"Cold Bay --Not a fishing village." Cold Bay by kaloz

Cold Bay Travel Guide: 13 reviews and 20 photos

Photo Op

Cold bay is the only stop on our tour that isn't a fishing village. Cold Bay is the landing point for those visiting Izembek National Wildlife Refuge. The Brant's Goose and other sea birds come here for the eelgrass in the brakish waters of Izembek lagoon.

It is easy to spot wildlife in Cold Bay. It is popular with Brown Bears, Caribou, and Arctic Ground Squirrels. So keep your eyes open.

Eelgrass

Izembek Lagoon has the largest bed of Eelgrass in the world, and this highly nutritous grass attracks seabirds. The Lagoon is a "Wetland of International Importance", So bring your "Sibley's Guide" or other favorite birder book.

Funny Fact

Loran Station -- Cold Bay

Cold Bay has a very long runway, and is a diversion landing strip for the space shuttle, though it has never landed here. A few years back, a Japanese flight was diverted here, and the village of 86 people had to find accomodations and food for their unexpected 300 Japanese guests.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Wildlife and Birder's Dream
Cons:Remote Location
In a nutshell:Watch for the Space Shuttle

Last visit to Cold Bay: Aug 2003
Intro Written Sep 21, 2003
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Reviews (9)

Space Shuttle Transportation (2)

Cold Bay has a long runway, and is a diversion landing strip for the Space Shuttle, though this is not the cheapest way... more travel advice

Wildlife Refuge Hotels (1)

There are no designated trail, nor campsites in Cold Bay, though hiking and camping are allowed. Some lands are owned by... more travel advice

Bears and wolves! Warnings and Dangers (1)

Be Bear Aware: Cook away from your campsite, and store your food in air tight containers. If you are fishing and a bear... more travel advice

Bring it with you What to Pack (1)

A Backpack or rucksack is best. This is a remote location, and supplies are hard to come by, so be prepared. Sturdy... more travel advice

Things to Do (3)
See All Flora

Local Customs (1)
Meet Joe -- Go to the Dump

Comments (3)

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mrclay2000 Oct 14, 2003 at 8:46 PM

We hurl salmonberries at the bruins when they attack, correct? In lieu of bear spray, we pull Monk's Head over the bears eyes and then make our escape! Great stuff!
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herzog63 Oct 5, 2003 at 10:31 AM

I'll try the "Just Skedaddle Mr. Bear"! The next time I see one!! hahah Lucky you...Big winner of the Cold Bay Lottery!!
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keeweechic Sep 21, 2003 at 2:38 PM

Fascinating fact about the runway. I've never heard of Salmon berries or Crowberries but it all sounds wonderful. I like your verbage with a bear...lol you sure know your stuff though. Good writeup and tips.