Katmai National Park , US Tourism

Katmai National Park and Preserve is a more remote and less developed park than Denali, but therein lies its appeal. A lush valley within what is now the park became a land of steaming fumaroles after the 1912 eruption of Mr.Novarupta and the collapse of nearby Mt.Katmai’s peak. The eruption forced residents to flee surrounding areas and produced the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. These days the area is known for its trophy rainbow trout and salmon, as well as brown bears, which congregate along the Brooks River and other wilderness streams. Hiking, boat touring and coastal kayaking are other Katmai attractions. Katmailand Inc. arranges tours and back country lodging.

Kodaiak is the largest island in the United States, Kodiak is home to the brown bear, one of North America’s largest land mammals. Before the seat of colonial government was moved to Sirka, Kodiak was the original capital of Russian Alaska. Today the town is a commercial fishing center; you can go halibut fishing, sea-kayaking or flight seeing for bears.