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 2022 Salmon Camp lottery now! (Closes April 3rd, 5pm)
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.
More Information and Registration
Contact Shelly Lawson at michelle_lawson@fws.gov or (907) 487-0283.
FUN Program
The Families Understanding Nature (FUN) program is designed for ages 3-5 and their families. We meet every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. 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 every Thursday from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Visitor Center in the Summer. There is a new theme each week.
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.