Becharof National Wildlife Refuge, National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska Peninsula, United States
Becharof National Wildlife Refuge is a large protected area on Alaska Peninsula featuring mountains, valleys, fjords, tundra, and glacier-formed lakes across approximately 1.2 million acres. The landscape includes Becharof Lake, a massive water body that dominates the central portion of the refuge.
The area became a protected wildlife refuge in 1980 when it was reclassified under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. This change expanded its protective status and management framework.
The Kanatak Trail follows an ancient route between Becharof Lake and the Pacific Ocean that people have traveled for thousands of years. The path demonstrates long-term human connection to this remote landscape.
Visitors should prepare for remote conditions and changing weather, as the refuge sits far from settlements with minimal developed infrastructure. Planning ahead for transportation and supplies is essential for a safe visit.
Becharof Lake supports one of the world's largest sockeye salmon runs, with approximately six million fish returning annually to spawn. This enormous fish population makes the refuge a critical ecosystem for the commercial fishing industry.
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