What to Pack for a Day at Brooks Falls
People worry about the wrong thing when they pack for Brooks Falls. It isn't the cold, it's being unprepared for all four seasons in one day, plus the bugs and a strict floatplane weight limit. Here's exactly what I tell our guests to bring, from someone who's made the trip hundreds of times.
First, the weather reality
Katmai sits on the Alaska Peninsula, where the weather turns on a dime. A morning that starts sunny can be raining sideways by lunch and calm again by the return flight. You are outside on an open viewing platform for hours, often with wind off the river. Plan for cool, wet, and breezy even in July and you'll be comfortable no matter what the day does.
Layers and rain gear (the non-negotiables)
Dress in layers you can add and shed: a base layer, a warm mid-layer (fleece or light down), and a waterproof rain jacket and rain pants on the outside. The rain shell matters more than anything else in your bag. Brooks weather is famously damp, and there's no ducking indoors for hours. A warm hat and light gloves earn their space even in summer.
Footwear
You'll walk gravel trails and stand on wooden platforms, and it gets muddy. Waterproof hiking boots are ideal; knee-high rubber boots (the local uniform) are even better if you have them. Whatever you wear, make sure it's broken in and keeps your feet dry.
The bugs: yes, bring a head net
Mosquitoes and biting flies are real out here, especially in June and July and on still, warm days. A head net weighs nothing and can save your day, so pack one even if you think you won't need it. Bring repellent too; many people prefer a high-DEET formula or a picaridin lotion. The bugs ease up in a breeze and later in the season, but never count on it.
Optics and camera
Bears fish across the river, so a little reach goes a long way. Bring binoculars (we keep some at the lodge too) and, if you shoot photos, a telephoto zoom in the 100 to 400mm range is perfect for the falls shot. A dry bag or rain cover for your camera is smart. One catch: tripods are restricted on the platforms during busy periods, so plan to shoot handheld.
Mind the floatplane weight limit
The bush planes that fly you to Brooks have real weight limits, and both you and your gear get weighed. Pack light and soft-sided: one small daypack for the day, not a hard roller. Larger parties sometimes need the bigger floatplane to carry the weight. If you're unsure, ask us before you pack, we size the plane around your group and gear. (More on that in floatplane vs water taxi.)
A few things you don't need to stress about
Leave the bear-spray question to the safety post (short version: the Park Service manages the bears at Brooks and runs a mandatory bear school on arrival). You also don't need to pack food onto the platform, food and scented items are tightly controlled at Brooks Camp, and lunch is available at Brooks Lodge.
The quick checklist
- Waterproof rain jacket and rain pants
- Warm mid-layer, base layer, hat, light gloves
- Waterproof boots (rubber boots if you have them)
- Head net + insect repellent
- Binoculars and a telephoto zoom lens
- Small soft daypack (mind the weight limit)
- Water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, a dry bag
Coming out to the falls with us? We'll tell you what the forecast looks like before your day and make sure you're set. Start with when to come, or send us your dates.