Dillingham AlaskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dillingham, Alaska.
1. Wood Tikchik State Park
EXPANSIVE WILDERNESS ADVENTURE
Wood Tikchik State Park spans over 1.6 million acres of pristine Alaskan wilderness near Dillingham. The park offers opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing, with the breathtaking Tikchik Lakes providing a picturesque setting for kayaking and canoeing. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature's beauty while potentially witnessing the Northern Lights in this expansive wilderness area.
2. Togiak National Wildlife Refuge
PRISTINE NATURAL SANCTUARY
Togiak National Wildlife Refuge is a 4.7-million-acre sanctuary featuring pristine rivers, clear mountain lakes, and steep-sloped mountains. This magnificent refuge stretches from the Bering Sea to the treeless tundra, encompassing the Ahklun and Wood River Mountains. Visitors can explore this vast protected wilderness for unparalleled wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation opportunities.
3. Round Island
MARINE WILDLIFE HAVEN
Round Island is one of the top attractions near Dillingham, offering visitors a unique wildlife viewing experience. The island is known for its large populations of walruses and seabirds that gather along its rocky shores. Visitors typically access the island via boat tours that depart from Dillingham during the summer months.
4. Walrus Islands State Game Sanctuary
PROTECTED MARINE WILDLIFE AREA
The Walrus Islands State Game Sanctuary is a protected area that includes Round Island and several other islands in Bristol Bay. This sanctuary was established to protect one of the largest walrus haul-out sites in the world, along with numerous seabird colonies. Visitors can take guided boat tours to observe these magnificent marine mammals in their natural habitat.
5. Nushagak River
PREMIER SALMON FISHING DESTINATION
The Nushagak River is world-renowned for its exceptional salmon fishing, particularly for king salmon runs. Local outfitters like Nushagak River Adventures offer guided fishing trips for anglers of all experience levels. The river flows into Nushagak Bay near Dillingham, making it easily accessible for visitors staying in town.
6. Snag Point
ANCIENT ROCK CARVINGS
Snag Point features fascinating rock carvings that provide insight into the area's indigenous history. These petroglyphs represent an important cultural heritage site for the Yupik Eskimo people who have inhabited the region for generations. Visitors can explore these ancient artworks while taking in beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
7. Dillingham Salmon Festival
CELEBRATION OF LOCAL HERITAGE
The Dillingham Salmon Festival is a lively cultural event celebrating the region's rich fishing heritage. The festival features local cuisine, traditional dancing, music performances, and various competitions related to salmon. Visitors can experience authentic Yupik culture while enjoying fresh seafood harvested from the waters around Dillingham.
8. Wandering Bear Bakery
FRESH ARTISAN BAKED GOODS
Wandering Bear Bakery on Agulawok Drive offers a delicious variety of wholesome fresh food including bagels and gluten-free bread. The bakery is known for its artisan unique berry creations, both savory and sweet, reflecting the local flavors of Alaska. Visitors should look out for the daily specials as different products are baked on different days.
9. Dillingham Guides
EXPERT WILDERNESS EXCURSIONS
Dillingham Guides offers experienced guides who are experts in their fields, including fishing specialists like Alaska Kingfishers and wildlife/hunting guides such as Tikchik Airventures. These professional guides can arrange tailored one-on-one tours to suit visitors' specific interests and needs. Advance booking is recommended to secure personalized wilderness experiences in the pristine Alaskan backcountry.
10. Wood River Mountains
MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN BACKDROP
The Wood River Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the town of Dillingham, offering spectacular views and outdoor recreation opportunities. These mountains are part of the vast Alaskan wilderness that makes this region so appealing to nature enthusiasts. Hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography are popular activities for visitors exploring these majestic peaks.
11. Bristol Bay
RICH MARINE ECOSYSTEM
Bristol Bay is the northern end of where the Nushagak River meets the sea, creating one of the world's most productive salmon fisheries. The bay is not only economically important for commercial fishing but also offers recreational opportunities for visitors, including wildlife viewing and boating. The diverse marine ecosystem supports various species of fish, birds, and marine mammals that can be observed throughout the year.
12. Alaska Kingfishers
PREMIER FISHING GUIDES
Alaska Kingfishers provides expert fishing guide services for visitors looking to experience the legendary salmon runs of the Dillingham area. Their experienced guides know the best fishing spots on the Nushagak River and surrounding waters for catching king salmon, silver salmon, and other species. Equipment, boats, and local knowledge are provided to ensure a successful fishing adventure in the pristine waters of Bristol Bay.
13. Tikchik Airventures
AERIAL WILDERNESS TOURS
Tikchik Airventures offers spectacular aerial tours of the vast wilderness surrounding Dillingham, including Wood Tikchik State Park and Togiak National Wildlife Refuge. Their experienced pilots provide hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing excursions to remote locations only accessible by air. These air tours give visitors a unique perspective of the breathtaking Alaskan landscape with its mountains, lakes, and rivers.
14. Nushagak Bay
COASTAL WILDLIFE VIEWING
Nushagak Bay forms the northern end where the Wood and Nushagak Rivers meet, creating a rich estuary ecosystem near Dillingham. The bay is home to diverse wildlife including numerous bird species, marine mammals, and the famous salmon that migrate through these waters. Boat tours of the bay offer excellent opportunities for wildlife photography, fishing, and experiencing the natural beauty of coastal Alaska.
15. Kanakanak Hospital Museum
LOCAL HISTORY EXHIBIT
The Kanakanak Hospital Museum preserves the medical history of the Bristol Bay region through exhibits of historical medical equipment, photographs, and artifacts. This small but informative museum offers insights into healthcare challenges faced by remote Alaskan communities throughout the years. Visitors can learn about the development of medical services in the Dillingham area and the importance of the hospital to surrounding communities.