Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge

Sunset in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.

Islands of Four Mountains.

A tufted puffin on Zaimka Island off Kodiak Island.

Stretching from the Arctic Ocean to the southeast panhandle, the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge protects breeding habitat for seabirds, marine mammals and other wildlife on more than 2,500 islands, spires, rocks and coastal headlands.

More than 4.9 million acres cover diverse habitats such as tundra, rain forest, cliffs, volcanoes, beaches, lakes and streams. About 2.6 million acres of the refuge is wilderness.

Here, winds whip through the grasses of rugged, wave-pounded islands and active volcanoes simmer, venting steam above collars of fog. This refuge is a place of contrasts, where relics of a past war slowly rust in deserted valleys, while, nearby, great forests of kelp team with life. It is, and has long been, a place of refuge, and has seen some of the most dramatic wildlife conservation stories in the country.

The refuge is best known for its seabird populations, nearly 80 percent of Alaska's marine birds use the refuge, including 40 million birds representing 30 species. Visitors to the refuge also can see sea lions, seals, walrus, sea otters, whales and Asiatic birds.

The refuge is headquarterd in the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center in Homer, which is at the end of the Sterling Highway, about 225 miles south of Anchorage.

Visitors can take a virtual journey to this inaccessible refuge at the visitor center. Explore the islands' history, bird life, marine mammals, and oceanographym and learn about the fascinating work and lives of island researchers through exhibits, programs, guided walks, and an award-winning film.

To reach the refuge, regularly-scheduled flights are available from Anchorage. The Alaska State Ferry System also serves Homer.

Because most of the refuge is very remote, access is difficult and expensive. Visitors should contact the refuge for specific information about particular sites.