Kodiak

Kodiak is located on Kodiak Island, which is Alaska's largest island and the second-largest island in the United States, measuring 3,670 square miles and stretching more than 100 miles. Kodiak, also known as the Emerald Isle, is a popular destination for nature lovers due to its lush landscape and abundance of outdoor activities. Kodiak's pulse can be felt along the waterfront and in the boat harbors: Alaska Marine Highway ferries dock right downtown, and fishing boats dock in the nearby St. Paul Boat Harbor. More boats dock across the channel on Near Island at St. Herman Harbor, and an afternoon on the docks can lead to friendly encounters with fishermen and the opportunity to watch them unload their catch.

From the city, more than 100 miles of paved and gravel roads lead into the wilderness that surrounds Kodiak. Some of the roads are rough jeep tracks only four-wheel drive vehicles can handle, but many can be driven to isolated stretches of beach, great fishing spots, spectacular coastal scenery, and secluded campgrounds. The Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge is the island's most well-known park. The 2,812-square-mile refuge encompasses two-thirds of Kodiak Island and contains a diverse range of habitats, including rugged mountains and alpine meadows, as well as wetlands, spruce forest, and grassland. Although the refuge has excellent fishing, the most popular activity is bear viewing.

Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge is home to 3,500 bears, with males weighing more than 800 pounds but growing to over 1,500 pounds and standing more than 10 feet tall. Because there are no roads in the refuge, bear viewing is done as a day tour with an air charter or flightseeing operator. Plan a multi-day bear viewing excursion from one of the island's remote wilderness lodges, such as the Alaska Native-owned Kodiak Brown Bear Center & Lodge. The Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center is located in downtown Kodiak and features exhibits on the wildlife and ecosystems of the area. Kodiak, with its easy access to the ocean and numerous rivers and lakes, provides limitless opportunities for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. Join a full-day or half-day fishing charter and let the pros take you to the best halibut, salmon, rockfish, cod, and trout spots. Alternatively, book a multi-day itinerary from one of the area's many remote lodges, which will include lodging, meals, fishing, and other activities.