This 600,000-acre monument and preserve is located on the Alaska Peninsula 10 miles east of Port Heiden and 150 miles southwest of King Salmon. Its centerpiece is the 6-mile wide, 2,000-foot-deep Aniakchak Caldera, which was created by the collapse of a 7,000-foot volcano some 3,500 years ago. Later activity built a 2,200-foot cone, Vent Mountain, inside the caldera.
The 32-mile Aniakchak River is a designated wild river located entirely within the monument and is unique in that it heads in a freshwater lake inside the caldera. The river start slowly from Surprise Lake and speeds up as it flows through a narrow, 1,500-foot-high opening in the caldera wall called The Gates. The caldera is scenic, featuring 2,000-foot walls, cinder cones and other volcanic wonders.
Activities and Attractions
Located in the volcanically active Aleutian Mountains, the Aniakchak Caldera contains many outstanding examples of volcanic features, including lava flows, cinder cones and explosion pits. Surprise Lake, located within the caldera, is the source of the Aniakchak River, which cascades down from the caldera. Recreation in Aniakchak includes bird watching, hiking, camping, fishing and river trips. There are no formal trails within the preserve, although open ash fields provide hiking and backpacking opportunities. A list of fishing and hiking guides as well as river rafting operators can be obtained from the National Park Service in King Salmon.
Accessibility
Aniakchak is about 1-1/2 hours flying time from King Salmon and a 1/2 hour flight from Port Heiden. There are daily commercial flights from Anchorage to King Salmon. From there a number of plane and floatplane charters are available. The park is also accessible by boat from any of the coastal villages.
Fees and Visitor Count
There are no fees for entrance into the Monument. However, a backcountry permit and bear-proof canisters are required for campers and backpackers. Less than 200 visitors frequent the park each year.
Weather and Climate
Expect windy conditions especially through the "Gates" area and often within the caldera as well. The coastal area is often shrouded in fog and rain. Summer temperatures range from the mid 40s to a high of 70°F. Winter ranges from -30°F to 30°F above.
Facilities
King Salmon Visitor Center - 907-246-4251 - Located next to the King Salmon airport terminal (Open year-round, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
History
Aniakchak National Monument was established in 1978 to protect the geologic and volcanic features associated with one of the most spectacular dry calderas in the world. The Preserve was established in 1980 with the purpose of maintaining the natural state of the area.
http://www.nps.gov/ania/index.htm