The best camping near Alagnak Wild River

Get ready to share a wild Alaska river with bears and bald eagles within the Aleutian Range near Katmai National Park. In native tongues, the word Alagnak means "making mistakes," but it's not a comment on your kayaking skills. Rather, it's the constantly changing river that seems to make mistakes on its journey towards Bristol Bay. The river winds and makes bendy, crazy turns along its route.

Whether you prefer paddling, camping or fishing, it's impossible to get to the Alagnak by car. You must bring everything with you (and pack it out, no leaving trash behind) if you're going to vacation here. That's the beauty of spending a week or two getting away from it all. It's just you, the fish, and maybe some large mammals and birds.

Several species of salmon rule the river. If you love fly fishing, you can take your rod and reel expertise to the next level along the Alagnak. You might haul in some rainbow trout, char, and northern pike.

If you don't want to plan your vacation alone, a few outfitters and expert guides can help you pick out your campsites, equipment, and itinerary. Expect to have wildlife encounters here, from viewing eagles to watching moose. There are bears all along the Alagnak. After all, the salmon that swim by these river banks offer perfect meals for brown and black bears that call this place home.

Also, there is private property along this stretch of wild river. Please respect people's private homes and cabins. With an expert guide and warm summer weather, a two-week excursion here is on anyone's adventuring bucket list.