Our Readers' Favorite National Parks in the U.S. of 2025
"One of the least-visited parks, this remote Alaskan destination is accessible only by small plane (no road access) and is cherished by readers for its wild, untouched natural beauty." - Hannah Walhout
Hannah Walhout
Hannah Walhout is a senior editor at Travel + Leisure, where she edits the Discoveries section of the print magazine and develops longer stories focusing on food, wine, and spirits. She has previously worked at Food & Wine and in the writing program at NYU Abu Dhabi.
Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
On Location: This New Docuseries Explores Humankind's Deep Connections to Yellowstone, Zion, and More
"Katmai is famous for its large population of brown bears and pristine wilderness. Indigenous beliefs hold bears as the first medicine men of the earth, emphasizing a spiritual connection and respect for these creatures."
This Is the Most Underrated National Park in the U.S.
"Katmai National Park in Alaska is famous for its brown bear population and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a volcanic area." - Travel + Leisure Editors
One of the best parks in the system. Bountiful bear viewing occurs between late June/mid September, and is the main draw here, but there is also the valley of 10,000 smokes which makes this worth a multi day visit. Worth the logistical difficulties to spend more time here!
Mark Bradley
Google
My wife and I flew from Homer over to Katmai last Wednesday and enjoyed the visit. The bears were definitely out in force. We didn't get to Brooks Falls due to the trail being closed by park staff to protect a sow with a couple of cubs. Fully understandable...what we witnessed was amazing.
When we first arrived we had to attend mandatory "Bear School" which was presented by one of the park rangers. The school basically explained the do's and dont's while visiting. Don't carry any food. They allowed water only. They also went over safe distances and what to do if a bear appeared near by while on the trail. This did
happen as some of the posted pictures show.
Laura H
Google
Go in season and you are guaranteed to see a ton of bears. You will walk among them on the trails (they mostly stay in the woods.) Amazing stuff.
Jan-Frederik Kremer
Google
Once in a lifetime experience… just stunningly amazing 🤩 great opportunity to witness bears 🐻 in their natural habitat
Brenda Campuzano
Google
First National Park, bear tour with J Bear Tours was amazing!
Lori O
Google
Flew out of Homer. Pilot was great!! We were one of the last flights of the day. ALOT of bears at the falls. It was incredible to watch them. The staff was friendly and very knowledgeable. Once in a lifetime bucket list.
Robin Ballard
Google
Top of my bucket list checked off. The most incredible experience I've ever witnessed!
FFKDTP1
Google
Not a whole lot of activity at Brooks Falls when I was there so had to go explore and look for bears myself and it didn’t disappoint. Hang out near the bridge and you’ll be very happy. I had a close encounter with a grizzly down by the river (20 feet away) and it was epic! I wouldn’t necessarily recommend that lol but I’ll have a video and story to share for life. There are a few hiking trails there as well, I hiked Dumpling Mountain and the views up top were stunning. I honestly liked my trip to Lake Clark better, but Katmai was awesome as well.