32 Underrated National Parks Perfect for Avoiding Summer Crowds
20. Katmai National Park & Preserve, Alaska: Bear Encounters & Volcanic Beauty

While Brooks Falls draws crowds to see bears, much of Katmai National Park remains a remote, pristine wilderness of volcanoes, lakes, and rivers. Accessible primarily by floatplane, this park offers unparalleled opportunities for brown bear viewing and quiet wilderness exploration beyond the popular viewing platforms. Hike through volcanic landscapes, fish in pristine rivers, and experience true solitude amidst Alaska's raw beauty, making it an extraordinary, yet often peaceful, summer escape.