Overview
Becharof National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area located in southwestern Alaska, covering an impressive 2 million acres of land. It is situated on the Alaska Peninsula, approximately 500 miles southwest of Anchorage. The refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is one of the largest refuges in the United States. What makes Becharof National Wildlife Refuge special is its unique combination of volcanoes, glaciers, and rugged coastline, providing a diverse habitat for a wide range of wildlife. The refuge was established in 1980 to conserve and manage fish and wildlife populations, as well as their habitats, and to provide opportunities for public recreation and education.
The refuge’s designation history dates back to the 1960s, when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began to identify areas in Alaska that were critical for the conservation of fish and wildlife. The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) of 1980 formally established Becharof National Wildlife Refuge, along with several other national wildlife refuges in Alaska. Today, the refuge is an important part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, which protects over 150 million acres of land and water in the United States.
Getting There
To visit Becharof National Wildlife Refuge, you will need to plan carefully, as it is located in a remote area of Alaska. The refuge is accessible by air or sea, and the nearest airport is in King Salmon, which is located about 30 miles from the refuge. The GPS coordinates for the refuge are 57.7833° N, 156.0667° W. From King Salmon, you can take a charter flight or a guided tour to the refuge.
If you prefer to drive, you can take the Alaska Peninsula Highway from Anchorage to King Salmon, which is a distance of approximately 280 miles. However, be aware that the road is not paved and can be rough, especially during the summer months when the road is wet and muddy. From King Salmon, you can take a boat or a kayak to access the refuge’s coastline and interior.
Driving directions from Anchorage: Take the Seward Highway (AK-1) south from Anchorage to the town of Homer, then take the Alaska Peninsula Highway (AK-1) west to King Salmon. From King Salmon, take a charter flight or a guided tour to the refuge.
Top Trails & Hikes
Becharof National Wildlife Refuge offers several hiking trails and routes for visitors to explore, ranging from easy day hikes to more challenging multi-day backpacking trips. Some of the top trails and hikes in the refuge include:
- Becharof Lake Trail: A 10-mile hike that takes you around the shores of Becharof Lake, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Ugashik Lake Trail: A 5-mile hike that takes you to the shores of Ugashik Lake, where you can see salmon spawning and bears feeding on the fish.
- King Salmon River Trail: A 15-mile hike that follows the King Salmon River, offering scenic views of the river and surrounding mountains, as well as opportunities to see wildlife such as bears, moose, and eagles.
The difficulty level of the trails varies, but most are considered moderate to challenging due to the rugged terrain and unpredictable weather. It’s essential to be well-prepared and experienced before attempting any of the hikes in the refuge.
Trail Difficulty Levels
The trails in Becharof National Wildlife Refuge are rated as follows:
- Easy: Trails that are relatively flat and well-maintained, suitable for families and beginners.
- Moderate: Trails that have some hills and uneven terrain, requiring a moderate level of physical fitness.
- Challenging: Trails that are steep, rocky, and uneven, requiring a high level of physical fitness and experience.
Camping Options
Becharof National Wildlife Refuge offers several camping options for visitors, including developed campgrounds and backcountry camping. The refuge has two developed campgrounds, King Salmon Campground and Ugashik Campground, which offer basic amenities such as picnic tables, grills, and outhouses.
Backcountry camping is also allowed in the refuge, but visitors must obtain a free permit from the refuge headquarters before setting up camp. There are no developed campsites in the backcountry, and visitors must be self-sufficient and follow all regulations to minimize their impact on the environment.
The refuge also offers cabin rentals, which can be reserved in advance through the refuge’s website. The cabins are located near the King Salmon River and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife.
Wildlife
Becharof National Wildlife Refuge is home to a wide range of wildlife, including:
- Brown bears: The refuge is one of the best places in Alaska to see brown bears, particularly during the summer months when they are feeding on salmon.
- Moose: Moose are common in the refuge, particularly in the wetlands and forests.
- Caribou: The refuge is home to a large herd of caribou, which can be seen migrating through the area during the spring and fall.
- Eagles: Bald eagles and golden eagles are common in the refuge, particularly near the coastline and rivers.
The best viewing spots for wildlife in the refuge include the King Salmon River, Ugashik Lake, and the coastline, where you can see bears, moose, and eagles. However, be aware that wildlife viewing can be unpredictable, and it’s essential to follow all safety guidelines and regulations to minimize your impact on the environment.
Fishing & Water Activities
Becharof National Wildlife Refuge offers excellent fishing and water activities, including:
- Salmon fishing: The refuge is known for its abundant salmon runs, particularly king salmon, sockeye salmon, and coho salmon.
- Trout fishing: The refuge’s lakes and streams are home to several species of trout, including rainbow trout and brook trout.
- Boating: The refuge’s coastline and lakes offer excellent boating opportunities, including kayaking, canoeing, and boat tours.
A fishing license is required to fish in the refuge, and visitors must follow all regulations to ensure the sustainability of the fish populations. The refuge also offers guided fishing tours and boat rentals for those who want to explore the area with a knowledgeable guide.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Becharof National Wildlife Refuge depends on your interests and what you want to do. The refuge is open year-round, but the peak visitation season is during the summer months (June to September) when the weather is warm and dry.
A season-by-season breakdown of the refuge’s weather and activities is as follows:
- Spring (March to May): The refuge is still cold and snowy, but it’s a great time to see wildlife such as bears and moose. Fishing is also excellent during the spring, particularly for salmon.
- Summer (June to September): The weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for hiking, camping, and fishing. The refuge’s wildflowers are in bloom, and the wildlife is active and abundant.
- Fall (October to November): The weather is cool and rainy, but it’s a great time to see the refuge’s fall colors and wildlife such as caribou and eagles.
- Winter (December to February): The refuge is cold and snowy, but it’s a great time to see wildlife such as moose and bears. The refuge also offers winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Permits & Fees
There are no entry fees to visit Becharof National Wildlife Refuge, but visitors must obtain a free permit from the refuge headquarters before engaging in certain activities such as backcountry camping, fishing, and hunting.
A fishing license is required to fish in the refuge, and visitors must follow all regulations to ensure the sustainability of the fish populations. The cost of a fishing license varies depending on the type of fish and the duration of your stay.
The refuge also offers guided tours and activities, which may require a fee. Visitors can contact the refuge headquarters for more information on permits, fees, and guided tours.
History & Culture
Becharof National Wildlife Refuge has a rich and diverse history, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. The refuge is home to several indigenous tribes, including the Yup’ik and the Dena’ina, who have lived in the area for centuries.
The refuge was also an important area for early explorers and traders, who came to the area in search of fur and other natural resources. The refuge’s coastline and rivers were used as a transportation route, and several historic sites and artifacts can still be seen today.
The refuge was established in 1980, as part of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), which protected over 100 million acres of land in Alaska. Today, the refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which works to conserve and manage the refuge’s natural and cultural resources for future generations.
Planning Your Trip
Planning a trip to Becharof National Wildlife Refuge requires careful consideration and preparation. The refuge is remote, and visitors must be self-sufficient and flexible to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Here are some tips to help you plan your trip:
- How many days to spend: The refuge offers a wide range of activities and experiences, and visitors should plan to spend at least 5-7 days in the area to get a good taste of what the refuge has to offer.
- What to bring: Visitors should bring warm and waterproof clothing, as well as sturdy hiking boots and gear. The refuge also recommends bringing a first aid kit, a map, and a compass, as well as a means of communication such as a satellite phone or a two-way radio.
- Guided tours available: The refuge offers guided tours and activities, which can be a great way to experience the area with a knowledgeable guide. Visitors can contact the refuge headquarters for more information on guided tours and activities.
Overall, Becharof National Wildlife Refuge is a unique and special place that offers a wide range of activities and experiences for visitors. With careful planning and preparation, visitors can have a safe and enjoyable trip to this incredible destination.