Kodiak Island Alaska Adventure
Encounter Wildlife and Discover Alaskan History and Culture
Jul 12, 2007
A Mild Alaskan Climate
When most people think of Alaska, they picture a snowy, cold climate. Yet, there are some places in the state that can be very mild and temperate. Kodak Island is called the Emerald Isle due to its mild, coastal climate, which generates the island’s luscious green meadows and forests. Kodak Island is the largest island in a chain of about 12 islands. Its 3588 square miles is home to wildlife, forests and diverse culture. Many native animals make Kodiak Island their habitat. Kodiak brown bear, red fox, weasels, brown bats, river otters, sea birds and others inhabit the dense forests, grassy meadows and rocky shorelines. Most Kodiak brown bear tours, encounter one or more of the 3,000 bears inhabiting the islands. When viewing the bears make sure to keep your distance, stay alert, and don’t make any sudden moves. When exploring the islands, make sure to carry out any trash and dispose of it properly.
Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge
Two thirds of the island is set-aside as the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, 1.9 million acres of rugged mountains, shorelines, lakes, meadows, marshes and inlets. The refuge is home to over 2300 brown bears, bald eagles, sea birds, and 5 types of salmon. The refuge is only accessible by float plane or boat. Enjoy hunting, fishing, photography, camping and wildlife watching within the refuge borders. Local Alaskans and visitors engaged in hunting of the Sitka black-tailed deer, which flourishes on the island. The exhilarating hunt of the brown bears is restrictive and pricey. Fishing in the 11 lake and 117 streams, leads to bountiful catches of trout and salmon.
Explore Kodiak Island
The city of Kodiak, home to 7,600 people, enjoys a Russian influenced history and culture. Settled in the early 1800s by Russian explorers, the city was a fur trading capitol. The Baranov Museum exhibits the island’s rich Russian culture, housed in the “oldest Russian-built structure remaining in North America.” The exhibits include themes such as Alutiiq culture, Russian colonial period artifacts, World War II items, whaling history and an in-depth collection of historical photographs.
While visiting Kodiak Island, witness the island from a sea kayak. Paddle around the tidal flats, observing sea lions, sea otters and whales. Watch bald eagles fly above, diving to snatch fish below the blue water’s surface. Cold-water scuba diving is also enjoyed along the island’s shoreline.
In May, participate in the Kodiak Crab Festival, devouring rich, tender king crab legs and claws. The festival days are full of diverse activities, including US Coast Guard search and rescue drills, seafood cook-off, carnival rides, music, art and cultural activities.
