It lies just west of the Katmai National Park and Preserve. The area encompasses 96 sq. The climate is mainly maritime, characterized by cool, humid, and windy weather. Extremes from -46 to 88 have been recorded. Total precipitation is 20 inches annually, including 45 inches of snowfall.
Fog is common during summer months.
This area was first settled over 6,000 years ago, and was historically Sugpiaq Aleut territory. The Sugpiaqs traveled between Katmai and the Naknek River, pursuing seasonal food sources. South Naknek was settled permanently after the turn of the century as a result of salmon cannery development. This is one of the many villages along the coast where Laplanders were brought in to herd reindeer. The herds were purchased in the 1930s by the BIA for the local Native economy, and were a welcome addition to villagers' diets.