Directions and Transportation

This map shows where Alagnak Wild River is located in relation to major cities in the area and other National Park units.

NPS

Alagnak Wild River's headwaters are in Katmai National Park and flow west to Kvichak Bay. Alagnak Wild River is located on the northern Alaska Peninsula, northwest of Kodiak Island and southwest of Homer, Alaska. The park’s headquarters is in King Salmon, about 290 air miles southwest of Anchorage.

Like many areas in Alaska, Alagnak Wild River is almost exclusively accessed by plane or boat. Some common ways to get to Alagnak include commercial flights from Anchorage to the small town of King Salmon, where a visitor will then board a small aircraft from King Salmon to the River. Fixed-wing aircraft are allowed to land on all suitable parts of the River including beaches, gravel bars, and open ground unless the area is closed or otherwise restricted.

Many companies provide a variety of commercial visitor services including transportation, guided day trips, guided multi-day trips, overnight accommodations, and food services. Commercial partners are authorized by permit to operate in the parks.

Flying Safely

Alagnak Wild River is rugged and remote. Planning ahead for flexibility and inclement weather is vital to a successful trip. Give yourself a few extra days on each side of your trip itinerary in the likely event of weather delays. In Alaska, we talk about the "circle of safety" where the passenger is a partner in ensuring a safe flight. Passengers should take an active role in ensuring everyone's safety by getting familiar with the details of their trip. As a passenger, you should be willing to ask questions in a polite way if you feel uncomfortable about something or have additional questions. This idea can be intimidating, but if you are uncomfortable about something there is probably a reason. It is important to act on those feelings and voice any concerns. The pilot may have a simple answer that restores your comfort level. Asking a question may be all it takes to refocus on safety and avoid a mishap with the flight.

 

A passengers role in aviation

Aviation Safety in Alaska

 

Getting to Alagnak

Below are alphabetized lists of authorized air taxis that travel to and from Alagnak Wild River. Please contact each provider individually for location services, pricing, and availability. These lists are not endorsements by the National Park Service but are intended to provide information.

The following linked air taxi operators are permitted to operate within the national park under FAA Part 135 air taxi regulations which require three miles visibility and glide distance to shorelines while crossing open water such as Cook Inlet. There are also guide services permitted to guide in the park who fly aircraft, land outside the park and walk into the park for guiding purposes. Those guides operate under FAA part 91 regulations which have lower safety visibility and glide distance requirements. The beaches below mean high tide along Cook Inlet are outside Katmai National Park and Preserve.

For a full list of commercial services please visit the Directory of Services for Alagnak Wild River

From Anchorage

From King Salmon

 

Travel Throughout Alaska

Alaska is a vast landscape, with many popular national parks and other public lands. Check with the Alaska Public Lands Information Center for help planning your journey to other parts of the state.

Traveling Green

Learn more about traveling green during your trip to the Alaska Penninsula