of hiking trails, camping sites, kayaking excursions, scenic flights over active volcanoes, and guided bear tours.
Nothing quite compares to visiting Brooks Falls during peak season when hundreds of bears congregate there annually to feed on abundant salmon runs. If there is every a time you need to visit Alaska, it’s definitely during salmon season.
Directions to Brooks Falls
If you’re traveling from Anchorage, take the Sterling Highway south until you reach King Salmon, then follow Naknek Lake Road all the way to Brooks Camp. This will take approximately 5 hours depending on road conditions. From there you have two options: hiking or taking a shuttle boat across Naknek Lake to Brooks Falls (approximately 1 hour).
If you opt for the latter, make sure to book your tickets well in advance as seats fill up quickly! Once at Brooks Camp, it’s an easy 10- minute hike along a boardwalk trail that leads directly to the falls.
For those looking for adventure and breathtaking views of Alaska’s wild beauty along the way, there are also backcountry routes available via float plane or kayak/canoeing down rivers leading into Naknek Lake. Keep in mind that these require permits and additional planning ahead so do your research before attempting one of these routes!
South Fork Eagle River Falls