Becharof National Wildlife Refuge

The Becharof National Wildlife Refuge contains 1.2 million acres of mountains, valleys, fjords, tundra, and glacially formed lakes in southwestern Alaska.

This protected area transitioned from a National Wildlife Monument to a National Wildlife Refuge under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act in 1980.

The Kanatak National Recreation Trail within the refuge marks a 2,000-year-old path between Becharof Lake and the Pacific Ocean, indicating long-term human presence.

Visitors need advance preparation for transportation and weather conditions, as the refuge lacks developed facilities and maintains minimal human infrastructure.

Becharof Lake, spanning 300,000 acres, supports the world's second-largest sockeye salmon run with six million fish annually contributing to Bristol Bay fishery.

Location: Alaska

Inception: 1980

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

GPS coordinates: 58.00000,-156.25000

Latest update: March 11, 2025 06:25