Overview

Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge is located in the rugged Kodiak Archipelago in the Gulf of Alaska, 252 miles southwest of Anchorage. The refuge covers 1.9 million acres on Kodiak, Uganik, Ban and Afognak Islands, and is only accessible by float-plane or boat.

Famous for its Kodiak brown bears, the refuge is known around the world. Visitors make the journey here to view majestic bald eagles, fish for massive king salmon, hunt big game and kayak the refuge's scenic waterways.

Natural Features:

Misty fiords, deep glacial valleys and lofty mountains distinguish the refuge landscape. Diverse habitats encompass 117 salmon-bearing streams, 16 lakes, riparian wetlands, grasslands, shrub lands, Sitka spruce forest, tundra and alpine meadows.

Collectively, these habitats are home to 3,000 bears, account for up to 30 million salmon caught by the Kodiak-based fishing fleet, support more than 400 breeding pairs of bald eagles and provide essential migration and breeding habitats for another 250 species of fish, birds and mammals.

Kodiak weather is variable, but cool, wet and windy conditions prevail. Hypothermia is a possibility at any time of year without the proper attire. Regardless of the season, always bring warm, waterproof gear and be prepared for weather delays during arrival or departure.

Recreation:

Kodiak Refuge is an ideal destination for wildlife viewing, hunting, hiking, kayaking, fishing, camping and other types of outdoor adventures. Adventurous, full or half-day flight-seeing trips are also a popular activity in this vast and beautiful area.

Popular fishing destinations such as the Karluk River and the Ayakulik River, offer world-class angler opportunities.

With elk, Sitka black-tailed deer, mountain goats, and bears in the area, the Kodiak Refuge offers a lot of hunting possibilities.

Facilities:

The refuge currently maintains nine public-use cabins, each available on a reservation basis. The cabins are rustic and equipped with basic amenities including bunk beds without mattresses, a table and chairs, and an exterior meat cache for fish and game meat storage. Vault toilets are provided.

Cabins are also equipped with Nordic-brand stoves for heating. They can burn kerosene, home heating oil or automotive diesel and 1-3 gallons per day is usually sufficient.

Never use gasoline, Blazo, Coleman fuel or similar products. Be sure to use heating stoves according to posted directions.

Nearby Attractions:

Kodiak Island houses six permanent villages, four of which are surrounded by refuge lands: Karluk, Larsen Bay, Akhiok and Old Harbor. Port Lions and Ouzinkie are several miles north of the refuge. Two small airlines service these villages on a daily basis.