The rustic and charming Brooks Lodge is located in one of the most magnificent settings in all of Alaska. Overlooking the Brooks River as it empties into Naknek Lake, the lodge is within walking distance of the world famous Brooks Falls, where hundreds of brown bears gather to fish for salmon. The lodge consists of 16 modern rooms, many of which can sleep up to four guests on twin bunk beds. Meals are served buffet-style in the dining room of the main lodge. You’ll also find a huge circular fireplace where guests gather to swap fishing and bear stories each night.

The lodge is only accessible by float plane. Once you land, the rangers of Katmai National Park will immediately usher you into the lodge auditorium for a bear etiquette class. Brown bears aren’t just eating fish at the falls. They are on the trails, on the beach, sometimes right outside your cabin door, so you have to learn to avoid them. Thankfully, there are 30 dedicated rangers and volunteers constantly patrolling the property to track bears. Don’t worry, brown bear attacks are extremely rare. The lodge also offers daily bus tours into the volcanic “Valley of 10,000 Smokes,” site of the largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century. With bears, volcanoes, rivers and lakes, Brooks Lodge is a special place to visit during your Alaska family vacation. Just be warned, reservations sell out up to two years in advance!