Alaska's National Wildlife Refuges

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In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt launched an historic act promoting wildlife conservation when he established the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS), preserving America’s wildlife and natural resources for future generations.  This network of wild landscapes received a huge boost in 1971 when Congressed passed the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act which added immense areas of highly productive, internationally-significant Alaska lands to the NWRS.  And in 1980, Congress passed the landmark Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act which added nine new national wildlife refuges in Alaska and expanded seven existing wildlife refuges.

 

 Approximately one-half of the nation’s NWRS lands are found in Alaska. The legacy of the historic NWRS acts facilitating wildlife conservation can be seen today in Alaska’s renowned and abundant wildlife populations. Alaska contains 16 National Wildlife Refuges protecting a total of 76.8 million acres for wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation.  Alaska’s wildlife refuges are not only vast in size and scope but they are unusually pristine.  Eighteen million acres have been designated as wilderness areas as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System.  Alaska’s Wildlife Refuges are located throughout the state and range in size from the 19.6 million acre Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, which stretches from the Brooks Range to the Arctic Ocean, to the 303,094 acre Izembek Refuge on the Alaska Peninsula.  Together, the Alaska national wildlife refuges contain a staggering array of spectacular landscapes including vast expanses of towering mountains, rolling tundra, wetlands, rivers, and coastal islands.

 

Alaska’s national wildlife refuges protect some of the greatest wildlife diversity in America, providing critical habitat for mammals such as caribou, brown, black, and polar bears, musk ox, moose, wolves, Dall sheep, and a variety of marine life.  In addition, the wildlife refuges of Alaska host some of the largest bird migrations and waterfowl staging areas in the world and provide critical habitat for endangered species such as the spectacled eider.  For visitors who are interested in experiencing wildlife in its natural state it’s hard to beat Alaska’s national wildlife refuges.

 

Plan an Alaska vacation this year to an Alaska Wildlife Refuge:

 

ABEC's Alaska Adventures
P.O. Box 10791, Fairbanks, AK 99710

We have all levels of Alaska Brooks Range trips into the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge or Gates of the Arctic National Park. With over 25 years of experience our Alaskan Guides provide a safe and a fun, "once in a lifetime trip."  We have custom, base camp, backpack, and river trips into the vast wild Alaskan Wilderness. You can see pictures of these trips in our Gallery on line at www.abecalaska.com or call 907-457-8907.


 

 
Adventure Kodiak
PO Box 1426, Kodiak AK 99615

www.mvsinglestar.com; Exclusive Wildlife Cruise where Bears, Birds and Whales are our guides! Join us as we meet the Kodiak Bear on its own turf, visit rookeries with thousands of Puffins, Kittiwakes and Bald Eagles. Enjoy whale watching for Humpback, Orca and Fin whales so close you can smell their blow. Photograph the Coastal Brown Bear on our bear viewing cruise. Guided wildlife photography  and ecotours around Kodiak Island and the Katmai Coast.  Watch the Sea Otters, Sea Lions, fox and rare waterfowl and ducks. Alaska Wild Salmon fill the streams. Exclusive fly fishing in remote areas for Silver Salmon and Steelhead by FFF certified casting instrutor and registered guide. Cruise with us in luxiury into the Alaskan Wilderness. Photograph glaciers, volcanoes, snow capped mountains, tide flats overflowing with wildlife and wildflowers. Return to the boat for a gourmet home cooked meal and hot shower. Watch the last bear as he walks along the beach at the end of his day.

 We leave behind only our tracks in the sand until the next tide...

AdventureSmith Explorations
PO Box 1696, Tahoe City, CA 96145

Your big ship cruise alternative! Cruise Alaska up close aboard a selection of over 25 small ships and yachts carrying 6-138 travelers. We are award winning Alaska travel experts specializing in travel by small ships, yachts and wilderness lodges away from tourist crowds. Speak with our professional crew who has lived, worked and traveled at length throughout Alaska. With over 50 years combined experience in Alaska travel we will answer your questions quickly and accurately. AdventureSmith Explorations is a company founded by guides and we believe that a professional, knowledgeable and personable guide is the key to a successful adventure travel and small ship cruise experience. We are committed to sustainable tourism and contributing positively to the individuals, communities and environments encountered by every AdventureSmith traveler. Call our experts today to plan your Alaska small ship cruise today. 

 
 


 

 


 

AK Adventures, Inc.
P.O. Box 2828, Homer, AK 99603

Discover the brown bears of Katmai. AK Adventures offers guided trips for bear viewing and wildlife photography into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Our trips give small groups of wildlife viewers a rare personal experience to observe and walk among these fascinating and majestic bears, while learning about them and their habitat.

 
Alaska Alpine Adventures
2133 Dahl Lane, Anchorage, AK 99503

Since 1998, Alaska Alpine Adventures has been leading guided Alaska backpacking, alaska hiking trips and adventure vacations throughout Alaska's spectacular national parks and wildlife refuges.  Recognized by National Geographic as one of the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth in both 2008 & 2009, Alaska Alpine Adventures takes adventure seekers on multi-day and multi-sport Alaska hiking tours, rafting tripsAlaska backpacking trips, kayaking trips, and skiing vacations throughout the Last Frontier.  Guided Alaska tours include adventure trips to Lake Clark National Park, Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, Kenai Fjords, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Gates of the Arctic National Park and beyond.  Our brand of sustainable travel has been recognized by Adventure Green Alaska - Alaska's highly regarded sustainable tourism certification program.  Take a trip with Alaska Alpine Adventures and experience the Alaska vacation of a lifetime!

Alaska Outdoors
P.O. Box 875649 , Wasilla, AK 99687

Since 2001, Alaska Outdoors has showcased Alaska's National Parks and protected areas featuring small group camping and hiking tours throughout the state. Hike, raft, sea kayak, canoe, whale watching, glacier cruises, flightseeing and more. Tours range from 7 to 21 days and start at $995.

Alaska River Adventures
PO Box 725, Mile 48 Sterling Highway, Cooper Landing AK 99572

For over 30 years, Alaska River Adventures has hired 'well seasoned' professionals to guide small groups to wild rivers across Alaska.

 

 

Rare permits in Wildlife Refuges and Parks let us show you places few others can -

  • Fishing and photo expeditions on Wilderness Rivers
  • Drift boat fishing on the Kenai & Kasilof Rivers.
  • Rafting - from half day to multi day - mild to wild.
  • First class all-inclusive fishing lodge.

 

Alaska Sealife Center
P.O. Box 1329 Seward, AK 99664

The Sealife Center, Alaska's only Public Aquarium, is committed to understanding and maintaining the integrity the Marine Ecosystem in Alaska through education, conservation, research & rehabilitation.

Alaska Ultra Sport
PO Box 1125, Chickaloon AK 99674

Alaska Ultra Sport offers guided wilderness trips throughout Alaska. We are based out of Chickaloon, Alaska and have guided trips all over the state.This business has been owner-operated since 2001. If you book a trip with us you will be on a trip with Bill and Kathi Merchant.We offer guided multi day rafting, sea-kayaking, mountain biking and backpacking trips. We operate in many National Parks, State Parks,the  Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Gates of the Arctic National Park, Katmai National Park and more.  We speak english, german and some french and italian. 2-6 people.

www.alaskaultrasport.com

 
Alaska Wildland Adventures
P.O. Box 389, Girdwood, AK 99587

Since 1977. Nationally recognized eco-tourism operator features an array of options including All-Inclusive Vacations, wilderness lodges, Sportfishing packages & rafting & fishing day trips; high-quality, small group guided trips allow guests to experience Alaska in the spirit of appreciation. Raft the turquoise Kenai River into the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, seeking out moose, salmon and eagles. Paddle a sea kayak amid glittering glacial ice at  Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge and watch for calving glaciers and breaching whales along the dramatic seacoast. Explore Denali National Park and seek out Alaska’s big four: bears, caribou, moose and Dall sheep. In the evening, relax with the authentic Alaskan hospitality of  wilderness lodges and delicious meals. From a two-hour scenic float trip to a two-week all-inclusive vacation, Alaska Wildland Adventures’ range of wilderness adventures and charming accommodations promise a memorable experience in wild Alaska.

 

800.334.8730

www.alaskawildland.com/vwa

Alaskan Alpine Treks
Anchorage, Alaska

10 years guiding small, customized backpacking trips into remote Alaska, where our knowledge and experience allow us to provide clients with an unparalleled adventure. We offer guided backpacking, hiking, camping and nature photography trips in Alaska, specifically Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Katmai National Park, the Kenai Peninsula and more. Browse our website and find the trip that's right for you. 

 

We offer a diversity of adventures, from the perfect family basecamping vacation, to more adventurous and customized rugged backpacking trips for you and your group. Drop us an email or call Carl at 770 952 4549.

Alaskan Tour Guides
6830 Toller Court, Wasilla, Alaska 99654

Experience a sense of wonder and awe.  See Alaska's scenery and wildlife from unique perspectives and discover Alaska with Alaskans.  Alaskan Tour Guides, Inc. leads you on a journey that is fun, educational, safe and eco-minded. We take great care to include sights or adventures we feel are distinctive for visitors seeking a more personal connection with nature and wilderness.  Choose from a wide range of tours, varying in level of difficulty and inetrests.  We are able to provide custom tours for most group sizes.

Arctic Wild
P.O. Box 80562, Fairbanks, AK 99708

Arctic Wild: Alaska Adventures with Latitude!

Explore the mountains, tundra, rivers, and coast of arctic Alaska with our professional wilderness guides. Enjoy wildlife and scenery in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and Gates of the Arctic National Park. Visit sub-arctic destinations like Katmai National Park and Yukon Charley. We specialize in multi-day, wilderness fly-in adventures. Whether hiking, rafting, canoeing or enjoying a wildlife base camp, the scenery, ecology, and quality service will impress even the most seasoned Alaska travelers. Find out why our clients return year after year and enthusiastically reccommend us for our small groups, local guides, minimum impact ethics, and great food! Custom trips and references available. Call 888/577-8203, or visit www.arcticwild.com.

Best Western Kodiak Inn
236 Rezanof Drive West, Kodiak, AK 99615

 

http://www.kodiakinn.com/

 
Chinook Tours
P.O. Box 111853. Anchorage, AK 99511

Booking agency, backpacking, guiding, hiking, kayaking and canoeing,lodging, organization, rafting and river trips, wildlife viewing, winter activities.

 
Discovery Voyages
P.O. Box 688, Whittier, AK 99693

Alaska's finest wilderness cruise- multi-day voyages, naturalist guided, small groups, onboard cabins, shore hikes, kayaking, wildlife viewing, custom voyages. Charter boats, bird watching, cruiseships and tourboats, fishing, hiking, natural and cultural history interpretation, photography. Prince William Sound, Copper River Delta.

Earth Bed and Breakfast & Tours
1001 W 12th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501

Earth B&B is THE home away from home for mountain climbers, fishermen, photographers and other adventurers from across the globe. Our comfortable and roomy Anchorage Bed and Breakfast is conveniently located close to downtown walking distance to the city's finest shopping, dining, entertainment and outdoor recreation. Our private accommodations are a perfect alternative to busy hotel lodging. You'll know you are in the right place from the minute you walk through our door.

GoNorth Alaska Travel Center
P.O. Box 60147, Fairbanks, AK 99709

GoNorth has been in operation since 2001. The original business was guiding river trips in the Brooks range. While we still guide Brooks range river trips and hiking trips the business has expanded due to the demands of our clients. We now rent SUVs, Trucks, Campers and Motorhomes, canoes, rafts, camping gear. We also have an ever growing travel service which can book air ground and water transportation, accomodations and a number of other travel services though out Alaska and western Canada

At the GoNorth hostel we offer low budget accommodations in shared wall-tent cabins.

 
 
Great Alaska Adventure Lodge
33881 Sterling Highway, Sterling, AK 99672

Great Alaska Adventure Lodge.   Since 1981 travelers have enjoyed our ground breaking  blend of exciting Alaska sport fishing and adventure travel from  our riverfront lodge on the Kenai River.  Our guests choose from a wide range of itineraries that include world class sport fishing, private fly-in bear viewing, remote sea kayaking, hiking, day cruising, Denali Touring and much, much more. Customized family, group and corporate adventures are our specialty.  Our all- inclusive trips include pickups in Anchorage and range from 2-10 days.

 

Whether your Alaska dream entails double digit Rainbows on your fly rod,  viewing wild bears in their native habitat, rafting the Kenai Canyon, hiking the Chugach Forest or catching your first King Salmon (or better yet, all of the above!) Great Alaska Adventure Lodge is just the place to see those dreams come true.  Come relish the Great Alaska experience with your family or group this summer.

Iniakuk Lake Wilderness Lodge, LLC
P.O. Box 80424, Fairbanks, AK 99708

 

Luxury accommodations for the body, remote wilderness for the spirit. Powered by the sun, wind and friendly, long-time Alaskans, this exclusive hideaway offers elegance and comfort 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Alaska's Brooks Range and Gates of the Arctic National Park. Fly-in only. Since 1974. Remote. Exceptional. Unforgettable.

 
Kodiak Treks
11754 S. Russian Cr. Rd., Kodiak, AK 99615

www.kodiaktreks.com

 
     Small-group (max 6 guests) bear viewing/hiking adventures in the spectacular Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. Kodiak Treks provides an education-based approach to observing bears with a minimal-impact philosophy.
     Comfortable accommodations at the Aleut Island lodge and our out-camp provide the group's base. From there, we travel by boat and afoot to explore bear density areas with great respect for bears' need for minimal human disturbance--truly a delicate balance.
Projects and Achievements
  • Promoting respect for Alaska's wildlife and remote lands through educational outreach and volunteer efforts in partnership with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the Kodiak Brown Bear Trust, the Kodiak Unified Bear Subcommittee (KUBS), and other local, state, and international organizations.
  • Gold-level certified for responsible practices from Adventure Green Alaska, Alaska's first and only sustainable tourism certification program.
     Join us for a unique wildlife-viewing experience on stunning Kodiak Island!

 

 
Naturalist Journeys
PO Box 16545, Portal AZ 85632

Arctic Alaska: A Naturalist Along the Dalton! July 31-Aug. 7, 2010

Join us for an incredible week ! Explore two crown jewels of the Arctic: Gates of the Arctic National Park and Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Tundra biologist Dan Wetzel of Fairbanks shares 30+ years of expertise. Search for Muskoxen, Caribou, ptarmigan, jaegers, Red Fox, songbirds from Asia, wildflowers & some of Earth's finest scenery.: Brooks Range, Antigun Pass & more.  www.naturalistjourneys.com  866 900 1146  

Rust's Flying Service
PO Box 190867, Anchorage, AK 99519

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Sitka Sound Ocean Adventures
112 Toivo Circle, Sitka AK 99835

Join us for a guided sea kayak adventure to explore "the coast less paddled". Sitka Sound, and the countless passages extending north & south, comprises one of the most spectacular marine wilderness environments in the world. We offer a range of guided trips & outfitting services to match any schedule, budget, ability and preference. Our specialty is designing custom trips for families and private groups of 6-persons or less. Let's go paddling!

Sitka's Secrets
500 Lincoln St. Unit B-9, Sitka, AK 99835

Whether you're visiting southeast Alaska to fish for salmon or halibut, or to see tufted puffins, bald eagles, sea otters or humpback whales, join us, and we'll share our secrets!

My husband and I are wildlife biologists, and moved to Alaska in the 1970s, working for the US Fish and Wildlife Service.  We share a perspective acquired through years of education, experience, and a love for Alaska's wildlife.

We invite you to check out our website for more information!

Southeast Charters Inc.
P.O. Box 33018, Juneau, AK 99803

Cruise the protected waters of Alaska's Inside Passage. Enjoy whale watching, bear viewing, iceberg and glacier adventures, catching fish, setting crab pots, and exploring fiords with sheer rock walls and misty waterfalls.

 
Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking
P.O. Box 3332, Seward, AK 99664

Since 1996 our professional guides/naturalists have been introducing paddlers to the wonders of coastal Alaska. We offer kayaking from three locations in the Seward area – Lowell Point, Fox Island and Kenai Fjords. We have the right trip for you whether an introductory paddle or a multi-day kayak/camping adventure. We feature small groups, great food and excellent guides. Come explore our home with us and take away an experience of a lifetime..  www.sunnycove.com

Too-loo-uk River Guides
P.O. Box 106, Denali Park, AK 99755

Extended wilderness raft trips to Alaska's Arctic; Brooks Range, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Gates of the Arctic NP, NPR-A 

 as well as trips in Wrangell-st Elias and the Chugach Mountains.  We've been guiding in Alaska's backcountry and on Alaska's remote rivers for over 20 years.  We are Alaska owned and operated and specialize in small groups and personal service. 

Wilderness Birding Adventures
5515 Wild Mountain Road. Eagle River, AK 99577

Wilderness Birding Adventures is dedicated to exploring, conserving and sharing Alaska’s rich natural world with those who like to add a splash of adventure and spontaneity (balanced with careful planning and safety) to their vacation in the Great Land. Since 1986, we have been offering our guests the best in Alaska birding, rafting, sea kayaking, hiking and wildlife viewing trips from birding tours in the Pribilofs, Gambell and Nome, to wilderness expeditions like paddling the Kongakut and Canning rivers in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, photographing Spectacled Eiders on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta – to name just a few of the possibilities!

Wise Guide Outfitters
P.O. Box 852, Cooper Landing, AK 99572

Alaska sport fishing at it's finest. Professionally guided fishing trips on Alaska's premier rivers and streams. Fly fishing, spin fishing and bait fishing on Alaska's world class Kenai River. Drift boat fishing and wade fishing for 4 species of trophy salmon, trophy rainbow trout and trophy char.

Yukon River Lodge
P.O. Box 68049, Ruby, AK 99768

There still remain a few wild places in the world and this is one of them. Nestled at the base of Kokrines Hills, Alaska’s Yukon River Lodge (currently under construction) overlooks the Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge and the Yukon River stretched out before it.


 

 

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