Izembek National Wildlife Refuge

Izembek National Wildlife Refuge sits between the Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska, covering coastal wetlands, tidal flats, and open tundra landscape. The terrain contains salt marsh vegetation, shallow lagoons, and areas that shift with the seasons.

The refuge was established in 1960 by the Department of Interior to protect these ecologically important coastal lands. The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 granted it wilderness status, strengthening its legal protection.

The refuge serves as a critical stopover point for migratory birds that pause here during their long journeys between continents. This function connects the remote area to bird watchers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.

Access to this remote refuge typically requires a boat or plane, as the region is isolated from standard transportation networks. The best time to visit is during bird migration seasons when millions of waterfowl arrive and the activity is most intense.

The Izembek Lagoon holds one of the world's largest eelgrass meadows, providing abundant food for arriving birds. This rare ecosystem makes the area one of the most important staging grounds for migratory birds across the entire North Pacific.

Location: Aleutians East Borough

Inception: December 2, 1980

Website: http://izembek.fws.gov

GPS coordinates: 55.25000,-162.75000

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:09