If you love wildlife and the feeling of true isolation in the wilderness, then Alaska’s Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve is a great option for your next RV trek. This park has a massive 6-mile-wide volcanic caldera that’s still active today. The volcano, which is on the Aleutian Range of south-western Alaska, is part of the extended Pacific Ring of Fire. In addition to the amazing landscape, Aniakchak is home to many bears; you'll find them roaming through every habitat in this 601,294-acre protected area. That's why bear-resistant food storage is a requirement here. The lake within the caldera, Surprise Lake, feeds into the Aniakchak River, which is ripe with fishing opportunities.
RV Parks & Campgrounds Near Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve
With an RV, you can traverse the rugged Alaskan terrain in comfort. There's no need to worry about finding lodging because you'll have all the necessary amenities in your RV. While you can't drive into the Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve, there are many beautiful campgrounds in the surrounding region. If you don't own an RV, consider searching for a rental from RVshare. You can easily rent from other RVers and select the model that best fits your traveling needs.
Things To Do Near Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve
One of the best features of Aniakchak is how remote it is; in fact, you might not see another person while you’re in the preserve. That means you’ll get to see this area of Alaska how nature intended it. Be prepared to see a variety of wildlife, including brown bears. While there, you can also paddle the Aniakchak River, and there are plenty of boat and raft rentals available in the surrounding area.
Hiking Trails
-
Aniakchak Volcanic Caldera
While there are no formal hiking trails throughout Aniakchak, there are plenty of paths and unofficial trails to traverse around the 3,700-year-old caldera. This caldera is 6 miles wide, and there are ash and cinder fields around the base that are great for hiking. Also, hikers may make use of animal trails; just remember to make noise so that local wildlife is aware of your approach.
Location
Aniakchak Volcanic Caldera
Length
Varies
Intensity
Varies
Sightseeing
-
Aniakchak Wild River
This river, which lies exclusively within the national monument, has multiple tributaries that are fun to explore. Since the river flows down from the caldera, it's quite a sight to behold. You’ll see several wildlife species around its shores.
Location
Aniakchak Bay 11.5 miles west of Cape Kunmik
-
Surprise Lake
Surprise Lake is a 1,500-foot lake that's ideal for water adventures like rafting. If you go fishing here, you’ll find king salmon and rainbow trout. The area is most easily accessed by floatplane.
Location
Accessible primarily by floatplane at latitude 56.925119 and longitude -158.102903
-
Bristol Bay Coastal Plain
Bristol Bay is a popular sightseeing location for bird-watchers. This area falls onto the migratory paths of both waterfowl and other non-water-based birds. When visiting, be sure to bring a camera or a pair of binoculars so that you don’t miss the sometimes bright plumage of the birds that come.
Location
Easternmost arm of the Bering Sea
-
Bear Trail Lodge
Nestled 70 feet above the Naknek River, Bear Trail Lodge revels in the fact that the areas around Aniakchak and King Salmon are rich with bear activity. Here, you can catch your own fish and have it prepared at the lodge.
Location
box 221, King Salmon, AK 99613
Museums
-
Alaska Aviation Museum
Located in Anchorage, the Alaska Aviation Museum is a great place for an RVer to learn about some of the aircraft history of the area. There is a full-scale hangar, the Seybert Tower that’s perfect for observing seaplanes, and a flight simulator.
Location
4721 Aircraft Dr, Anchorage, AK 99502
-
Alaska Museum of Science and Nature
Located in Anchorage, the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature has fossils and exhibits that focus on wildlife in the area like birds, cetaceans, and those animals, like dinosaurs, that once frequented the area.
Location
201 N Bragaw St, Anchorage, AK 99508
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
-
Eddie’s Fireplace Inn
Eddie’s Fireplace Inn is the only year-round bar/restaurant in the entire city of King Salmon. The eatery is known for its large portions and friendly atmosphere. If you're not looking for dinner or lunch, you can also do breakfast. Morning meals include egg breakfasts and omelets.
Location
1 Main St, King Salmon, AK 99613
-
Sockeye Saloon
At the Sockeye Saloon, you can enjoy delicious local cuisine like homemade seafood chowder and shellfish. In addition, non-seafood meals like slow-smoked barbecue brisket and chicken pozole are also available. The restaurant also has a wide variety of spirits and wines to purchase.
Location
APH, Mile 15, King Salmon, AK 99613
-
Wild Alaska Salmon and Seafood
Wild Alaska Salmon and Seafood prides itself on providing food that’s “direct from the fisherman.” All of the salmon dishes are locally sourced from nearby waterways, and you can also purchase salmon and seafood gift boxes for family and friends.
Location
1 Dj Rd, King Salmon, AK 99613
How To Get To Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve
Unfortunately, Aniakchak cannot be reached by road. To get there, you’ll have to charter an air taxi from King Salmon or Anchorage, so that’s where your RV will have to stay. In addition to visiting the preserve by air, you can also charter a boat since powerboats can reach the preserve from multiple villages along the Alaskan Pacific Ocean coastline.
Address
King Salmon, AK 99613
Fee: Transportation fees
Transportation fees to the preserve vary.
When traveling to remote Aniakchak, you're guaranteed to make memories that you’ll treasure. While you can’t RV within the preserve itself, you can easily travel by plane or boat from a local town. If you’re ready for your Alaskan adventure and you don’t have your own recreational vehicle, consider renting one from RVshare.