Before you read any further, we need to warn you about something; Kodiak is easy to get addicted to. We say that you need to visit at least once, but this island is filled with everything under the (midnight) sun that makes your wild, adventurous, last-frontier-loving heart skip a beat. From world class fishing and hunting to breathtaking scenery and an immense amount of history, there is literally something for everyone to love on this island.
As the second largest island in the entire United States with a population of less than 15,000 people spread throughout roughly 3,595 square miles, Kodiak offers the perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility. If you’re looking for the perfect getaway inside the 49th state, look no further. After reading this, we are sure that you’ll fall head over heels in love with this epic island paradise. (If you aren’t already.) “A place that lives only in your imagination, until you arrive!”
Flickr - Damian Manda Seperated from “mainland” Alaska by the Shelikof Strait, Kodiak island is located in southern Alaska.
Flickr - Andrew Petersen Mill Bay Beach is a popular hot spot on the island where you can be assured stunning views form sun-up to sun-down. Some other great towns or “villages” include Old Harbor, Larsen Bay, Port Lions and Ouzinkie.
Flickr - J. Stephen Conn Kodiak has some of the most incredible hiking opportunities in all of Alaska. Hike the boardwalk on Lake Gertrude Trail for a day of fun in the forest.
Flickr - Damian Manda Or get up bright and early and hike up Pillar Mountain for one of the most beautiful sunrises of your life.
Flickr - Andrew Petersen Here you can enjoy stunning island views that promise to take your breath away each and every time. What is unique about this area is that it is home to a huge antenna farm which provides Kodiak with most of its communication sources to the outside world.
Flickr - Gruscana As if you couldn’t already tell by the above harbor photo, commercial fishing is a huge industry on the island. King crab are native here and salmon and halibut are two other delicious forms of wild, Alaska seafood that are caught in plentiful amounts in the waters surrounding the island.
Flickr - Alaska Region U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Sport fishing is another very popular activity on Kodiak island. Many flock to the Karluk River to enjoy epic salmon runs.
Flickr - Joe Bartolini But if you love to fish, be prepared to give up your best fishing spots a time or two when you visit the island. The huge Kodiak brown bears (which are native to the island) are some of the biggest in the world. They can reach weights between 300 and 600 pounds. They are massive!
Flickr - Alaska Region U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service People flock to the island to enjoy camping in the backcountry along with some of the best hunting opportunities in the world. But when you’re here, being ‘bear aware’ is always essential.
Flickr - J. Stephen Conn Perhaps one of the most recognized and popular attractions on Kodiak island is Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park.
Flickr - Andrew Petersen It is located at the eastern shore of the island at the end of Miller Point and stretches across 182 acres of stunning landscapes.
Flickr - Andrew Petersen Visitors flock to this area to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Alaska as well as a wealth of history.
Flickr - J. Stephen Conn As you explore this unique area, you will find the historic ruins of a World War II defense installation.
Flickr - Ken Curtis Along the way you will find a huge bunker that is now completely closed off.
Flick - Ken Curtis There is also a really cool power station pill box that has started to literally fade into the nature surrounding it as you can tell by the moss and grass nearly completely covering it. Many come to this area with RVs and tents to camp and enjoy one of the state parks.
If the pictures didn’t quite hook you, we know that this video will light your heart on fire and make you want to Discover Kodiak, STAT!
Flickr - Damian Manda
Seperated from “mainland” Alaska by the Shelikof Strait, Kodiak island is located in southern Alaska.
Flickr - Andrew Petersen
Mill Bay Beach is a popular hot spot on the island where you can be assured stunning views form sun-up to sun-down. Some other great towns or “villages” include Old Harbor, Larsen Bay, Port Lions and Ouzinkie.
Flickr - J. Stephen Conn
Kodiak has some of the most incredible hiking opportunities in all of Alaska. Hike the boardwalk on Lake Gertrude Trail for a day of fun in the forest.
Flickr - Damian Manda
Or get up bright and early and hike up Pillar Mountain for one of the most beautiful sunrises of your life.
Here you can enjoy stunning island views that promise to take your breath away each and every time. What is unique about this area is that it is home to a huge antenna farm which provides Kodiak with most of its communication sources to the outside world.
Flickr - Gruscana
As if you couldn’t already tell by the above harbor photo, commercial fishing is a huge industry on the island. King crab are native here and salmon and halibut are two other delicious forms of wild, Alaska seafood that are caught in plentiful amounts in the waters surrounding the island.
Flickr - Alaska Region U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Sport fishing is another very popular activity on Kodiak island. Many flock to the Karluk River to enjoy epic salmon runs.
Flickr - Joe Bartolini
But if you love to fish, be prepared to give up your best fishing spots a time or two when you visit the island. The huge Kodiak brown bears (which are native to the island) are some of the biggest in the world. They can reach weights between 300 and 600 pounds. They are massive!
People flock to the island to enjoy camping in the backcountry along with some of the best hunting opportunities in the world. But when you’re here, being ‘bear aware’ is always essential.
Perhaps one of the most recognized and popular attractions on Kodiak island is Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park.
It is located at the eastern shore of the island at the end of Miller Point and stretches across 182 acres of stunning landscapes.
Visitors flock to this area to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Alaska as well as a wealth of history.
As you explore this unique area, you will find the historic ruins of a World War II defense installation.
Flickr - Ken Curtis
Along the way you will find a huge bunker that is now completely closed off.
Flick - Ken Curtis
There is also a really cool power station pill box that has started to literally fade into the nature surrounding it as you can tell by the moss and grass nearly completely covering it. Many come to this area with RVs and tents to camp and enjoy one of the state parks.
Did you know that Alaska has around 2,670 named islands? If you love island hopping throughout the last frontier you’ve gotta check out this one little town that is truly Alaska’s best kept secret. Hint: it’s located on Baranof Island!
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