Official State of Alaska Vacation and Travel Information

Home » Destinations » Parks & Public Lands » Walrus Islands State Game Sanctuary

Walrus Islands State Game Sanctuary

Overview
Map & Details

Learn More

Walrus Islands State Game Sanctuary

Walrus Islands State Game Sanctuary is located southwest of Dillingham in northern Bristol Bay. The sanctuary is a remote seven-island preserve that includes the largest walrus haul-out grounds in Alaska. Most visitor attention is focused on Round Island, where each summer up to 14,000 male walruses haul out on the rocky beaches between feedings.

Other wildlife is also plentiful on this remote island. Several hundred Steller's sea lions regularly haul out at East Cape, the eastern tip of the island, and are frequently spotted swimming offshore, as are sea lions. Gray whales feed in small pods offshore in April and May during their annual spring migration. Orcas, humpback and minke whales appear from time to time. Harbor seals are common on all of the islands except Round Island. Red foxes inhabit the island and are regularly spotted by visitors. Fox kits (babies) may be observed in summer.

For birders, close to 250,000 seabirds return to the islands to nest and raise their young each summer. Passerines and raptors are among the summer residents.

Walrus Islands State Game Sanctuary Map

Facilities
There are limited visitor facilities on Round Island. There is a developed camping area on the island with a toilet and plywood platforms. Visitors need to be totally self-sufficient and bring their own tent, sleeping bag and pad, cooking gear, clothes and food. Visitors should also be in good physical condition as trails are primitive and terrain demanding. Located on a bluff, the camping area overlooks Bristol Bay toward Kulukak Bay, where walruses are often seen swimming. On calm nights you can hear males grunting, bellowing and strumming.

There is a trail system that allows visitors to walk along the north and east sides of the island. Although maintained, these trails are best described as primitive. A trail that extends south of the campground offers relatively flat walking conditions and provides some excellent views of smaller haul-out areas. At times you may be less than 30 feet above resting walruses and right next to puffins, murres and other sea birds. This trail ends at the eastern tip of the island overlooking a Steller's sea lion haul out.

Fees
Visitors to Round Island are required to have a permit, which costs $50 and is available via online or paper application with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Permits are available only when Alaska Department of Fish and Game staff are on the island, approximately May 1 through August 15 annually, and must be reserved in advance.

Accessibility
Dillingham and Togiak serve as the gateways to Walrus Island State Game Sanctuary, which is accessible only by boat. Dillingham has daily scheduled air service from Anchorage. Commercial operators are available to provide transportation or guided trips to Round Island.