About Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge
The Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act established Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge on December 2, 1980. Sandwiched between Becharof National Wildlife Refuge to the north and Izembek National Wildlife Refuge to the south, this refuge encompasses towering mountains, active volcanoes, broad valleys, fjords, tundra and glacially formed lakes. Pacific salmon, brown bears, the Alaska Peninsula caribou herd, moose, sea otters, migratory birds, raptors and many other species of fish and wildlife inhabit and migrate through this refuge. This refuge supports roughly 40% of the Bristol Bay sockeye salmon run, the largest sustainable sockeye salmon fishery in the world.Mount Veniaminof, a unique and active volcano, is located in the Refuge's Chignik Unit. It was designated a Natural Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior in August 1970. Its peak rises about 50 miles east-northeast of Port Moller on Bristol Bay and 40 miles west-southwest of Chignik Bay on the Pacific. It's approximately 450 miles southwest of Anchorage. Although the National Natural Landmarks Program is administered by the National Park Service, the Mount Veniaminof National Natural Landmark is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
How to Get There
The refuge office is located approximately 1/8 mile across from the King Salmon Airport. Signs leading to the office complex are readily visible, and assistance can be obtained from the refuge visitor center which is adjacent to the airport terminal. Regularly scheduled commercial flights are available between King Salmon and Anchorage.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1259) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge?
The refuge office is located approximately 1/8 mile across from the King Salmon Airport. Signs leading to the office complex are readily visible, and assistance can be obtained from the refuge visitor center which is adjacent to the airport terminal. Regularly scheduled commercial flights are available between King Salmon and Anchorage.
How do I contact Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 907-246-4250 or 907-246-3339 or email: akpeninsula@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
