Wood-TikchikBrochure and Map |
Brochure and Map of Wood-Tikchik State Park (SP) in Alaska. Published by Alaska State Parks.
featured in
![]() | Alaska Pocket Maps | ![]() |
source
Welcome to
Area History
For More Information
Yup’ik people have lived here for hundreds of
years, thriving in an area that is renowned for
its natural bounty and stunning beauty. Their
ÀUVWFRQWDFWZLWK(XURSHDQH[SORUHUVKDSSHQHG
around 1818 when the Korsakovsky expedition
explored the mouths of the Nushagak and
Wood rivers for the Russians. A Russian furtrading post was established in the area that
survived until the U.S. purchased Alaska from
Russia in 1867 and salmon canneries became
more important than fur hunting.
Wood-Tikchik State Park and
Lake Aleknagik State Recreation Site:
P.O. Box 1822
Dillingham, AK 99576
(907) 842-2641
wtsp@alaska.gov
Wood-Tikchik
State Park
$WÀUVWWKH1DWLRQDO3DUN6HUYLFHSURSRVHG
taking this area under their management
EHFDXVHRILWV´PDJQLÀFHQFHµKRZHYHUWKH
State of Alaska selected it as a state park.
In June 1978, the Alaska State Legislature
designated it as Wood-Tikchik State Park,
creating the largest state park in the nation.
Welcome
Wood Tikchik State Park (SP) is the largest state
park in the U.S. with nearly 1.6 million acres of
some of the most remote and pristine mountains,
rivers, glaciers, lakes, tundra, and wetlands in the
nation.
Lake Aleknagik State Recreation Site (SRS) is on
Dillingham’s road system and is a convenient
access point to Wood-Tikchik SP as well as a
GHVWLQDWLRQIRUUHOD[LQJDQGÀVKLQJ
The Wood-Tikchik SP is named for its two
systems of large interconnected lakes—the
Wood River Lakes and the Tikchik system, which
includes the upper Tikchik Lakes and Tikchik River.
These ecosystems are biological treasure troves
DQGWKHÀUVWFODVVÀVKLQJDWWUDFWVWURSK\VHHNLQJ
anglers from the world over.
This park’s natural beauty draws adventure
seekers and those who simply want to experience
the amiable solitude and musical sounds of
Alaskan wilderness. It disappoints neither.
www.alaskastateparks.org
E
P
R
D
E
A
SO
SK
UR
ALA
CES
Camping along Wind River in view of Kulik Spire
Photo courtesy of Kyle Joly
A
RT
ME
NT OF NA
R
TU
A
L
Winter camping in Denali State Park
Photo courtesy of Jason Nielsen
Top Five
1. 6SHQGDZHHNÁRDWLQJWKH:RRG5LYHU/DNHV
Water Trail and camping in the shadow of
the Wood River Mountains.
2. Row the tranquil Tikchik River for great
ÀVKLQJVWXQQLQJVFHQHU\DQGH[KLODUDWLQJ
hikes.
3. View the Lake Kulik ice caves, created by
mountain streams eroding the winter’s snow
pack along north-facing mountain slopes.
4. Fish for rainbow trout, voracious char, or
KDUGÀJKWLQJVDOPRQLQRQHRIWKHÀQHVW
VSRUWÀVKHULHVLQWKHZRUOG
5. Paddle Chikuminuk Lake, one of the
quietest, most scenic and remote
lakes in the park.
Background photo courtesy of Kyle Joly
Alaska State Parks
Highlights
Bird Viewing
Lake Aleknagik State Recreation Site
Lake Aleknagik SRS is the gateway to WoodTikchik SP. This seven-acre parcel has a picnic
shelter, toilets, a boat launch, and limited boat
DQGÁRDWSODQHDFFRPPRGDWLRQV&RPHVSHQG
DGD\ÀVKLQJ/DNH$OHNQDJLNDQGHQMR\DQLFH
evening picnic, or launch your expedition into
Wood-Tikchik SP.
%LUG·V(\H9LHZ
Air travel is one of the best ways to see the park.
$LUFUDIWRIWHQSURYLGHH[FHOOHQWYLHZVDQGWHUULÀF
opportunities to visit many remote areas. A
number of air charter companies rent equipment
and do drop offs in remote locations in the park.
Helicopter landings are prohibited in the park.
Woood-Tikchik SP is full of perfect “rest
DUHDVµIRUELUGVGXULQJDQQXDOVSULQJDQGIDOO
migrations. It also provides ideal nesting and
rearing areas for a large variety of birds. Raptors,
including eagles, ospreys and a variety of hawks,
can be seen congregating near streams and
ULYHUVSUH\LQJRQÀVK/RRQVVZDQVJHHVHDQG
numerous species of ducks, gulls, shorebirds,
owls, and a variety of songbirds keep birders on
their toes with binoculars on their nose.
Preparation is Key
Low-Impact Camping
File a trip plan with a friend, your air taxi, or with
the Wood-Tikchik SP ranger station. Include all
names of those traveling, route, destination, and
expected return date. Don’t forget to close the
trip plan when you return safely.
Camping facilities in Wood-Tikchik are rustic
and few, with great emphasis placed on lowimpact camping and ethics. Use established
FDPSVLWHVPLQLPL]HFDPSÀUHLPSDFWVDQG
properly dispose of waste.
• Camp on gravel beaches rather than
WKHVHQVLWLYHIRUHVWÁRRUFRYHULQJ
• Use gas stoves for cooking, rather than
ÀUHZRRG
• Deposit solid human waste into sixto eight-inch deep catholes at least
200 feet from any water body. Pack
out toilet paper, sanitation wipes, and
hygiene products.
• Pack out all trash, leftover food, and
litter left by others. Bears and other
wildlife have an excellent sense of smell
and are attracted to garbage.
• Leave no visual impact. Disassemble
ÀUHULQJVDQGVFDWWHUFROGDVKHVDQG
carefully inspect your campsite for litter
before leaving.
A survival kit is highly recommended for
backcountry travelers. Always include a GPS
device or compass and USGS topographical
PDSÀUHVWDUWHUVVLJQDOLQJGHYLFHVVKHOWHUUDLQ
JHDUZDWHUÀOWUDWLRQDQGÀUVWDLGHTXLSPHQW
in your kit. Be sure to have plenty of extra food
and water for an extended stay as bad weather
can limit air travel. For winter travel, also include
snowshoes, extra clothing, a small cook stove,
and a metal cup to melt snow.
Osprey
Photo courtesy of Robert Burton, USFW
Play it Safe
Bear Safety
Rainbow trout
Fishing
This park sustains some of the most productive
VSRUWÀVKHULHVLQWKHZRUOGDQGLVUHQRZQHG
IRUWKHVDOPRQDQGUDLQERZWURXWÀVKLQJWKDW
attracts anglers from all over the world. The
Agulowak and Agulukpak, two shallow and
relatively short clear-water rivers, inspire Wood7LNFKLN·VVWDWXVDVDZRUOGFODVVVSRUWÀVKHU\
Several lodges operate within the park from
HDUO\-XQHXQWLOHDUO\2FWREHUDQGSURYLGHÀVKLQJ
guides for their customers. Unguided visitors
FDQFDPSLQWKHSDUNRUDFFHVVÀVKLQJIURP/DNH
Aleknagik SRS.
Hunting, Trapping, and Photography
Moose, brown bear, and caribou are found
throughout this park and are popular with biggame hunters. Black bears can be seen in the
northern and eastern portions of the park and
are also sought by hunters. Small game hunted
and trapped for meat or fur include beaver,
muskrat, river otter, fox, wolverine, mink,
porcupine, ground squirrel, and marten.
Hunters must carry all hunting licenses, tags,
and permits while hunting and must abide by
all park and hunting regulations. If you are
´KXQWLQJµZLWK\RXUFDPHUDGRQ·WIRUJHWWR
keep a safe distance from the wildlife you are
´VKRRWLQJµ
Graylin
Photo courtesy of Fishing Bear Lodge
g
Always be aware of your surroundings and do
your best to avoid bears, but be prepared for
encounters. Choose a campsite away from salmon
spawning streams. Take precautions. Store scented
items, including food, toothpaste, and lotion,
away from your tent and hang them if possible.
%HDUVIUHTXHQWO\ELWHLQÁDWDEOHERDWVIXHOFDQV
and anything scented or malleable. To help
protect your gear, store fuel cans in your boat and
WKRURXJKO\ULQVHDOOÀVKVOLPHRIIHTXLSPHQW
Make plenty of noise to warn bears of your
presence, but if you do meet a bear, give it the
right of way and make a lot of noise. For more
information about traveling in bear country go
to www.adfg.alaska.gov and search for “Living
ZLWK:LOGOLIHµ
Boating
Wood-Tikchik SP has 12 large lakes, many
connected by shallow clear-water rivers. Power
boats, kayaks, and canoes offer an intimate view
of the vast waters and lands of the park. Visitors
are often rewarded with spectacular views and
H[FHOOHQWÀVKLQJ
The entire park is open to camping. However,
SHUPLWVDUHUHTXLUHGWRÁRDWWKH7LNFKLN
River and to camp at Nishlik, Slate, Upnuk,
and Chikuminuk Lakes. Permits are limited
and require a fee. Please call the Dillingham
3DUNV2IÀFHDW IRUDGGLWLRQDO
information and permit availability.
However, some boating restrictions apply:
• Airboats are prohibited.
• Personal watercraft are allowed only on
Lake Aleknagik.
• Motorized boats are prohibited on
Chikuminuk Lake and on the Agulowak
River.
For more on boating regulations, visit:
http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/wtc/
Be prepared for an extended stay and always
ZHDUDOLIHMDFNHW
View from Bumyok Ridge
Float Trips
Floating through Wood-Tikchik SP is great way to see the park and make memories that will last a lifetime.
However, before you head out, make sure you know what to expect and are prepared for the unexpected.
Wood River Lakes Water Trail
7KH:RRG5LYHU/DNHV:DWHU7UDLOERDVWVRYHUPLOHVRIVFHQLFZDWHUVLQFOXGLQJÀYHODNHV
varying from 20 to 45 miles in length interconnected by relatively short, shallow, and swift rivers.
,WRIWHQWDNHVÀYHWRGD\VWRFRPSOHWH7KHVXUURXQGLQJWHUUDLQLQFOXGHVVSLUHG:RRG5LYHU
0RXQWDLQVUROOLQJPL[HGXSODQGIRUHVWDQGODUJHRSHQWXQGUDÀHOGV6KRUWVWUHWFKHVRI&ODVV,,
whitewater exist on several of the rivers. The trail ends at Aleknagik.
Nishlik Lake
Tikchik River Water Trail
7KH7LNFKLN5LYHUFDQEHÁRDWHGIURP1LVKOLNRU8SQXNODNHV,WÁRZVDERXWPLOHVWR7LNFKLN
Lake through a few Class II-III rapids. Both crystal-clear lakes are above tree line amongst the
UXJJHG:RRG5LYHU0RXQWDLQVDQGSURYLGHVZLIW&ODVV,ERDWLQJXQWLOWKH\MRLQDSSUR[LPDWHO\
river miles below Upnuk Lake. Numerous large granite domes, rising up to 1,000 feet in sheer cliffs
from Tikchik Lake’s southern shore, make the trail’s terminus as exciting as its beginning.
Slate Lake
Upnuk Lake
Tikchik River
ik
Tikch
Allen River Water Trail
The Allen River cuts a swift, snaky course through mixed forest and
tundra, draining Chikuminuk Lake into Lake Chauekuktuli. Severe
rapids, especially near its outlet at Lake Chauekuktuli, discourage
PRVWERDWHUVIURPÁRDWLQJWKLVULYHU7KHXSSHUUDSLGVDUHGLIÀFXOW
the lower rapids may be impassable. It is highly recommended to
portage several Class V+ rapids if you choose to boat on this river.
Rive
r
Nuyakuk River Water Trail
Chikuminuk Lake
7KH1X\DNXN5LYHUÁRZVIURP7LNFKLN/DNHDQGFRQWLQXHVRXWRIWKH
SDUN$&ODVV,,UDSLGLVORFDWHGMXVWEHORZWKHRXWOHWIURP7LNFKLN
/DNH7KH1X\DNXN5LYHU)DOOV&ODVV,9DQG&ODVV9UDSLGVLVÀYHPLOHV
downstream of the outlet. Portage is highly recommended for this
H[WUHPHO\GLIÀFXOWVWUHWFKRIULYHU8VHWKHSRUWDJHWUDLOORFDWHGRQ
the river right to hike downstream around the rapids to the beach.
7KHUHVWRIWKHULYHULVDVXLWDEOHÁRDWIRUIDPLOLHVDQGQRYLFHVZLWK
SRUWDJLQJH[SHULHQFHDQGWKHÀVKLQJLVH[FHOOHQW
Wood-Tikchik
State Park
A
n
lle
River
Lake Chauekuktuli
Tikchik Mts.
Tikchik Lake
Grant River Falls
ge
rta
Po
m
Ar
Nuyakuk Lake
Mirror
Bay
Nuyakuk River
Eagle Mt.
Lake Kulik
(Fifth Lake)
Grant Lake
Nuyakuk River Falls
Wind River
Mt.
Waskey
Mikchalk Lake
Legend
(Fourth Lake)
Go
lde
Ice cave at Lake Kulik
nH
orn
Silver Horn
Aleknagik Natives Limited
&RQVHUYDWLRQ(DVHPHQW
Lake Beverley
Road
(Third Lake)
m
Ar
uk
ke
k
ak
La
ia
va
Am
og
El
eT e
ttl ak
Li L
Water Trail
Akuluktok
Peak
Horn
at Silver
Summer
e
hin
ns
Su alley
V
Fishing Agulukpak River
Photo courtesy of Fishing Bear Lodge
State Park Boundary
Peace River
Camping
Picnic Site
Agulukpak
River Campground
Lake Nerka
Agulukpak
River
(Second Lake)
Ranger Station
Toilet
Hiking Trail
Frog
Mou
ntai
ns
Fishing
Boat Launch
3OHDVHEHDGYLVHGWKDWLQDGGLWLRQWRWKH$OHNQDJLN1DWLYHV
/LPLWHG&RQVHUYDWLRQ(DVHPHQWWKHUHDUHPDQ\LQKROGLQJV
private and otherwise, within the Wood-Tikchik State Park
boundaries. Treat all property with respect.
Agulowak
River
Lake Nerka
(Second Lake)
Wood-Tikchik
State Park
Aleknagik
Dillingham
Lake Aleknagik
Lake Aleknagik State
Recreation Site
(First Lake)
Bristol Bay
Nunavaugaluk
Lake
Aleknagik