Izembek Wilderness

Izembek Wilderness is a protected area on the Alaska Peninsula covering about 307,982 acres. It features volcanic peaks, glaciated mountains, wetlands, and a lagoon system stretching around 30 miles.

The United States Congress designated this area as protected wilderness in 1980 under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. This law safeguarded the region's fragile ecosystems from development and extraction activities.

Native Alaskan communities gather here to practice traditional hunting and fishing in designated zones, maintaining customs passed down through generations. These activities remain central to how people connect with the land today.

Access requires permits and specialized transportation because there are no maintained trails. Temperatures fluctuate between 24°F and 56°F year-round, so proper cold-weather gear is essential.

This place holds one of Earth's largest eelgrass beds, which sustains around 200 wildlife species. The entire global population of black brant geese congregates here during migration periods.

Location: Aleutians East Borough

GPS coordinates: 55.26556,-162.59111

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:09