Other Recreation

Backcountry travel offers unsurpassed opportunities for solitude

Photography
Wildlife Viewing
Hiking/Backpacking
River Rafting/Kayaking
Flight- Seeing Birdwatching
Useful Links

Photography:

From sheer glacier-etched mountains to vast expanses of wetland tundra, Togiak Refuge is blessed with scenic beauty. Photographers are drawn by our wide variety of terrain, as well as our variety of animals (see "wildlife viewing"). There are also many interesting human activities taking place on Togiak Refuge, from subsistence users practicing traditional harvest methods to anglers from around the world using the latest high-tech gear. Togiak Refuge is a vast expanse of roadless area, which presents a challenge to visitors. Opportunities for photographers vary with the seasons, weather, location, and luck!

Wildlife Viewing:

Togiak Refuge is home to a wide variety of fish and wildlife, from huge brown bears and Pacific walrus to tiny shorebirds. Most fish and wildlife is seen either from the air (see "flightseeing" below) or the water (see "river rafting and kayaking").

• Wildlife Viewing at Cape Peirce:
  Cape Peirce, on the extreme western edge of Bristol Bay, is an area of rocky cliffs and inaccessible beaches. Visitors have the opportunity to see Pacific walrus, spotted and harbor seals, and a variety of nesting seabirds including horned and tufted puffins, common murres, pelagic cormorants, and black-legged kittiwakes. Visitation to Cape Peirce is limited due to the sensitivity of wildlife. Visitors must apply for a trip permit through Togiak Refuge. For a permit application or more information on Cape Peirce, contact our office.

Hiking, Backpacking, and Eco-touring:

Although the inaccessibility of the Togiak Refuge may be an obstacle to some recreationists, to other adventuresome souls this provides a great opportunity for a true backcountry experience. Make sure to bring waterproof footwear and to be prepared for mosquitoes and biting flies! There are no maintained hiking trails in Togiak Refuge, although there are game trails in some areas. Visitors should be capable of backcountry orienteering using maps and compasses.

River Rafting and Kayaking:

A trip on a refuge river can be a great getaway even for the non-angler. Some rivers that are less sought after by sportfishers offer great scenic beauty and a true wilderness experience. Togiak Refuge rivers generally do not have whitewater, but many sweepers and high water flow are hazards to be aware of. Many of the outfitters which rent gear to anglers have rafts and other watercraft suited for area rivers. General information offered in the "fishing" section may be useful to those planning a trip.

Flight-seeing:

The lack of roads in the Togiak Refuge makes air travel part of the lifestyle of local residents. Air travel can also be a great way to see the refuge. From your vantage point high above the mosquito's, you can see winding channels of rivers and streams, some dammed by beavers, huge stretches of tundra or brushy wetlands, and snow-capped mountains. You may even see some of the wildlife the refuge was set aside to protect.

The operation of aircraft at altitudes and in flight paths resulting in the herding, harassment, hazing, or driving of wildlife is prohibited. The Federal Aviation Administration recommends that all aircraft, except for take off and landing, maintain a minimum altitude of 2,000 feet above ground level (AGL) while flying over Togiak Refuge. Pilots are asked to contact Togiak Refuge prior to visiting to learn about suitable landing areas, regulations, and other relevant topics.

Birdwatching:

Birdwatching is enjoyed by many residents as well as visitors. Togiak National Wildlife Refuge conserves habitat for at least 214 staging, migrating, or breeding bird species. Bird species groups include landbirds, shorebirds, seabirds, raptors, and waterfowl. Birds from the North American Pacific Flyway and several Asiatic routes funnel through the area.

View a list of the 201 bird species that can be seen on the Togiak Refuge.
View a checklist of birds on Togiak Refuge, with abundance and breeding information.
Visit the Alaska Department of Fish & Game's For the Birds website with information on bird feeders, nest boxes, and other bird-related topics.

Useful Links:

• Visitor Orientation: General information for visitors on camping, trespassing, and other issues.
• Low-Impact Camping: visit the Leave No Trace website
• Bear Safety Information:
  • ADFG's "Bear Facts" Brochure has practices you should observe while in bear country as well as basic information on bear behavior.
  • Bears and You is a publication of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation which has basic bear safety guidelines as well as tips on differentiating between brown and black bears.
  • Safety in Bear Country is an ADFG publication for hunters in Alaska which details bear safety in hunting situations.
  • Bear Deterrent and Repellant Products ranging from large, industrial systems through backpacking equipment. List compiled by ADFG.
• Maps: topographic maps may be purchased online through USGS.
  Our maps page lists all maps needed for main rivers within Togiak Refuge and may be a helpful starting point.

More Information on gear rental, airline transport, and other services may be obtained from:

Last updated: July 24, 2008