Communities KANA Serves
The Kodiak Island Archipelago is a large group of islands about 30 miles off the coast of Alaska. The archipelago is about 177 miles long and encompasses nearly 5,000 square miles, roughly the size of the state of Connecticut.
At 3,588 square miles, Kodiak Island is the largest island in the group and the second largest island in the United States. Only the island of Hawaii is larger. The City of Kodiak, at the northeastern tip of the island, is about 250 miles south of Anchorage. The city serves as the major supply and transportation hub for the archipelago's six villages.
Although the main population center surrounds the City of Kodiak, there are also six small cities in the Kodiak Archipelago. Five are located on Kodiak Island and one is on Spruce Island. Each of the cities can be reached by aircraft or boat.
Village of Akhiok
Located on Alitak Bay, Akhiok is surrounded by the low hills and rolling flat lands common to the south end of Kodiak Island. The Ayakulik River, just north of the village, is well-known for its exceptional king salmon run.
Population: 51 ~ Distance from Kodiak: 90 air miles.
Village of Karluk
On Kodiak's southwest coast, the city of Karluk sits astride the Karluk River. The landscape is characterized by low-lying mountains cut by rivers and streams. More than thirty registered archaeological sites along the Karluk River continue to render more evidence of the area's original inhabitants.
For anglers, Karluk means world-class sport fishing. Several lodges and cabins are available, or you can float the river.
Population: 24 ~ Distance from Kodiak: 79 air miles.
Larsen Bay
Situated in a scenic valley on a narrow fjord, Larsen Bay is a hub of commercial and sport fishing activity on Kodiak Island's west coast. Area lodges lure anglers from around the world for some of the best fishing in the archipelago.
Population: 115 ~ Distance from Kodiak: 64 air miles
Village of Old Harbor
Nestled along the sheltered waters of Sitkalidak Strait, Old Harbor or Nuniaq as it called in the indigenous Alutiiq language, is on the southeast coast of Kodiak Island. Tall peaks serve as a dramatic backdrop for the city, which faces Sitkalidak Island. Sitkalidak Island has the largest population of puffins on the Kodiak Island Archepelago. Old Harbor boasts having the only glacier on Kodiak Island.
Population: 237 ~ Distance from Kodiak: 70 air miles.
Village of Ouzinkie
Ouzinkie is located on the southwest shore of Spruce Island. It is characterized by swampy areas, volcanic and sedimentary rock and an abundance of tall spruce trees. Visit the Ouzinkie Website.
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. Ouzinkie was home to St. Herman, the first canonized Russian Orthodox saint in North America. St. Herman's chapel is located at Monks Lagoon and can be explored with the local Russian Orthodox Church reader who explains the history of the holy sites and old grave stones.
Population: 225 ~ Distance from Kodiak: 11 air miles
Village of Port Lions
Sitka spruce, cottonwood, birch, alder and willow trees cover the mountainous terrain around Port Lions, on Kizhuyak Bay. Located at the north end of Kodiak Island, the city was established after the tsunami of 1964 partially destroyed Afognak village on Afognak Island. The community was named in honor of Lions Club International, the service group that helped relocate and build the new village.
Several lodges and charter services offer access to the stunning scenery, fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing throughout Kizhuyak Bay and the surrounding area. Port Lions is also served by the Alaska Marine Highway.
Population: 256 ~ Distance from Kodiak: 19 air miles