Kodiak Alaska
Alaska's "Emerald Isle" - a lush, rain-soaked island in the Gulf of Alaska, home to the world's largest brown bears, a Russian colonial history unlike anywhere else in the state, and some of the best fishing and wildlife-watching around.
Highlights
What makes Kodiak worth the trip out.
Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge
Home to the Kodiak brown bear, the largest bear subspecies on Earth. The refuge covers nearly two-thirds of the island and is one of the best bear-viewing destinations in Alaska.
Baranov Museum
Housed in the oldest Russian-built structure still standing in Alaska, this museum tells the story of Kodiak's time as the first capital of Russian America, founded in 1792.
Alutiiq Museum
Dedicated to Alutiiq (Sugpiaq) history and culture - the Indigenous people who have called the Kodiak archipelago home for thousands of years.
Fishing Charters
One of Alaska's top halibut and salmon fishing destinations, with charter operators running out of the harbor most of the year.
Kodiak Crab Festival
Held every Memorial Day weekend, this multi-day festival celebrates the fishing industry with fresh seafood, a parade, and a survival-suit race.
Tide Pooling and Coastal Scenery
Miles of rugged, rocky coastline make Kodiak one of the best places in Alaska for tide pooling, sea otter sightings, and dramatic Gulf-of-Alaska scenery.
Getting to Kodiak
Kodiak is an island - here's how to actually reach it, and when to go.
Get in TouchBy Air
Alaska Airlines flies direct from Anchorage to Kodiak in about an hour - by far the fastest and most common way to get there.
By Ferry
The Alaska Marine Highway System connects Kodiak to Homer and the rest of the Southcentral ferry network - a longer, scenic option for travelers not in a hurry.
Best Time to Visit
July through September brings the best bear-viewing as salmon runs draw bears to the rivers, while late May's Crab Festival is a lively shoulder-season alternative. Kodiak is one of the wettest parts of Alaska year-round, so pack for rain regardless of when you go.