Explore the Island's hikes
From mountain scrambles to paddles along the coast, this remote Alaska island is full of memorable experiences.
Although Adak Island is a mere 34 miles long and 22 miles wide, recreation opportunities are abundant and, by all accounts, as unique as the location itself. If you are looking for a vacation that delivers in terms of ordinary activities in a decidedly unordinary destination, Adak checks every box.
For adrenaline junkies and those who appreciate all-day adventuring in rugged places, a day spent traversing Adak Island means a multitude of different means of exploration, be it on foot, bike, or with a paddle in hand.
About 47,000 acres of Adak Island are owned and managed by the Aleut. Acquired in 2004 through a land transfer agreement with the US Navy and the Department of Interior, this land, most of it in the island’s northern section, is partially open for recreation, save for an area called Section 4 near Andrew Lake and other private areas leased to partners of Aleut. To the south, the US Fish and Wildlife Service owns and manages a section of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, an enormous collection of islands, coastlines, and even volcanoes.
NOTE: All visitors who plan on engaging in any outdoor activities in Adak need to obtain a land use permit, easily purchased here. Aleut lands are privately owned, and Aleut’s Lands Department focuses on good stewardship of Unangax̂ lands and ensures the protection of cultural and historical sites. The Land Use Permit program grants access to these Aleut ancestral lands.
Ready to explore?
Be sure to check out our Day 1 itinerary! Once settled in at the Adak Island Inn, there’s a wealth of fun waiting.
Adak Itinerary Day 2
Trek the terrain on foot
For those visitors wanting to explore trails beyond the greater Adak city area, stop by the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge office on Finger Bay Road for maps and general information updates.
For other hikes on Adak Island, Horseshoe Bay is a popular destination and arguably one of the most scenic of all hikes on the island, offering views of Mount Adagdak above and the rugged coast below. This hike is short in distance but does require the use of fixed ropes to descend the final steep pitch to the bay, so visitors must use extreme caution, especially if it’s raining. Allow a few hours for this two-mile round-trip hike.
Use pedal power
Rent an e-bike from Adak Island Inn for just $50/day (plus tax) and spend time traversing the miles of roadway and ATV trails crisscrossing the island. Many people find the e-bikes a perfect vehicle for spending a day combining cycling with hiking: Try biking from town toward the White Alice site, then trekking down to Shagak Bay and the North Spit of Shagak Bay for an unforgettable hike. Or, head south from White Alice toward Heart Lake, then along Shagak Bay to the finger-like South Spit. Whichever you choose, be sure to prepare for varying weather conditions and carry the 10 Essentials for safe outdoor adventuring.
Paddle the coastlines
Adak’s sheltered coves and lagoons offer great opportunities to explore from the water, thanks to a $25/day (plus tax) paddleboard rental available through Adak Island Inn. Start at Clam Lagoon and become acquainted with the rocky nooks and crannies of the island while staying close to shore. Or, venture a bit further with a paddle around the Small Boat Harbor that opens up to Sweeper Cove (which opens to Kuluk Bay, which opens to Sitkin Sound, which opens to the Bering Sea), but watch for watercraft and changing weather conditions! Each rental includes a life vest, paddleboard, and paddle.
Stay energized with hearty meals
While all visitors are recommended to bring along a cooler and enough provisions to last the duration of their stay, a few restaurants in the city center offer a nice opportunity to get to know local residents and capture a bit of Adak flavor. Adak Soul restaurant, located just north of Ptarmigan Street, is the only restaurant serving breakfast on the island. Adak Soul takes this responsibility seriously, and serves up stick-to-your-ribs dishes like corned beef hash, a huge four-egg omelet, grits, or biscuits and gravy.
For dinner, the Tundra Tavern, located on Kagalaska Dr, is the place to go for burgers, fries, pizza, and a cooler of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. They also have a busy pool table for indoor recreation and to chat up the locals about their favorite Adak recreation opportunities.
Things to Know
- Make reservations for a rental car and sports equipment (e-bike, paddleboard, fishing gear) ahead of time here, or call 907-572-6199.
- Secure an Aleut Land Use Permit here.
- Dress in layers to guard against Adak’s ever-changing weather.
- Consider renting a satellite phone before departing to Adak if you plan on adventuring beyond the reaches of town.