Kodiak Island is a region of Alaska known for its climate, which is more temperate than that of the rest of the state. It's also know for high-quality fishing and large grizzly bears. In fact, the Kodiak brown bear is a unique species of the grizzly bear and is famous enough that there are wildlife viewing tours with the sole purpose of catching a glimpse of these animals, which live in all of the parks on Kodiak Island.
The Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge is technically the only park on Kodiak Island that is federally recognized as a national park as of 2010. The refuge covers over 1.9 million acres of wilderness and water. This park boasts a large number of animals, such as salmon, sea otters, sea lions, bald eagles, the famous Kodiak brown bear and a variety of other marine mammals and migratory birds. The refuge offers guided tours so tourists can safely watch the wildlife in its natural habitat.
Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge
1390 Buskin River Road MS 559
Kodiak, AK 99615
(907) 487-2600
kodiak.fws.gov
The Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park is located on the east coast of the central section of Kodiak Island, right next to the small city of Kodiak. The park gets its name from Fort Abercrombie, built as a World War II coastal defense base but now in ruins. The nearly 200-acre park is unique in that the park itself is designated a state park, but Fort Abercrombie is designated a National Historic Landmark. The park is approximately three miles north of the town of Kodiak, and the best way to reach it is via ferry from the town of Kodiak.
Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park
Alaska State Parks, Kodiak District Office
1400 Abercrombie Drive
Kodiak, AK 99615
907-486-6339
Shuyak Island is off the northern tip of Kodiak Island. Shuyak Island State Park comprises the majority of the island's 47,000 acres. This park contains the only virgin forest of Sitka spruce trees in the world. There are many sheltered waterways in the island, which also boasts miles of beach. There is little hiking because thick devil's club makes inland travel extremely difficult. There are four public-use cabins that you can reserve, as well as several campsites for tent camping. Weapons are allowed in this park for self-defense, and visitors are strongly encouraged to keep emergency gear or survival kits with them at all times because the weather on Shuyak Island is known for its ability to be severe and to turn quickly and without warning.
Shuyak Island State Park
Alaska State Parks, Kodiak District Office
1400 Abercrombie Drive
Kodiak, AK 99615
907-486-6339
