Adak, Alaska - Tourism

Tourism

Land use permits are required for all non-residents visiting Aleut Corporation land. Permits can be obtained from the Aleut Enterprise LLC office in Anchorage, or from the Harbormaster at the Port of Adak.

Aleutian Housing Authority (AHA) is the only provider of lodging on Adak, and offers both long-term and short-term accommodations in former Naval officer housing. Housing units are heated, furnished, and include local telephone and cable TV service. It is advisable to make reservations in advance.

The cabins once maintained within the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge have fallen into disrepair and are unsafe to occupy. The cabin at Three Arm Bay sits on an archaeological site that was transferred to the Aleut Corporation, and is no longer available for rental to the general public.

Camping is possible without a permit on Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge lands, but is generally not recommended due to the harsh climate. The wind on Adak is highly variable and often unpredictable. Gusts can exceed 100 knots (190 km/h) or more (the record speed is unknown because the wind ripped the anemometer off of the tower). During the calmer summer months, sustained wind speeds average in the low double digits gusting to 50 knots (93 km/h) or more.

Adak offers 16 miles (26 km) of paved and gravel roads. These can be explored on foot, by bicycle, or by renting a truck. There is only one vehicle rental business on Adak.

Hunting and fishing are bountiful sports in Adak. Hunters particularly prize Adak caribou, the largest of which can exceed 700 pounds. There is no bag limit for cows, but in 2007, the Board of Game passed new regulations for bulls. If you want to get to the South end of the island where the majority of the caribou are there are currently two licensed local boat charter services - Aleutian Adventure Tours and Homeward Bound Charters. Anglers can find large to enormous halibut in the Kagalaska Straits. Hunters must possess an Alaska state hunting license and a harvest ticket for each animal taken. Non-residents of Alaska must also possess the appropriate big game tag. Anglers require a sport fishing license. All areas of the island with roads are owned by the Aleut Corporation, and a special permit is required for all non-residents accessing this private property. No ATVs are permitted within the wildlife refuge and the Aleut Corporation only allows ATVs on the roads and trails - not on the tundra. Under Alaska state law, wastage is illegal.

Audubon enthusiasts generally do not consider Adak as exciting as Attu. That being said, the high winds are a blessing for birders; many vagrants from Asia and elsewhere can be spotted. Indigenous (but often rare) shore birds abound, and eagles are ubiquitous. Visitors not insistent upon scoring "First North America" sightings will find plenty of variety to enjoy.

Developed trails are limited and most are not maintained. It is possible to hike on the tundra, but visitors are advised both to prepare for frequent weather changes and to never hike alone.

Nightlife and dining opportunities are few on Adak. The Aleutian Sports Bar and Grill (aka ASBAG) is located in the former VFW hall. In addition to a fully licensed bar, ASBAG offers a typical bar menu. Across town is a liquor store. Adak General Store operates out of the former Housing Community Center, the Cold Rock Cafe and bowling alleys have shut down. Even the Mcdonalds couldn't survive in Adak, as it is abandoned now.