At the base of the Alaska Peninsula, in south-western Alaska, is a remarkable nature sanctuary. It is by far the largest park in United States' territory and among the dozen largest in the world. It is the only completely roadless park in America. It is the site of one of history's mightiest volcanic eruptions. It has magnificent scenery—mountains, smoking volcanos, glaciers, picture-book lakes, a rugged marine coast with colourful fiords and, in a near-aboriginal fauna, the largest carnivore in the world. Many persons—even Americans—have never heard the name of this park: Katmai National Monument.