That should be a good location....it won't be quite as "commercialized" as Brooks Falls and similar locations and you should have smaller groups (even factoring in the overnighters) to deal with for the bear watching and similar activities. FWIW, as you probably know already, coastal bear watching is a bit different than further inland: bears tend to be less concentrated, but so do the people. Hip boots are always a good thing as are telephoto lenses.
We've been to Katmai and loved it. Our son was 7 so there's something to be said for the ease of the bear viewing. Yes, it was crowded but I'd still recommend it to anyone. Fully understand it will be wet-have been to Afognak Island. The lodge we are staying at has rubber boots to borrow so we won't have to pack them. We have a 100-400mm zoom, 300mm fixed and a 500mm fixed for lenses. Hubby is looking for an excuse to get a 400mm fixed and this may be it! The 500mm is very difficult to travel with due to its size, especially when we are flying in to places where luggage is restricted. Telephoto lenses are essential when photographing wildlife.
