Closest Airports To Katmai National Park

Katmai National Park is a remote wilderness area located in southern Alaska, known for its incredible wildlife and stunning natural landscapes. Due to its remote location, there are no roads or highways that lead to the park, which means that visitors must arrive by air or water.

While there is no airport within the boundaries of Katmai National Park, there are several nearby airports that offer access to the park and its surrounding areas. In this article, we will explore the different airports that you can use to reach Katmai National Park and provide helpful information about each one.

Closest Airports to Katmai National Park

As I mentioned – Katmai National Park is located in a remote area of Alaska, and there are no airports within the park itself. However, there are several airports nearby that visitors can fly into before making their way to the park.

The closest airports to Katmai National Park are:

King Salmon Airport (AKN): Located about 30 miles from the park, King Salmon Airport is the most convenient airport for accessing Katmai National Park.

• Distance from Katmai National Park: 30 miles
• Driving Time: 1 hour (including a boat ride across Naknek Lake)
• Airlines Served: Alaska Airlines, Grant Aviation, PenAir

Anchorage International Airport (ANC): Although further away than King Salmon Airport, Anchorage International Airport is the largest airport in Alaska and has significantly more flight options.

• Distance from Katmai National Park: 290 miles
• Driving Time: 7-8 hours (including a flight from Anchorage to King Salmon and a boat ride across Naknek Lake)
• Airlines Served: Alaska Airlines, Delta, United, American Airlines, and more.

Kodiak Benny Benson State Airport (ADQ): Kodiak Island is a popular stop for visitors to Katmai National Park, and Kodiak Benny Benson State Airport is the main airport on the island.

• Distance from Katmai National Park: 120 miles (by boat)
• Airlines Served: Alaska Airlines, Ravn Alaska, Island Air Express, and more.

How To Get To Katmai National Park From The Airport

Assuming you’ll be flying into Anchorage – the drive from Anchorage Airport to Katmai National Park is a wonderfully scenic journey through Alaska’s rugged terrain. As you depart the airport, you’ll be greeted by the stunning views of the snow-capped Chugach Mountains. The first leg of the journey takes you south along the scenic Seward Highway, with the glistening waters of Turnagain Arm on your left and the majestic mountains on your right. Keep an eye out for Beluga whales in the waters below as they often come close to the shore.

As you approach the small town of Soldotna, the landscape changes, with vast stretches of flatlands and sprawling forests. The drive from Soldotna to Homer, along the Sterling Highway, offers breathtaking views of the Kenai River, as it winds through the Kenai Mountains, with several opportunities to stop and admire the views. You’ll pass through several charming towns, including Ninilchik and Anchor Point, before reaching Homer.

From Homer, you’ll take a short 20-minute flight to Katmai National Park. The flight offers stunning aerial views of the Kenai Peninsula and the Aleutian Range, before landing on the remote shores of Katmai National Park. Upon landing, you’ll be greeted by the majestic Alaska Peninsula Range, towering above the park’s pristine wilderness.

From there, you can explore the park’s rugged terrain, including its famous brown bears, active volcanoes, and pristine forests. It’s important to note that the drive from Anchorage to Katmai National Park is lengthy, so it’s best to plan for an overnight stay in Homer before taking the flight to the park.

What Is the Closest City to Katmai National Park?

The closest city to Katmai National Park is Kodiak, Alaska. The city is located on Kodiak Island, which is just southwest of the park. Kodiak is known for its beautiful scenery, including mountains, forests, and beaches.

HOWEVER – While Kodiak is the closest city to Katmai National Park, it is not directly accessible by car. To get to the park from Kodiak, you’ll need to take a short flight to one of the nearby towns, like King Salmon or Homer). From there, visitors can arrange transportation to the park.

In Kodiak, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge is also located nearby, where you can see a variety of wildlife, including bears, sea otters, and whales.