From the lush landscape of Kodiak and the Aleutian Islands and to the rocky, fumaroles-laden terrain of the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, Southwest Alaska is unlike any other place on earth. Southwest is known for several things, but largely for its brown bear population. Two of the world's most popular viewing areas are in Southwest Alaska. As a major hub for commercial seafood harvests, and with the busiest commercial fishing ports in the world, Southwest Alaska boasts some of Alaska's best fishing. And history and culture buffs will also be fascinated with the prominent displays from the Russian era, ruins from World War II and the Native people who still reside in Southwest Alaska. A land of almost untouched beauty and timeless heritage, Southwest Alaska is truly where majesty, history and industry meet. Enjoy a brief tour of southwest Alaska’s most important towns and islands.

Pribilof Islands

There are five islands, two of which are inhabited: St. George and St. Paul. The area is home to the largest seabird population in the Northern Hemisphere. An estimated 2.5 million seabirds nest on the cliffs of St. George; 210 species have been identified. In addition, more than one million fur seals congregate on the islands every summer. There are 14 fur seal rookeries on St. Paul, with designated viewing areas from where to see them. Upland wildlife includes songbirds, snowy owls and blue foxes. A resident reindeer herd is located on St. Paul. A deep-water port and fish processing plants are located in both communities. As far as human inhabitants, the village of St. Paul is the largest Aleut community in the world.

Dillingham

In midsummer, more than 500 pleasure and commercial boats fill Bristol Bay Harbor in Dillingham. Bristol Bay is considered the world's largest producer of red salmon for those who fish commercially as well as for sport. Wildlife viewing includes the possibility of spotting brown bears, wolves, wolverine, fox, lynx, marten and beavers. Nearby Togiak is the center of Togiak National Wildlife Refuge. It is also the gateway to Walrus Island State Game Sanctuary, a popular place to view and photograph thousands of walrus during the summer. The Sanctuary is accessible by boat or charter plane from Dillingham or Togiak. Passengers should be prepared for a wilderness experience.

King Salmon

This is Alaska's gateway to the big ones --- all species of salmon, trophy trout and mammoth brown bears. Thousands of fishing, hunting, hiking and wildlife enthusiasts pass through the King Salmon airport each summer on their way to countless adventures throughout the area. Fishing for all five salmon species, plus rainbow and other trout species, is one of this area's top attractions. Lake Clark, Lake Iliamna and Naknek Lake, as well as the Mulchatna, Naknek, Kvichak and Alagnak Rivers are all highly productive fishing waters. Katmai National Park and Preserve, Lake Clark National Park, Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes and other wildlife viewing areas are all a quick jaunt away by small aircraft.

Kodiak

This coastal fishing community is virtually surrounded by parks and refuges, including Afognak Island State Park, Shuyak Island State Park, Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge (known for the Kodiak brown bear which is the largest land carnivore) and Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. Birding opportunities are world renown, especially for seabirds in winter. Fly-in fishing is available. Natural and historical attractions include: Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge: Encompassing nearly 1.9 million acres on Kodiak, Afognak, Ban, and Uganik Islands. It is the home of an estimated 3,000 Kodiak bears, plus red fox, river otters, black-tailed deer, mountain goats, bald eagles, the only elk in Alaska, and more than 200 bird species.