Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge

Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in southwestern Alaska containing volcanic terrain, wetlands, tundra, and Pacific coastline. The landscape remains undeveloped and wild, with harsh conditions and vast stretches of open land.

Congress established this refuge in 1980 through federal legislation protecting Alaskan lands. The creation was part of a broader effort to preserve untouched wilderness areas in the northernmost state.

Local indigenous communities have depended on these lands for hunting and gathering for generations. Their presence and way of life remain woven into how the refuge functions today.

The refuge is accessible only by air, as no roads connect it to other settlements. Visitors should prepare for remote conditions and arrange transport in advance, since infrastructure is very limited.

The area is home to around 7,000 caribou that roam across the open tundra in seasonal migrations. These herds are known for their massive movements and often capture a visitor's first impression of the refuge.

Location: Alaska

Inception: December 2, 1980

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/alaska_peninsula

GPS coordinates: 56.00000,-159.00000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:02