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.
What to bring to Brooks Falls
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, so comfort matters more than anything technical. Plenty of Alaskans live in their XtraTuf rubber boots and they're a great call here; a good waterproof hiking boot works just as well. Wear what you're comfortable walking in, I've watched people do the whole day in Crocs and socks. Just keep your feet dry and your shoes broken in.
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, I run a 100 to 500mm on a Canon R6 Mark II and it's ideal for the falls shot. A dry bag or rain cover for your camera is smart. One firm rule: no tripods are allowed on the falls platform, monopods only, so plan around that.
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 can't carry food on the trails at Brooks, it all gets stored when you arrive and is eaten only in the designated areas. Food and scented items are tightly controlled, and lunch is available at Brooks Lodge, so don't plan to snack on the platform.
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.
Planning the whole trip? See our complete guide to King Salmon, Alaska.