Things to Do on Kodiak island

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Kodiak is the second largest island in the US located just off the  southern coast of Alaska; a rural and mostly undeveloped stretch of  coastline with gorgeous pristine beaches—just perfect for a weekend  getaway or a better yet – a week or two.

Kodiak, nicknamed the Emerald Isle, consists of 3,595 square miles. The  island has heavy forests and mountains in the north and east, but is  fairly treeless in the south. Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge  encompasses the southern 2/3rds of the island.

The city of Kodiak is the largest community. There are seven other  communities on Kodiak Island including Akhiok, Old Harbor, Karluk,  Larsen Bay, Port Lyons and an unorganized community near Cape Chiniak.

The US Navy began construction of Kodiak naval air station in  1939 and was officially commissioned June 1941. In October 1950, it  was re-designated as Naval Station Kodiak, The site was  turned over to the U.S. Coast Guard in 1972.

The current primary mission is aerial search and rescue although they  also monitor US and international fishing fleets, Fisheries Law  Enforcement patrols, logistic support of outlying Coast Guard units and  protection of living marine natural resources.

Kodiak bears have been isolated on the island for about 12,000  years, but although they are a subspecies of the brown bear or grizzly,  they are much larger. The vast array of available foods and the gentler climate in Kodiak has allowed them to be on par with the polar bears in  size.

Kodiak bears can weigh up to 1500 pounds and a male can be 10 feet tall when  standing on his hind feet and 5 feet tall when on all fours.

Kodiak Island is the summer home of many humpback and grey whales. From boat trips around the island, one is often treated to amazing displays of their antics. Transient orcas also cruise the channel in their hunt for the humpbacks and the greys or a even a tasty sea lion for a tasty snack.

Kodiak Island is a fisherman’s dream! The Kodiak Island road system has  approximately 70 miles of paved and hard-packed gravel roads crossing 10  significant streams and provides access to over 20 stocked lakes. An  ATV ride to Saltry Cove or a fishing charter allows you access to all  five species of Pacific salmon as well as Dolly Varden, steelhead trout,  halibut and more.

Kodiak houses a major fishing industry. Kodiak crab fishing hit prime  time TV with the Deadliest Catch show. Kodiak’s crab fishermen work day  and night in freezing temperatures and extreme weather to get their  catch. Crab fishing here in Alaska is statistically the most dangerous  job in America according to the people at the Maritime Museum here in  Kodiak.

Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site, is an Alaska state park that encompasses 182 acres. Historic ruins of World War II 's coastal defense installations,  steep surf-pounded cliffs, deep spruce forests,  wildflower laden meadows, and a lake containing trout all with easy hiking trails so you can see it all.