S O U T HWES T Upper Twin Lake, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve LAY OF THE LAND Southwest encompasses a varied landscape, with the Aleutian Island chain stretching 1,200 miles, home to many Unangax and Sugpiaq peoples. Kodiak Island is the U.S.’ second largest island (behind Hawaii), and the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta is one of the world’s largest river deltas. CITY STOPS Spread far and wide, the Southwest’s cities are varied. Bethel is the Yup’ik hub of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta; Kodiak, on the namesake island, offers Russian heritage and dramatic wilderness. Unalaska/Dutch Harbor has a visible WWII history, and Dillingham is the center of Bristol Bay’s salmon fishing scene. Temperatures & Daylight SEASON Spring Summer Fall Winter H 34° 61° 33° 13° L 19° 46° 25° 1° 15 hrs 17 hrs 11 hrs 8 hrs Average temperatures in F° HOW TO GET HERE Communities are not connected by road in the Southwest; instead, they are accessible by air and water. Commercial jets fly to the larger towns of Kodiak, Bethel, Dutch Harbor/ Unalaska, Dillingham, and King Salmon, and air taxis service the more remote villages. The Alaska Marine Highway ferry, water taxis, and some cruise ship itineraries also sail here. CLIMATE & WEATHER Pack for rain and wind, and hope for sun. The weather here is ever-changing, but you should be prepared for all conditions. The sun is up for 17 hours in summer and 8 in winter, while rain showers support the region’s wetlands and vibrant green hillsides. Kodiak Kodiak Harbor Kodiak Harbor 22 Getty Images (Twin Lake)
Alaska Official State Vacation Planner 2024: Page 22
