"nps_dena_5mb_image" by U.S. National Park Service , public domain
Alagnak
Wild River - Alaska
The headwaters of Alagnak Wild River lie within the rugged Aleutian Range of neighboring Katmai National Park and Preserve. Meandering west towards Bristol Bay and the Bering Sea, the Alagnak traverses the beautiful Alaska Peninsula, providing an unparalleled opportunity to experience the unique wilderness, wildlife, and cultural heritage of southwest Alaska
A trip planning and information guide to Alagnak Wild River, Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve, Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
https://www.nps.gov/alag/index.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alagnak_River
The headwaters of Alagnak Wild River lie within the rugged Aleutian Range of neighboring Katmai National Park and Preserve. Meandering west towards Bristol Bay and the Bering Sea, the Alagnak traverses the beautiful Alaska Peninsula, providing an unparalleled opportunity to experience the unique wilderness, wildlife, and cultural heritage of southwest Alaska
The headwaters of Alagnak Wild River lie within the rugged Aleutian Range of neighboring Katmai National Park and Preserve. Meandering west towards Bristol Bay and the Bering Sea, the Alagnak traverses the beautiful Alaska Peninsula, providing an unparalleled opportunity to experience the unique wilderness, wildlife, and cultural heritage of southwest Alaska.
Alagnak Wild River is located in a remote part of the Alaska Peninsula, about 290 miles southwest of Anchorage. Access is by boat or small floatplane.
King Salmon Visitor Center
Located next door to the King Salmon Airport, the King Salmon Visitor Center provides information on the many federal public lands of Southwest Alaska, particularly those in the Bristol Bay area. A large collection of films is available for viewing and an Alaska Geographic bookstore sells maps, charts, videos, posters, clothing and more.
This visitor center is located next to the passenger terminal at the King Salmon Airport
salmon in Alagnak River
underwater photo of salmon swimming in river
Each summer, hundreds of thousands of salmon return to the Alagnak watershed to spawn.
Rafts along the river
inflatable rafts on the edge of a river
Rafting is a popular way to experience the river.
Alagnak Wild River
aerial view of braided Alagnak River
Alagnak River's lower reaches are extremely braided.
In Celebration of ANILCA
Former President, Jimmy Carter, offers a sentimental introduction to the 25th Anniversary Edition of Alaska Park Science and the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA).
Black and white photo of six white men standing in front of an old National Park Service Building.
A History of Science in Alaska's National Parks
National park units in Alaska precede the establishment of the National Park Service in 1916. The first park unit, Sitka National Monument, was conceived in 1908, and by the mid-1920s four national monuments along with Alaska’s first national park were part of the growing park system. Discover how the early 1900s and observations of a few helped to establish the National Park Service in Alaska.
Black and white photo of Arno Cammerer sitting at his desk looking through papers.
NPS Geodiversity Atlas—Alagnak Wild River, Alaska
Each park-specific page in the NPS Geodiversity Atlas provides basic information on the significant geologic features and processes occurring in the park. Links to products from Baseline Geologic and Soil Resources Inventories provide access to maps and reports. [Site Under Development]
raft on river
Alaska Aviation Safety
In Alaska, small planes are often the best way to get around but flying has its risks. Aviation safety requires more than just a pilot’s skill–it takes all of us. Learn more about aviation to increase the safety of your next park flight.
An NPS pilot in a plane cockpit flying over a turquoise lake
Series: The Legacy of ANILCA
The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act impacts the National Park Service in many ways. ANILCA stipulates the designation of wilderness, subsistence management, transportation in and across parklands, use of cabins, mining, archaeological sites, scientific research studies and more.
Two men drag a harvest seal from icy blue waters across frozen ice.
Series: National Park Service Geodiversity Atlas
The servicewide Geodiversity Atlas provides information on <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/geoheritage-conservation.htm">geoheritage</a> and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/geodiversity.htm">geodiversity</a> resources and values all across the National Park System to support science-based management and education. The <a href="https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1088/index.htm">NPS Geologic Resources Division</a> and many parks work with National and International <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/park-geology.htm">geoconservation</a> communities to ensure that NPS abiotic resources are managed using the highest standards and best practices available.
park scene mountains
Bumble Bees of Alaska: A Field Guide
This field guide to bumble bees will help you identify these abundant and conspicuous pollinators, which are found across most of Alaska. They are well-adapted to cold, harsh climates and live in every habitat where there are flowers offering up pollen and nectar, including forests, shrublands, tundra, wetlands, riparian areas, beaches, and gardens.
a bumble bee perched on tiny pink flowers
Subsistence
The study of subsistence resources in parks has been a mix of long-term work and projects instigated by issues facing the Federal Subsistence Board.
Winter hunting is an important subsistence activity in many Alaska communities and park areas.
Human History along the Alagnak Wild River
The combination of natural and cultural resources represents an invaluable part of our shared heritage. As remote as the Alagnak River seems to us today, it has supported human activity for thousands of years. From the time of the earliest Alaskans, the river has given much to those willing to learn its ways.
View from above of a river in winter with trees and snow
Plan Like a Park Ranger - 10 Tips for Visiting Alaska's National Parks
Planning a visit to the National Parks of Alaska? Check out our top 10 tips and plan like a park ranger.
two people camp next to a glacier
Series: Copper River Basin Symposium - Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve
February 2020: With a theme of Tradition, Science, and Stewardship, the two-day symposium included keynote speakers, 26 short presentations, and a poster session. A panel discussion delved into opportunities in working with indigenous communities. Ahtna elders provided wisdom in daily welcomes, and there was a presentation by Copper River Stewardship Youth. Topics ranged widely from fisheries to archaeology to geology. As well as sharing knowledge, participants shared meals, stories, and ideas.
Copper River Basin Symposium logo by Lindsay and Elvie