Kodiak Island Things to Do

Kodiak is home to the country's largest USCG Base, home to several cutters, a buoy tender and an aviation/search and rescue base. Over 5000 folks are based out of Kodiak USCG.

I've been on the USCG base here in Kodiak many times times but I just called there to make sure nothing had changed (487-5555). At the gate they will direct you to the security office for a day pass. You do need a specific destination/purpose for going onto the base. If you were based here before and some time has passed, security will also help you find where you worked and lived back then, because you won't recognize much as it is always growing and changing.

Just need a picture ID and vehicle registration/rental agreement. Good luck and have fun!

its teeny tiny but seeing it is a must!!! im sure im not spelling this correctly but go to the aleutiq museum!!! its a great place to get a quick history of the island and they always have alot going on there! my sister has been going to kodiak every summer for years and is always a part of the museum archeiological dig, unearthing homes from the past.

Kodiak Island is mountainous country for the most part, but many of the peaks overlooking the main town of Kodiak are accessible by footpath or primitive road. Those who wish to climb to the crests will normally face stiff challenges such as uncertain footings, wind and weather conditions, but nowhere else -- except from a bush plane -- will the island provide the eagle's eye view of St Paul's Harbor or the Gulf of Alaska. Barometer Mountain and Pyramid Mountain are a few of the most-frequented peaks for these pursuits.

The American River heads in the island's interior near Center Mountain, but empties into Middle Bay along Rezanof Drive West. Due to this fact, the river's mouth is often choked with fishermen, but the American River has the rare privilege of following the old Saltery Cove Road into the interior, an old navy thoroughfare suited only to 4x4 vehicles. This detail makes the American River suitable for both fishermen and hikers looking for an excellent insertion route into the interior.

The Buskin River is one of Kodiak's key waterways. Even though situated by the island's main airport, the river and state park enjoy settings in a primitive wilderness. Brown bears are not infrequent to the park, and with the Buskin full of summer salmon for both bushwhacker and bruin, the area is pregnant with activity and the expectation of imminent sightings. The headquarters for the Kodiak Island National Wildlife Refuge lie near the park's entrance.

The Olds River lies roughly adjacent to the American River but farther east. The average adult can wade across it almost throughout its course, but spots near its mouth are eight or nine feet deep. A preferred spawning ground for Kodiak's salmon, the area is consequently favored by Kodiak's fishermen. Note the riverbed if you venture away from the road. The trees are a natural screen for brown bears coming to feed or drink.

Lake Miam is another typical example of Kodiak lakes, but with a slight difference. Lying a few miles north of Portage Bay, the lake is a crossroads for rivers and feeder streams draining in and out. Hence the bear activity around the lake is heightened during the summer months. Marshy areas and forbidding vegetation help to reduce the level of human traffic, another alluring detail for the bears. In dimension it is nearly identical to Summit Lake.

Whether you're into fishing or boating or general hiking, the Chiniak area offers some of the prettiest scenery and opportunities for outdoor activities within a short drive of Kodiak township. The island's winery, some of its lodges and several capes and beaches merely ask the visitor to make a hard selection from so many excellent alternatives.

Summit Lake is typical of Kodiak lakes in its elevation and dimensions. Wedged midway between Kalsin and Ugak Bays, Summit Lake is about 2,500 feet in length north and south and about 500 feet wide. Connected by feeder streams to both bays, the lake is subject to infiltration by spawning salmon, which means that the lake and its network of creeks and rivers is known to the island's bears. Usually, the wide open nature of the lake makes it a crossroads only for the Sitka deer and the common fox, but keep your eyes open nonetheless.

Fort Abercrombie historically was one of several Alaskan military posts set up by the Navy to provide against a possible Japanese invasion during the 1940s. Since that time the area has become one of Kodiak's more popular retreats, offering tent and RV camping, ocean and lake swimming, and the solitude of the spruce forests and rugged cape at Mill Bay. The dismounted 8-in caliber gun emplacements and the still extant bunkers recall the original military purpose, while wildlife lovers can watch for seagulls and puffins in the local waters.