Alagnak Wild River
The headwaters of the Alagnak Wild River lie within the rugged Aleutian Range of neighboring Katmai National Park & Preserve. Every year, this wild and scenic river changes its course and branches anew, for which reason its sometimes called the “Branch River.” The Alagnak’s extraordinary rainbow trout, char, grayling, and abundant salmon has helped it become one of the most popular fishing destinations in all of southwest Alaska. Located 290 miles southwest of Anchorage, AK, the Alagnak traverses the beautiful Alaska Peninsula, providing an unparalleled opportunity to experience the unique wilderness, wildlife, and cultural heritage of southwest Alaska.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Doug NeighborPhone Number: (907) 246-3305
Entrance Fees: No Entrance Fee
Sights: Historic
Important Dates
Established as Park: December 2, 1980By The Numbers
Acres: 30,665.00Location
Latitude / Longitude :58.950010 / -156.989140 (map it)
State: AK
Nearby Big City: King Salmon, AK
Gateway Communities: King Salmon, AK; Naknek, AK
Nearby Airports: Ted Stevens Anchorage
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
In Detail
Activities & Programs Boating Meandering down the braided Alagnak, serenity and wildlife viewing opportunities abound for those lazily floating the river, while Class III rapids offer exciting trips for rafters. Whatever ... read more.
Animals Fish Fish species on the Alagnak are: king salmon, silver salmon, red salmon, chum salmon, rainbow trout, char, grayling, northern pike, Aleutian sculpin, slimy sculpin, Alaska blackfish, three spin ... read more.
Camping Camping The National Park Service maintains no campgrounds in the Alagnak Wild River; all camping is primitive. ... read more.
Flora & Fauna Flora & Fauna Wildlife also thrives along the Alagnak River with surrounding environs inhabited by a wide diversity of species typical of southwest Alaska. Brown bears seek out the area to feed on ... read more.
History A World-Class Fishery One of Alagnak River's most noteworthy features is its salmon population. The river is brimming with all different species such as king, silver, chum and sockeye. In fact, the w ... read more.
History History & Culture You might float the Alagnak River today and hardly see another soul. But don't be fooled this resource-rich area has been home to human communities for thousands of years. Archeolog ... read more.
Introduction The Alagnak Wild River, located in the foothills of the beautiful Aleutian Range, provides unparalleled opportunities to experience the wilderness of the Alaska Peninsula. When designating this a "wi ... read more.
Park Regulations & Safety Bear Safety The Alagnak Wild River corridor is bear country! In order to ensure the safety of both people and bears, it is necessary for visitors to take some general precautions. The following guid ... read more.
Planning Your Visit Transportation & Guide Services For a complete list of transportation and guide services licensed to operate within the Alagnak Wild River, click here. The following types of services are included: ... read more.
Plants Plants There are a variety of vegetation along the Alagnak such as spruce, willows and many types of berry bushes (salmon berries, blackberries, blueberries, and cranberries). Fiddlehead ferns, wild ... read more.
Preservation Water Quality The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 has fifteen management principles that river managers must adhere to; one of the principles is water quality: Consistent with the Clean Water Act ... read more.
Things To Do Nearby Attractions King Salmon Visitor Center Located just next door to the King Salmon Airport, the King Salmon Visitor Center is open during the summer season from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. daily. ... read more.
Visitor Services Visitor Services Charter flights to the Alagnak Wild River are available from Anchorage and King Salmon; there is also access via powerboat from any of the villages along the river. Because of the co ... read more.
Alagnak River In Depth
News from the Parks
Frommer's Top 5 Parks for Cozy Camping
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
Park to Reopen Today after Crews Repair Road, Channel Kautz Creek
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
Jenna Otter Returns to Scene of Grizzly Bear Attack
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
Expected Rule Change Would Benefit Bicycling in National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
Things Slow At Hawaii's National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
