Birds arriving in Alaska for the breeding season may be infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza, which has caused illness and death in waterfowl, shorebirds, gulls, and birds of prey and some mammals. Learn more, including steps hunters can take to reduce the risk of infection and how to report observations/concerns.
Visit Us
Visiting Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge can be the experience of a lifetime! It offers superb wildlife viewing, hunting, hiking, kayaking, fishing, birding, and camping. The 1.9 million acre Refuge can only be reached by boat or floatplane, and Kodiak weather is variable, so planning ahead (including being prepared to stay longer than expected) is important.
Visitor Center
We invite you to visit us to learn more about Kodiak wildlife and ecosystems in our exhibit hall, be amazed by the complete skeleton of a 36 foot Gray Whale, or catch a summer interpretive talk by our park rangers. Maps and pamphlets, including an island bird list, are available at the information desk, and we also have an award-winning 12 minute film about the refuge available for screening on demand. Our partner bookstore, Alaska Geographic, offers natural history-themed books, cards, gifts and educational curios and a portion of all sales directly support Refuge education and outreach programs. You can now also visit the Kodiak Refuge Visitor Center virtually. We invite you to take this 3D interactive tour!
Public Use Cabins
Cabins are a wonderful way to enjoy the Refuge and access excellent fishing and hunting areas. Kodiak Refuge's nine public use cabins are are accessible via boat or floatplane and equipped with oil stoves for heating, pit-style toilets and separate meat caches (cabins do not have electricity, plumbing, or cookstoves). Learn about and reserve a cabin at Recreation.gov or browse these direct links: Blue Fox Bay, Chief Cove, Deadman Bay, Little River, North Frazer Lake, South Frazer Lake, Uganik Island, Uganik Lake, and Viekoda Bay (Note: some have reduced access in the winter due to ice. You will have to provide your own transportation, lighting, cooking stove, utensils, and fuel for heaters).
HEATING: Most cabins are equipped with Nordic-brand stoves for heating. They can burn kerosene, home heating oil, or automotive diesel (never use gasoline, Blazo, Coleman fuel, or similar products). 1-3 gallons per day is usually sufficient. Be sure to use heating stoves according to posted directions.
CLEANUP: Haul out ALL trash, unused food, and fuel cans. NEVER bury garbage. Buried garbage may attract bears and create a safety hazard for you and/or future visitors.
Bear Safety
Before you visit the Refuge, or anywhere else you might encounter a bear, familiarize yourself with these essentials for traveling in Alaska's bear country.
If you are already in Kodiak, stop by the Visitor Center to take advantage of our many FREE bear safety resources:
- Borrow an electric bear fence to keep bears out of your camp
- Borrow a bear-proof food storage container (3 sizes available)
- Watch the film Staying Safe in Bear Country by request or at 3:30 PM every Thursday
- Speak to our knowledgeable staff for bear safety recommendations specific to your trip
Activities
Youth Education Programs
Salmon Camp
Register for the 2023 Salmon Camp lottery now! (Closes March 31st, 4pm)
The mission of Salmon Camp is to educate Kodiak’s youth about the natural and cultural systems that define Kodiak’s geography and empower learners to investigate their own connections to this special place through hands-on learning, self-reflection and group discovery. Registration for the camp is done through a lottery in March. After the lottery, any remaining spaces are available on a first come first served basis.
Salmon Camp Registration Packet
Contact Shelly Lawson at michelle_lawson@fws.gov or (907) 487-0283.
Summer Job Opening:
Alaska Geographic is hiring an Environmental Educator/Science Camp Director for Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge
Duties: This position will act as the Camp Director for a summer science camp working closely with the Kodiak Refuge Education Specialist. Camps consist of 18-21 youth of different grades throughout the summer from K-8th. Work responsibilities will range from managing camp paperwork; organizing gear; preparing and implementing lessons; coordinating with community partners; helping lead and guide camp volunteers; providing camps on the Kodiak road-system as well as traveling by mail plane to remote communities; and assisting with other outreach efforts.
Requirements:
- Valid driver’s license, at least 18 years of age and legally permitted to work in the U.S.
- Ability to pass a criminal history background check.
- Interest in educating youth and team teaching.
- Respectfully communicate with campers, camper families, community members and co-workers.
Ability to:
- Plan, coordinate and implement lesson plans and logistics.
- Communicate effectively by email, phone and in public settings to groups of people.
- Lead hikes on trails, tidepools, and beaches, at times on uneven or slippery terrain.
Beneficial Backgrounds: Degree in Environmental Science, Outdoor Recreation, Environmental Education, Biology, Public Land Management, or other related field. A minimum of one year’s experience providing education to youth.
Pay: $20/hour
Work period: May – August 2023. Season not to exceed 720 hours (~ 4 months)
Housing: Staff shared housing and shared vehicle possible.
How to apply: Combine all required documents into one pdf to attach to your email. Email pdf document to Michelle_Lawson@fws.gov by March 30th. Email subject should be: Salmon Camp Director Application
Application should include:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Letter of recommendation (from previous employer, professor, coach, etc.)
- Contact information for two addition references
FUN Program
The Families Understanding Nature (FUN) program is designed for ages 3-5 and their families. We meet weekly at the Visitor Center in the Summer. There is a new theme each week. Stories, songs, puppets, and crafts will be utilized for hands-on learning for little nature lovers on specific topics. The FUN program has been in existence since 1995.
WILD Program
The Wildlife, Investigation, Learning, and Discovery (WILD) program is designed for ages 6-12. We meet weekly at the Visitor Center in the Summer. There is a new theme each week.
Visitor Center Youth Activities
Drop in to the Visitor Center anytime during open hours to earn a Junior Ranger patch, do a scavenger hunt, or check out a FUN backpack.
Contact (907) 487-2626 to learn more.
Related Documents
Locations
Refuge Visitor Center
Stop by to visit us and learn more about Kodiak wildlife and ecosystems in our exhibit hall, be amazed by the complete skeleton of a 36 foot Gray Whale, or catch a summer interpretive talk by our park rangers. Maps and pamphlets, including an island bird list, are available at the information desk, and we also have an award-winning 12 minute film about the refuge available for screening on demand. Our partner bookstore, Alaska Geographic, offers natural history-themed books, cards, gifts and educational curios. You can now also visit the Kodiak Refuge Visitor Center virtually. We invite you to take this 3D interactive tour!
Refuge Headquarters
Refuge Headquarters is the administrative site for Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, but there's still plenty for visitors to see and do at this location!
- Check out the Little Free Library, located outside the front door, to pick out an environmental or conservation themed book.
- Pack a lunch and head to our overlook for a spectacular view of the forest and ocean.
- Follow the signs to explore our connector trails through the lush spruce forest to Buskin Beach, Boy Scout Lake, and many more places.
From Kodiak city take Rezanof Drive south towards the airport and Coast Guard Base. Take a left on Buskin River Road and then the first left at the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge sign.