Kodiak State Parks |
Kodiak Island has a uniqueness and beauty all its own. The warm Japanese current creates a mild maritime climate and plenty of rain! It is an island of rough, glacier scarred terrain -- mountains rise from the sea, rocky coasts and tide pools beckon the coastal explorer. Forested areas occur infrequently. The majority of the island is blanketed in grasses, willow and alder thickets, and a profusion of wild flowers.
There are four State Park areas within the Kodiak Archipelago. With the exception of Shuyak Island State Park, all are accessible on the Kodiak Island Road system. Information and park maps are available at State Park Headquarters.
World class salmon fishing draws anglers to Kodiak from across the country. Exellent sport fishing -- dolly varden (May), sockeye (June), pink salmon (July), and silver salmon (Aug-Sep) -- make Buskin River SRS the most popular angling destination on the road system. Prized King salmon can legally be taken from Pasagshak Bay. Rainbow trout and grayling are stocked in Abercrombie Lake. Travel ot Shuyak Island SP for a true wilderness fishing adventure. Alaska Fish and Game Regulations apply in all parks. Refer to Kodiak District tide tables to time our fishing on Kodiak Island. use the Seldovia District table for Shuyak Island.
Wilderness to roadside -- a variety of camping opportunities is available. Buskin River SRS is the most popular local fishing and camping spot. All campsites will accommodate an RV, motorhome or tent camp. Ft. Abercrombie SHP offers tent camping beneath Sitka spruce rain forest. A nightly fee is charged at both areas (not at Pasagshak SRS). Frequent campers will want to consider purchasing a State Parks Camping Decal which is good in all of Alaska's State Parks for the calendar year.
Ft. Abercrombie SHP is laced with trails through lush rain forest, an uncommon habitat on Kodiak Island. A small meadow on the north end is a blaze of color during the summer, with representatives of almost every wildflower growing on the island. The forest's beauty provides a now tranquil setting for the WWII military remnants of Ft. Abercrombie, which can be seen throughout the park. Ask for a Wild Flower Guide and a Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour leaflet at Park Headquarters.
Ft. Abercrombie was established in 1941 as part of the North Pacific Coastal Defense, constructed to protect Naval Airstation Kodiak and the Ft. Greely Garrison during the Aleutian Campaign of WWII. Today, the site is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Ft. Abercrombie SHP, established on the site 1969, preserves and protects remaining historical structures, and provides a variety of recreational opportunities. Visitors will find quiet forests for tent camping and hiking, tide pools to be explored, and a stunning view from Miller Point -- the best spot for whale and puffin watching in early summer. A Group Recreation Area is available by reservation for camping and picnicking. August brings ripening salmonberries, which can be picked in any of the parks. State Headquarters and Information Center are located here. Guided and Self-Guided Historical Walking Tours are available.
Buskin River SRS is situated near the site of the former Ft. Greely Army Garrison, location of the Miller Army Air Field from 1941 through 1944. The north end of the park contains many military remnants of the era, but today the major attraction of this park is the excellent sport fishing. Picnic sites are available along the river, or visitors may choose to picnic on the beautiful sandy ocean beach. It is within easy walking distance of the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.
Pasagshak River SRS is located 40 miles west of Kodiak, at the head of picturesque Pasagshak Bay. It is well worth the drive; the beauty of the treeless mountains and pounding surf contrast with the rugged terrain of the Chiniak Bay area. The Pasagshak River supports runs of king and silver salmon. The river is relatively short, and is unusual in that it reverses its flow four times daily with the ebb and flow of the tides. Upstream of the park, the river flows from Lake Rose Tead, named in appreciation of a popular WWWII USO performebr. Bald eagles are commonly seen feeding here in summer and fall when the salmon are travelling upstream to spawn.
An 47,000 acre coastal wilderness 54 air miles north of Kodiak, Shuyak Island State Park contains virgin Sitka spruce forests, rugged coastline, beaches and protected waterways. The area supports seabirds in infinite variety, as well as sea otters, whales, harbor seals, sea lions, Sitka blacktailed dear, and a small population of Kodiak Brown Bear. Popular with hunters and anglers, it is also a rewarding spot for bird and wildlife watchers. Visitors should be well prepared with the proper equiptment to make their visit to this remote wilderness as safe and comfortable as possible. Include warm clothing, good rain gear, and extra food, as inclement weather can develop quickly and delay your departure for several days.
This 48.742 acre park is an awesome adventure for the hiker and fisher alike. There are plenty of other oppurtunities here as well, including canoeing and hunting. The one public cabin here stands proud and a welcome home to anyone who visits.
A short boat trip east of Kodiak, Woody Island can be very convenient for the average traveler, but still provides 112 acres for those with an adventurous spirit.
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