Drive Alaska Itinerary #5, Beaches & Bears

Anchorage, Kodiak Island

Photo by Jon Wilson

Fly by air to Kodiak Island. Both Alaska Air and Raven air have daily, direct flights to the island. Known as the “emerald isle”, Kodiak is Alaska’s largest island at over 100 miles long. One of the top three fishing ports in the country, over 650 boats and crab vessels dock at the island’s waterfront and harbors.

Miles of road will connect you to isolated beaches, campgrounds, fishing spots and inspiring coastal scenery. The Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge has a diverse habitat but is best known for bear viewing. There are bears and then there are the Kodiak Kings. Weighing in at a whopping 1600 pounds and standing over five feet tall at the shoulders, they are the largest bears in the world. Kodiaks are actually a sub-species of brown bears and they live only on the islands in the Kodiak Archipelago. The population of these bears is extremely healthy and robust due to the rich variety of food sources, from high protein grass to fish, clams, elk, deer and berries. These bears do not have to compete for their meal.

Photo by Jon Wilson

From Kodiak there are several places to fly in order to see bears. During the early salmon run its best to fly west from Kodiak island into Katmai National Park and Preserve. Andrew Airways is the largest operator on Kodiak Island and has both wheel and sea planes that leave daily for tours. When the salmon run is at its peak on Kodiak island, the best place to see bears is at the island’s streams and rivers. During the early summer they can be found grazing on grass in the alpine meadows but once the streams fill with those delectable aquatic goodies, the bears make their way south to Frazer Fish Pass, one of the most consistent bear viewing areas located 70 miles from the city of Kodiak.

I recommend staying at the Kodiak Inn Best Western. It is conveniently located and has the best breakfast buffet in all of Alaska. Make your reservations early, as they are often booked. There are many restaurants on the island, all within a short walk to downtown.

From Kodiak, fly back to Anchorage.