Kodiak

Population: 58
Distance from Kodiak: 90 air miles

Situated in Alitak Bay about 98 miles southwest of the city of Kodiak, Akhiok is the most remote village on the island. The shoreline is characterized by narrow rocky beaches. During summer the grassy hills and flatlands that surround the town turn emerald green and burst with colorful wildflowers. Akhiok was originally established as a sea otter hunting settlement by the Russians. Today it enjoys a strong sockeye and pink salmon run in its rivers and streams. The community is also rich in sea mammals and birds and the original village site on the Aliulik Peninsula has a high brown bear density. Ancient Alutiiq petroglyphs are preserved nearby. Akhiok enjoys a strong Orthodox faith-based community where the subsistence lifestyle is the norm for the majority of residents. The community is fortunate to have 22 Alutiiq dancers ranging in age from two years to adult; this group performs for visitors and across the state of Alaska. Akhiok can only be reached by water or air.

For more information about Akhiok:
Visit the State of Alaska Community Database

Population: 42
Distance from Kodiak: 79 air miles

On Kodiak’s southwest coast, the stunning village of Karluk sits astride the Karluk River overlooking Shelikof Strait. It’s been described by some as a place of “severe beauty” and is characterized by low-lying mountains cut by rivers and streams. It was one of the first places used by the Russians as an outpost because of the abundant supply of fish. In the late 1700s and throughout the 19th century, Karluk was known as the site of the world’s largest red salmon run and operated the largest cannery in the world. The village continues to be a popular fishing destination for the adventurous angler seeking King and sockeye salmon. The Kodiak bear holds a strong presence here and red fox, river otter, weasels, seals and ptarmigan can also been seen. More than 46 registered archaeological sites along the Karluk River hold evidence of the original inhabitants. Several lodges and cabins are available. You can also enjoy a raft trip on the river. A prominent feature in the community is the Karluk Russian Orthodox church, a historical landmark and the heart of the village. Karluk is reached by air.

Population: 220
Distance from Kodiak: 70 air miles

Among the most picturesque of Kodiak Island villages, Old Harbor is nestled on a narrow strip of beach at the foot of a steep, grassy mountain. To the northeast is an awe-inspiring view of jagged, precipitous mountains which rise up at the end of a small bay. Old Harbor often claims the winning fish during the annual King salmon derby and draws anglers from across the map to its abundant waters. It is also a great destination for wildlife viewing with large sea mammal haul-outs and the archipelago's largest puffin colony, which is nearby on Flat Island.

Old Harbor is also rich in history. The Alutiiq people settled Old Harbor more than 7,000 years ago; the community is the site of the first Russian colony in Alaska. Just south of Old Harbor is Three Saints Bay, site of the first Russian settlement. Refuge Rock, site of a pivotal battle between the Alutiiq and the Russians, was recently rediscovered. Long dormant, Port Hobron served as the last commercial American whaling station through the 1920s. Historic Three Saints Russian Orthodox Church is a hub of community activity and the striking centerpiece of the village. Local charter boat operators offer custom sightseeing, kayaking, fishing and hunting excursions. Other visitor services include lodging accommodations. Old Harbor is accessed via air or water.

For more information about Old Harbor, visit the Alaska Department of Community & Economic Development.

Population: 192
Distance from Kodiak: 11 air miles

Ouzinkie, the village that lies closest to Kodiak city, is a quiet little settlement located on the southwest shore of Spruce Island. Not surprisingly, it is characterized by towering spruce trees. A visit to Ouzinkie offers opportunity for a true glimpse into rural village life as well as great sport fishing. Villagers harvest salmon, halibut, herring and clams from surrounding waters and duck, deer and rabbit from the land nearby. Ouzinkie was founded in the early 1800s by the Russian American Company as a retirement community. The Church of the Nativity, built in 1898 is tucked in a cove of spruce trees. A network of wooden boardwalks offers a unique means to explore. Spruce Island was home to St. Herman, the first canonized Russian Orthodox saint in North America. St. Herman’s chapel is located at Monk’s Lagoon and can be explored with a local Russian Orthodox Church reader who explains the holy sites and old gravestones.

Ouzinkie charter operators offer fishing and sightseeing excursions from the village, Anton Larsen Bay or Kodiak. Spruce Island is ideal for hiking with a newly developed trail system and is a “bear-free” environment. Often one can see the vaporous spouts of whales in the blue waters of Marmot Bay.

For more information about Ouzinkie, visit the Alaska Department of Community & Economic Development.