The huge 1.9-million-acre Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge offers great opportunities to view a variety of wildlife. The big draw at the refuge includes the huge Kodiak brown bears and trophy-sized king salmon. You'll find plenty of fishing for four other species of salmon, too, and several species of trout. The Refuge offers plenty of hiking and kayaking possibilities on the four islands that make up the refuge.
Accessing the Refuge
The only way to reach the refuge, located on Alaska's south coast, requires either a boat or a float plane. To reach the town of Kodiak, you can fly from Anchorage or take the Alaska Marine Highway System ferry. The ferry offers passenger and vehicle service to Kodiak. Once you arrive in Kodiak, hire a float plane or a boat to take you to one of the refuge's islands, including Kodiak, Uganik, Ban, and Afognak islands.
Planning Your Trip
The weather changes quickly on the refuge, so dress in layers and bring a warm jacket. Pack your rain coat, too. If you want to fish, you'll need an Alaska state fishing license, available in the town of Kodiak. Bring your waders since the refuge primarily offers stream fishing. Carry plenty of mosquito repellent or netting to keep the insects away. The town of Kodiak offers accommodations, restaurants, groceries, camping, and sporting goods.
Hiking and Kayaking
You won't find any maintained trails in the refuge, so plan to bushwhack your way to your destination. You can hike through forests, along the coastline, or in the treeless, open areas of the refuge. Watch for the refuge's wildlife, including Kodiak brown bears, a subspecies of the grizzly bear. Birdwatchers may see some of the more than 237 species of birds that call the refuge home, including 600 breeding pairs of eagles. Kayakers will find plenty of lakes to paddle on. To avoid carrying your kayak for miles, ask the float plane to set down on the lake or river of your choice, then launch your kayak from that spot.
Fishing for Salmon and Trout
The refuge offers six species of Pacific salmon, including king, chum, silver, pink, and sockeye that use the refuge's 117 streams as their home. Fish for large king salmon along the Karluk River and the Akulura/Red and the Dog Salmon River drainages. Try for silver salmon from mid-August through late October. Sockeye start running in late May and stay abundant through September. Trout fishermen will find the Karluk and Ayakulik drainages ideal for steelhead and rainbow trout. Both trout and steelhead are also found along the Uganik, Little River, and Sturgeon drainages.
Guided Tours
Several tour companies offer guided hiking, backpacking, or kayaking trips to visit the refuge. The benefit of using a tour guide means you get a chance to explore the refuge without having to handle all of the arrangements yourself.
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