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Katmai’s rugged landscape is representative of the northern portion of the Alaska Peninsula. It contains two physiographic provinces—the Aleutian Range and the Nushagak-Bristol Bay Lowlands. These two provinces contain a diverse mosaic of natural features and ecosystems.
![]() NPS/M. Fitz Nushagak-Bristol Bay LowlandsThe southwestern portion of Katmai is part of the Bristol Bay coastal plain. This is the only portion of the Nushagak-Bristol Bay Lowlands physiographic province in Katmai. The terrain is relatively flat, with many poorly drained lakes and kettle ponds. A number of low ridges, sand dunes, and streams break the uniformity of this lowland expanse. Some permafrost also exists in this province. ![]() NPS The Aleutian RangeThis province is characterized by three landforms: the Shelikof Strait seacoast, the Aleutian Range, and the lake region centered around Naknek Lake. The Shelikof Strait seacoast is a rugged, diversified area of bays, beaches, and intricate coves. On the coast, steep cliffs rise dramatically and rivers cascade down steep canyons onto ocean beaches. ![]() NPS/M. Fitz ![]() NPS Photo/K. Griffin Katmai's CoastSeparated from the rest of the park by the Aleutian Range, Katmai’s eastern coast is a spectacular wilderness area ranging from narrow fjords guarded by bald eagles to broad coastal flats monopolized by clam-digging bears. The 497 miles of the Katmai coast encompass an array of habitats which support a host of wildlife. |
Last updated: October 20, 2021