Overview
Izembek National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area located on the Alaska Peninsula, covering an area of approximately 487,000 acres. The refuge is situated near the town of Cold Bay, with GPS coordinates of 55.35°N latitude and 162.83°W longitude. What makes Izembek National Wildlife Refuge special is its unique blend of rugged coastline, wetlands, and tundra, providing a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, including brown bears, moose, caribou, and over 200 species of birds. The refuge was established in 1960 to protect the area’s natural resources and was later designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in 1986.
The refuge’s designation history dates back to the early 20th century, when the area was first identified as a key stopover point for migratory birds. In the 1960s, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began to acquire land in the area, with the goal of establishing a national wildlife refuge. Today, Izembek National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most remote and pristine wildlife refuges in the United States, attracting visitors from around the world who come to experience its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife.
Getting There
To get to Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, visitors can fly into Cold Bay Airport (CDB), which is located approximately 10 miles from the refuge. From there, visitors can rent a car or take a shuttle to the refuge. The nearest major town is King Cove, which is located approximately 20 miles from the refuge and offers a range of amenities, including lodging, food, and outdoor gear.
For those driving, the refuge is accessible via the Izembek Road, which is a gravel road that connects Cold Bay to the refuge. The road is approximately 10 miles long and takes around 30 minutes to drive. The GPS coordinates for the refuge’s entrance are 55.35°N latitude and 162.83°W longitude. Visitors should note that the road can be rough and may require a high-clearance vehicle, especially during the spring and fall when the road may be muddy or icy.
- Cold Bay Airport (CDB): 55.35°N latitude, 162.83°W longitude
- Cold Bay: 55.35°N latitude, 162.83°W longitude
- King Cove: 55.06°N latitude, 162.31°W longitude
- Driving directions: From Cold Bay, take the Izembek Road east for approximately 10 miles to the refuge entrance
Top Trails & Hikes
Izembek National Wildlife Refuge offers a range of hiking trails for visitors to explore, from easy day hikes to more challenging multi-day backpacking trips. Some of the top trails and hikes in the refuge include:
- Izembek Lagoon Trail: A 3-mile hike that takes visitors through a scenic lagoon and offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline and wildlife
- Lost Lake Trail: A 5-mile hike that takes visitors to a remote lake surrounded by rugged mountains and offers opportunities to see wildlife such as bears and moose
- Cold Bay Trail: A 10-mile hike that takes visitors from the town of Cold Bay to the refuge and offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline and wildlife
Visitors should note that the trails in the refuge can be challenging and may require a high level of physical fitness. It’s also important to be prepared for changing weather conditions and to bring plenty of food, water, and gear.
Trail Difficulty
The trails in Izembek National Wildlife Refuge range from easy to challenging, with some trails requiring a high level of physical fitness and others being more suitable for families or beginners. Visitors should always check the trail conditions and difficulty level before heading out and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Camping Options
Izembek National Wildlife Refuge offers a range of camping options for visitors, from developed campgrounds to backcountry camping and cabin rentals. Some of the camping options in the refuge include:
- Cold Bay Campground: A developed campground located near the town of Cold Bay, with amenities such as flush toilets and potable water
- Backcountry Camping: Visitors can camp in the backcountry with a free permit, which can be obtained at the refuge’s visitor center
- Cabin Rentals: The refuge offers several cabins for rent, which can be reserved in advance through the refuge’s website
Visitors should note that camping in the refuge can be rugged and may require a high level of self-sufficiency. It’s also important to follow all regulations and guidelines to minimize the impact on the environment and wildlife.
Wildlife
Izembek National Wildlife Refuge is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including:
- Brown Bears: The refuge is one of the best places in Alaska to see brown bears, with a large population of bears that can be viewed from a safe distance
- Moose: The refuge is home to a large population of moose, which can be seen in the wetlands and forests
- Caribou: The refuge is an important habitat for caribou, which migrate through the area in the spring and fall
- Eagles: The refuge is home to a large population of bald eagles, which can be seen soaring overhead or perched in trees
Some of the best viewing spots for wildlife in the refuge include the Izembek Lagoon, Lost Lake, and the Cold Bay Trail. Visitors should always keep a safe distance from wildlife and never approach or feed them.
Fishing & Water Activities
Izembek National Wildlife Refuge offers a range of fishing and water activities, including:
- Freshwater Fishing: The refuge is home to several lakes and streams that are stocked with fish such as salmon, trout, and char
- Saltwater Fishing: The refuge is located on the coast of Alaska, with access to saltwater fishing for species such as halibut, salmon, and rockfish
- Boating: Visitors can launch their own boats or rent one from a local outfitter to explore the refuge’s coastline and lakes
- Kayaking: The refuge offers several kayaking routes, including the Izembek Lagoon and Lost Lake
Visitors should note that a permit is required for fishing and boating in the refuge, and that there may be restrictions on certain activities to protect the environment and wildlife.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Izembek National Wildlife Refuge depends on the activity and the season. The refuge is open year-round, but the peak visitation season is from June to September, when the weather is warmest and the days are longest.
- Spring (April-May): The refuge is a great place to see migratory birds and wildlife such as bears and moose
- Summer (June-August): The refuge offers warm weather and long days, making it ideal for hiking, fishing, and boating
- Fall (September-October): The refuge is a great place to see the fall foliage and wildlife such as caribou and eagles
- Winter (November-March): The refuge is a great place to see wintering birds and wildlife such as bears and moose, but visitors should be prepared for cold weather and short days
Permits & Fees
There are no entry fees to visit Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, but visitors may need to obtain a permit for certain activities such as fishing, boating, or backcountry camping. The refuge also offers a range of free permits and brochures, including a visitor guide and a map of the refuge’s trails and camping areas.
- Fishing Permit: Required for fishing in the refuge, and can be obtained at the refuge’s visitor center or online
- Boating Permit: Required for boating in the refuge, and can be obtained at the refuge’s visitor center or online
- Backcountry Camping Permit: Required for backcountry camping in the refuge, and can be obtained at the refuge’s visitor center or online
History & Culture
Izembek National Wildlife Refuge has a rich and diverse history and culture, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. The refuge is home to several archaeological sites, including the ancient village of Akutan, which was inhabited by the Unangan people.
The refuge was also an important location for early European explorers, including the Russian fur trader Grigory Shelikhov, who established a trading post in the area in the late 18th century. Today, the refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which works to protect the area’s natural and cultural resources for future generations.
Planning Your Trip
Planning a trip to Izembek National Wildlife Refuge requires careful consideration of several factors, including the time of year, the activities you want to do, and the gear and supplies you need to bring. Here are a few tips to help you plan your trip:
- How many days to spend: The refuge is a large and remote area, and visitors should plan to spend at least 3-5 days exploring the area
- What to bring: Visitors should bring plenty of food, water, and gear, including a first aid kit, a map, and a compass
- Guided tours available: The refuge offers several guided tours and programs, including hiking and birding tours, and visitors can also hire a local outfitter to guide them on a fishing or boating trip
Visitors should always check the refuge’s website for up-to-date information on trail conditions, weather, and other important information before planning their trip. With its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural history, Izembek National Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the great outdoors in Alaska.