Visit Southwest Alaska: Free Travel Guide to the Original Great Land Discover the Wilderness, Wildlife, Volcanoes and Islands of the Alaskan Bush

Southwest Alaska is a vast territory encompassing mountains, rivers, seacoast and islands in a mosaic of historic communities and wilderness areas waiting to be explored. Abundant wildlife populations make it ideal for wildlife viewing, bird watching, hunting and fishing.

History is on display around Southwest Alaska. Discover native cultures in Kodiak and Bethel, or early Russian settlements on the Aleutian Islands. Visit World War II era sights like Fort Abercrombie and Dutch Harbor. Explore the modern fisheries at Unalaska, the world’s largest fishing port ranked by landed catch.

Southwest Alaska is world famous for its spectacular wildlife. View brown bears in the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, or birds on the Pribilof Islands, home to over 240 species and some of the largest seabird colonies in the northern hemisphere.

Don’t miss the unique Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes in Lake Clark National Park.

These are our top recommendations for visitors to Southwest Alaska. Why the Faber dozen?

Brown Bears of Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge (Kodiak) View the world’s largest land carnivore in this protected habitat covering two thirds of the Kodiak Peninsula. Learn about the bears at the refuge interpretive center. Fly by floatplane to backcountry viewing destinations.

Aleutian World War II National Historic Area (Unalaska) Take a self guided tour of the World War II military installation. Discover the history of men and women who fought in the Aleutian Campaign.

Museum of the Aleutians (Unalaska) Discover the history and culture of the Unangan (Aleut) people, early inhabitants of the region.

Fort Abercrombie Historical State Park (Kodiak) Take a picnic and hike around this this World War II coastal fortification, one of the first radar stations in Alaska. A National Historic Landmark.

Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center (Bethel) Learn about native history and culture through exhibits of the Yup’ik (and Cup’ik) and Alaskan Athabaskans of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta from ancient times to the present.

Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes (Bristol Bay) Explore a stark volcanic landscape inside Katmai National Park. Created by the 1912 eruption of Novarupta Volcano, the largest eruption of the 20th century.

Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve (Alaska Peninsula) One of the most remote and least visited properties in the National Park system. Visit the impressive 6 mile wide caldera formed by a huge volcanic eruption 3500 years ago.

Trout Fishing (Bristol Bay) Live the fly fisherman’s dream in southwest Alaska. The salmon fishing may be better known, but for trout this location can’t be beat. Charters and lodging available through local outfitters.

Pribilof Islands Birdwatching (Pribilof Islands) Visit the world famous seabird colonies on St. George Island. More than 240 bird species nest on the “Galapagos of the north.”

Lake Clark National Park (Alaska Peninsula) Get away from it all in this remote wilderness. Access is primarily by plane; there are no roads in the park. The east side of the park is sometimes accessible by boat, depending on weather and the tides.

Baranov Museum (Kodiak) Discover Russian history in the Kodiak archipelago and Aleutian Islands. Housed in Alaska’s oldest wooden structure, a former fur storehouse dating from about 1810.

Holy Resurrection Church (Kodiak) Visit an historic Russian Orthodox Church, built in 1945 to replace a previous building destroyed by fire in 1943. A 19th century detached bell tower also on premises. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Walrus Islands State Game Sanctuary (Bristol Bay) Visit these seven islands in northern Bristol Bay to view walruses, seals and sea lions. Up to 14,000 walruses congregate on Round Island in summer.

Becharof National Wildlife Refuge (King Salmon) Hike the historic Kanatak Trail for a scenic wild experience. Used for centuries to traverse the coastal mountains of the Alaska Peninsula from the Pacific Ocean to the Bering Sea.

Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge (Bethel) Explore the second largest wildlife refuge in America. The Yukon-Kuskokwim delta is larger even than the Mississippi river delta, and is comparable in size to the entire state of Louisiana. Abundant wildlife inhabit the vast treeless tundra, coastal plains, and waterways of the refuge.

Hungry? We can help you with food and drink recommendations for San Juan Capistrano, California. Choose from traditional Korean food, international and other ethnic cuisines, or our atmosphere recommendations to find that perfect place for your next meal. If all you want is a place for drinks, check out our recommended watering holes.

Local Landmarks

Watering Holes

Looking for a place to hang your ht for the night? Try these lodging establishments in Southwest Alaska.

Southwest Alaska Lodging

Outstanding In-Park Properties

Brooks Lodge (Katmai NP) Enjoy the Alaskan wilderness from the comfort of this well appointed lodge overlooking the Brooks river in the heart of Katmai National Park. Some of the best bear viewing anywhere is only a short walk away, and nearby sport fishing is superb. Packages available.

Grosvenor Lodge (Katmai NP) A small, secluded lodge that feels like your own camp, for a maximum of six people. Outstanding fishing for for rainbow trout, char, lake trout, pike and sockeye salmon (in season). Packages available.

Kulik Lodge (Katmai NP) Called Alaska’s premier fly out fishing lodge, with nearby access to fishing for all of the major Alaskan species. The Kulik river is outstanding rainbow trout territory. Packages available.

Alaska Peninsula Lodging

Cold Bay

Bearfoot Inn All-in-one grocery store, supplies and accommodations.

Aleutian Islands Lodging

Unalaska

Grand Aleutian Hotel Top shelf accommodations in Unalaska Bay. Scenic location, great views.

Bristol Bay Lodging

King Salmon

Alaska’s Gold Creek Lodge Small lodge offering personal service and memorable experiences. Fishing packages and more.

Antlers Inn Rustic property in downtown King Salmon. Walking distance to everything. Variety of room options. Cabins during summer season.

Kodiak Archipelago Lodging

Kodiak

Aquamarine Suites Apartment stay, up to six people in downtown Kodiak.

Bancroft House Bed & Breakfast The convenience of a hotel with the comforts of home. Knowledgeable hosts.

Best Western Kodiak Inn Comfortable accommodations with lots of services and amenities.

Comfort Inn Kodiak Located at the Kodiak Airport. Easy access to Base Support Unit Kodiak.

Cranky Crow Bed & Breakfast Comfortable feel and knowledgeable host. Good breakfasts and close to everything.

Mission Lake Bed & Breakfast Beautiful lakeside setting just  couple of miles from town. Local hosts.

Puffin Place Vacation Rental Just outside of town with easy access to Kodiak. Up to 8 people.

Shelikof Lodge Full service hotel in downtown Kodiak, two blocks from the city center.

Triple Tree Suites Well appointed suites. Nice views.

 Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Lodging

Bethel

Long House Bethel Hotel Full service hotel with Alaskan atmosphere and a variety of room options.

Tundra Oasis Cottage Located one mile from Bethel Airport. Tundra views.

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