Wood-Tikchik State Park

Comprising 1.6 million acres, Alaska's Wood-Tikchik State Park is the largest state park in the nation. Created in 1978, the park is named after its large, clear water lake systems. The park is dedicated to protecting the area's fish and wildlife and maintaining the area as a true wilderness, so limited facilities are offered for visitors.

Environment

The lakes range in length from 15 to 45 miles, with water temperatures between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. With the Wood River mountains to the west and the Nushagak lowlands to the east, the park's terrain and vegetation changes dramatically from area to area. The lowest elevations consist of marshland and wet tundra, transitioning to coniferous forest until an elevation of 900 feet. Above this are alpine meadows and bare rock.

Wildlife

Caribou, moose and brown bear are common in the park, along with beaver, otter, wolverine, fox and mink. Black bear are known to inhabit the park, but are normally only found to the north and east. The five species of Pacific salmon all spawn in the two river systems, and freshwater fish such as grayling, rainbow trout, northern pike and arctic char are found in the lakes. Nesting birds are plentiful, including the bald eagle, golden eagle, various waterfowl and grouse.

Climate

In general, the climate is cool and moist, with July temperatures reaching an average high of 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer is the rainiest time of year, with rainfall occurring about 25 percent of the time near the coastal areas. Annual snowfall is around 60 to 70 inches near the city of Dillingham, reaching as much as 160 inches at Lake Nerka. Weather conditions normally permit recreational use of the park between late May to early October.

Camping

The whole of Wood-Tikchik State Park is open to camping, but some areas require a permit, which is needed prior to camping. Permit applications are obtained online or by contacting the Dillingham Parks Office. Camping is only permitted for 10 consecutive days at a single location, after which you must relocate to a a spot at least one mile away. Campfires are restricted to beaches, gravel bars or State firepits. All lakes in the park are open to motorized boats, with the exception of Chikuminuk Lake, which is accessible by aircraft. Certain areas of the park are privately-owned, but are usually signposted. For those who prefer not to camp, there are five sport-fishing lodges located on private property, which guests can reserve in advance, along with several privately owned cabins.

Wood Tikchik State Park offers visitors a chance to experience a true wilderness, and adhering to safety tips can ensure that the visit is pleasurable. File a trip plan, and leave it with the state park office, making sure to notify them when your trip is completed. Treat bears and other wildlife with the respect they deserve, and never leave anything around your camp that encourages them to pay a visit. Never drink the water in the lakes or streams, as the Giardia parasite is very common. Always wear a life-jacket when out on the water, and travel close to shore.