What do you know about the city of Kodiak Alaska? It’s cold, rainy, bad weather, Island, and nothing to do. Well I am here to tell you, that is not true at all. It’s on Kodiak Island, actually a very big island being the largest in Alaska and the second largest in the U.S. The territory comes with mountains and valleys, rivers and lakes, cities, wilderness and plenty to do. If you are looking at visiting Alaska I would highly recommend spending some of your time in Kodiak.
I have been lucky enough to visit Kodiak quite a few times, thanks to the US Coast Guard. Of course, most of the time I have been working so didn’t really get to see much of the Island. But further down this page I will explain some of the adventures I have been able to have in the last couple visits. I hope you enjoy some stories and explanations of this beautiful place.
About Kodiak Alaska
A quaint town tucked in Saint Paul Harbor with only a few ways to reach the island. Easiest way is plane through Anchorage. Next way is the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry’s which dock right downtown. You will catch the Ferry out of Homer Alaska. Another way is Sea Plane, I have not experienced this yet but sounds fun. The town is always busy, either with fisherman, hunters, Coast Guard, contractors, tourists, and locals.
Weather
Most people think that Alaska is always cold and snowing. What is great about Kodiak, you get all four seasons throughout the year. It does get a lot of rain and quite a bit of snow during the winter time. But when the sun shines, it shines brightly. Speaking of shining brightly, during the summer time it never actually gets “dark” at night. This makes it hard sometimes to sleep because you never really know what time it is. Then during the winter time you might only get a few hours of light and then darkness sets in again.
One of the locals I talked to was telling me when he was young going to school, he used to get on the bus when it was dark and by the time he got out of school it was dark again. He never really got to play in the light. I’m not sure how I would feel about this as a child. I guess you get used to it.
Culture and History
There is a long history and culture of the indigenous people of Kodiak Island. Unangax̂ & Sugpiaq are the two cultures I speak of from Southwest Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. You are able to find information at several different Museum’s in Kodiak, Alutiiq Museum, Kodiak History Museum, Kodiak Maritime Museum.
Eating/Drinking in Kodiak Alaska
Restaurants in Kodiak are few and far between. But the ones they do have are well worth the visit. Throughout my many visits to Kodiak I have tried most of them and haven’t been disappointed with any of them. What I love is they are all small “Ma and Pa” places with their own home feel. Most of them specialize in Seafood since they are a boating/fishing community and they are right on the ocean.
If you asked me what my favorite was, I would tell you that “The Rendezvous” is #1 on my list. The food is amazing and good size portions. I have eaten there several times and had the Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich, Steak Tacos, Philly Cheese Steak Salad (not on menu), Fish and Chips, and the smoked salmon pasta. Several times I ordered the Bloody Mary and I would have to say it is the best in town.
Right down town they have the Kodiak Island Brewery which doesn’t serve food but has some amazing beers made right in the building itself. They allow food to bring in so luckily there is the “The Piza Pit” pizza joint right next door. Amazing pizza’s and you can order from the brewery to pick up and bring back. Then in the parking lot they have a food truck called “Million Recipes” that makes some amazing sandwiches including the Philly cheese steak which is to die for.
Hotels and Accommodations
There is a wide range of accommodations in Kodiak Alaska. You can choose to stay right downtown in multiple choices of hotels. Best Western, Compass Suites, and Quality Inn to name a few. Or if you want to stay in something a little more personal, you have the choice of bed and breakfasts or remote lodges. You can also get packages that include the transportation, lodging, food, and bear viewing, fishing, hiking, or hunting. With that being said, make reservations in advance because during winter fishing/crabbing is happening, and summer fishing/hunting is happening so they stay busy throughout.
Hiking
Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park which was one of my favorite hikes took us around a lake which at the time was half frozen over. This was an easy walk with many different paths to take. During the peak season you will need to make sure you pay for the parking. The park also is the location of the Kodiak History Museum, so you can hit two birds with one stone.
Fossil Beach is a little drive to reach. I highly recommend taking a 4 wheel drive vehicle because once you get there, the road is unpredictable. You can either walk the beach or you can take the hill up to the top where you will find an amazing view. Including some old WWII bunkers built into the sides of the hill.
White Sands Beach, which is the opposite direction of Fossil Beach, where you can hike about 2 miles out to Termination Point. You can take the Coastal path which is medium difficulty or you can take the inside path which is easy difficulty. Either way you are going to reach an amazing view to take some pictures and add to some great memories.
These are only a few of the many hikes you can take while visiting the Island of Kodiak Alaska. I was with someone that was stationed there for quite a few years. This gave me an advantage because it was like I had my own personal tour guide. If you don’t and you want to do this on your own, download an app on your phone called All Trails. This will give you detailed information on all the hikes you can take in Kodiak. Download All Trails Here, for every invite that gets accepted, a tree will be planted, that’s worth it just to download.