AFOGNAK
Travel information on Afognak, Alaska and things to do in Afognak.
 |
 |
| Photo: © Kristen Kemmerling |
The unique thing about Afognak as an Alaskan travel destination is that many visitors do not come simply to relax or to play - they come to work. Afognak is a destination about both travel and learning.
Volunteers come all this way to join archaeologists and tribal members digging for artifacts of the Alutiiq culture that inhabited the rain forested terrain for more than 7,500 years. The Dig Afognak program began after the Exxon-Vladez oil spill necessitated the rescue and preservation of cultural artifacts - many of which are now cared for and exhibited at the Alutiiq Museum and Archaeological Repository in Kodiak.
Today, the Dig Afognak Archaeological Expedition offers visitors a novel way to learn about Alutiiq history and culture, all in a setting unrivalled for natural beauty.
There is plenty to see.
25 miles north of Kodiak, Afognak Island offers everything imaginable for the wildlife enthusiast, from sea lions, seals and sea otters close to shore, to porpoises and whales of every type further out.
Fishermen find their own lures in the freshwater salmon and saltwater halibut, flounder and red snapper.
On land, sightings of brown bears, elk and deer are a regular occurrence.
And bird watchers find a heaven here on earth with plenty of eagles, hawks and ravens, and seabirds including puffins, murres and auklets.
Afognak Island is the perfect Alaska wilderness destination.