Birds are sensitive during the nesting season. Vegetation clearing, ground disturbance, heavy wake near shorelines and other site construction and recreational activities can destroy eggs or nestlings or cause nest abandonment. If you encounter an active nest, leave it be and give it space until young hatch and depart the area. Do not destroy eggs, chicks, or adults of wild bird species. Learn about the laws that govern migratory birds in Alaska including possible exceptions for subsistence gathering. More information on avoiding waterbird harassment and timing recommendations for construction activities to minimize impacts to nesting birds.
For information on the potential land exchange for a road connecting King Cove and Cold Bay through Izembek National Wildlife Refuge and the Congressionally designated Izembek Wilderness please visit Potential Land Exchange for a Road Between King Cove and Cold Bay.
Visit Us
Visiting the Refuge requires a flight or ferry ride to Cold Bay (768 miles south of the Arctic Circle and 335 miles west of Honolulu). No public use facilities exist in the refuge. Visitors should be prepared for frequently occurring wind, rain, fog, and cold temperatures. Topography varies from sea level to rugged volcanic peaks exceeding 9,000 feet. Be sure to familiarize yourself with safety in bear country.
Locations
A mini-visitor center at the refuge headquarters houses several wildlife displays; and a variety of maps and printed information is available to assist visitors. Refuge staff are always available to answer questions and provide information as needed. An interpretive display is also maintained in the Cold Bay airline terminal.
Refuge Headquarters is located in Cold Bay, Alaska approximately one-half mile northeast of the airport terminal. There is limited vehicle access to the refuge itself via five primary gravel or dirt roads, totaling about 40 miles (portions of these require 4-wheel drive). Aircraft or boats are required for access elsewhere within the refuge. For example, Izembek Lagoon can reached from the community of Cold Bay by road through Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, and is also accessed by wheel-planes landing on unimproved beaches, and by boat. Off-airport air taxi operators and boat charters are limited. Contact the refuge for the latest information.