Kodiak Island

Introduction

Kodiak Island is a large island on the south coast of the U.S. state of Alaska, separated from the Alaska mainland by the Shelikof Strait. The largest island in the Kodiak Archipelago, Kodiak Island is the second largest island in the United States and the 80th largest island in the world, with an area of 9,311.24 km2. Kodiak Island is the namesake for Kodiak Seamount, which lies off the coast at the Aleutian Trench.

Geography

Kodiak Island is mountainous and heavily forested in the north and east, but fairly treeless on the south. The island has many deep, ice-free bays that provide sheltered anchorages for boats. The southwestern two-thirds of the island, like much of the Kodiak Archipelago, is part of Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. The Kodiak Bear and the king crab are native to the island.

Cities

The largest community on the island is the city of Kodiak. Other settlements include the villages of Akhiok, Old Harbor, Karluk, Larsen Bay, Port Lions, and an unorganized community near Cape Chiniak. The village of Ouzinkie on nearby Spruce Island is also part of the island community.

Events and Festivals

• Kodiak Crab Festival (24 May 2013 - 28 May 2013) - Kodiak's annual carnival, withrides, vendor and food booths, lots of events. Always falls over Memorial Day weekend. Prepare for inclement weather!

Getting There

All commercial transportation between the island and the outside world goes through Kodiak City either via ferryboat or airline.

External Links

• Official Website