Alaska's Second-Largest Lake in a Volcanic Wilderness
Why Rent On Becharof Lake
Becharof Lake stretches over 37 miles along the Alaska Peninsula in the Katmai region of southwest Alaska, flanked by the active volcanoes of the Pacific Ring of Fire and set within the Becharof National Wildlife Refuge. Discovered by Russian navigator Dmitry Bocharov in 1791, the lake has been part of the record of Alaska’s exploration for more than two centuries, and its position within a volcanic landscape that is still visibly active gives it an elemental drama that most lake destinations can only approximate.
Remote Lodges and Floatplane Access on Alaska’s Salmon Lake
Egegik River Lodge and the other fishing operations accessing Becharof Lake and its draining rivers provide guided fishing experiences that draw accomplished fly fishermen from across the world during the late summer sockeye salmon runs. The lodge model of floatplane arrival, guided river days, and evening meals in a remote lakeside setting is the right way to experience a lake this large and this wild, and the families who come here understand that the experience begins the moment the floatplane lifts off from Anchorage’s Lake Hood seaplane base and the city disappears beneath the wings.
Late Summer Sockeye and the Great Brown Bear Gathering
Becharof Lake’s draining rivers fill with sockeye salmon each late summer in numbers that represent one of the most significant remaining wild salmon runs in North America. The brown bears that gather to intercept these runs along the refuge’s rivers and lake margins create wildlife viewing opportunities that rank among the finest in the world, and the Becharof National Wildlife Refuge’s management as a bear-viewing destination has established it alongside Katmai as one of Alaska’s premier destinations for wildlife photographers and natural history travelers.
The Ukinrek Maars and Active Volcanism
The Ukinrek Maars, two volcanic craters created by eruptions in 1977 just northwest of Becharof Lake, are among the most dramatic recent volcanic features accessible in the Alaska Peninsula region and give the landscape surrounding the lake a geological immediacy that is genuinely unusual. Gas Rocks, an area of active volcanic seepage along the lake’s western shore, adds another dimension of geological interest for families who want their Alaska lake stay to include evidence of the planet’s continuing formation. The combination of salmon, bears, and active volcanoes in a single landscape is something that Alaska’s Bristol Bay region delivers and nowhere else on earth can match.
Dillingham as Your Access Point
Dillingham, the hub community of the Bristol Bay region with scheduled jet service from Anchorage, is the departure point for most floatplane access to Becharof Lake and its surrounding wildlife refuge. The community’s character reflects the subsistence salmon fishing tradition of the Bristol Bay watershed, and the local knowledge available through Dillingham’s outfitters and guide services is comprehensive and genuinely valuable for families planning a first visit to the region. For families willing to travel to the far end of Alaska’s accessible wilderness, Becharof Lake rewards the effort with an experience that has no equal.
- Surface area (mi)
- 739.43
- Max depth (ft)
- 590.55
- Elevation (ft)
- 13.12
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 235.81
Popular activities
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Boating
- Cross-country Skiing
- Ice Skating
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Becharof Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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No, it is not safe to swim in Becharof Lake. The water is very cold, and there are potential hazards such as fast-moving currents and underwater obstructions. Additionally, the lake’s water quality could be affected by its natural environment and surrounding areas.
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Becharof Lake is a popular destination because it nurtures one of Bristol Bay’s largest salmon runs. The lake and its tributaries provide habitat for numerous species, including brown bears, Dolly Varden char, Arctic Grayling, and various birds. It is also the largest lake in the National Wildlife Refuge System.
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In Becharof Lake, from June 8 to October 31, the catch limit for rainbow trout is 1 per day and 1 in possession, with no size limit, but all trout must be released immediately. From November 1 to June 7, the limit is 5 per day and 5 in possession, but they must be less than 18 inches long, and any over 18 inches must be released.
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There are no public beaches specifically at Becharof Lake, but the refuge includes sandy beaches and steep cliffs along the Pacific Ocean coastline. These coastal areas are part of the Becharof Wilderness and are accessible but not directly on the lake itself.
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The closest town to Becharof Lake for amenities and services is King Salmon, although it is still quite remote. Becharof Lake itself is located in a pristine and uninhabited area, with the nearest significant population center being King Salmon, which is more accessible than the refuge itself.
