A Beginner’s Guide to Adak
Remote, small, and distinctly distant from any major city, Adak Island is located 1,200 miles southwest of Anchorage, near the western tip of the Aleutian Islands. The westernmost city in the United States, Adak is also Alaska’s southernmost city, a surprise to many travelers not familiar with the island’s location on a map.
Traditionally home to the Unangax̂ (Aleut) people who have lived for centuries within this rugged, wild environment, Adak’s First People made their homes in large subterranean dwellings called ulax̂ and lived communally, hunting the upland areas and shorelines, and fishing freshwater streams and open seas.
With 274.59 square miles of wide scenic natural areas, abundant wildlife, and many recreation opportunities, Adak is a destination for adventurous and independent travelers. About half of the island is managed by the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, which in addition to Adak covers an enormous swath of islands, wilderness, and coastal areas stretching from Southeast Alaska, out to the tip of the Aleutians, and north to the Arctic’s Chukchi Sea. These stunning, wild lands are bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the south and the Bering Sea to the north; the Aleutians are generally thought of as the dividing line between the two bodies of water. Adak is a place where visitors can be assured of an experience like no other.
Is Adak a city or an island?
Both! At just 33.9 miles (54.5 km) long and 22 miles (35 km) wide, Adak is the 25th largest island in the United States. The city of Adak, located near Kuluk Bay, is home to 27 full-time residents, all of whom live in two neighborhoods: Sandy Cove and Kuluk. The nearby city center is where guests may find basic shopping and services.
Traveling to Adak
Getting to Adak
Despite Adak’s distance from mainland Alaska, it’s easy to reach the island thanks to reliable jet service by Alaska Airlines, the only commercial air carrier serving this community. Each Wednesday and Saturday, flights depart Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in the morning, arriving in plenty of time to get out and explore that afternoon. Departing flights from Adak Airport leave in the afternoon and arrive in Anchorage by early evening. The nearly three-hour flight is full of stunning scenery, with the Aleutian Islands’ active chain of volcanoes occasionally spewing steam, and a wide expanse of the Pacific Ocean and Bearing Sea always in view.
It’s important to note that while aircraft are less likely these days to become delayed or even canceled by bad weather, it can happen, so visitors should always bring extra supplies and necessities (more on that, below), just in case.
What to expect from Adak weather
Called “birthplace of the winds” due to a propensity for extreme and unpredictable weather, Adak’s location in the midst of the Aleutian chain means wild winds often sweep across the landscape, accompanied by rain, snow, sunshine, or all of the above. Every guest who travels to Adak should be prepared for all weather, dressing in layers to accommodate the swings in temperature and/or condition.
Typically, between June and September Adak’s temperatures range from 45F to 55F, with around 10 days of rain each month, often in tandem with prevailing winds that sweep in from the southwest. The sun does shine upon the island, too, allowing for lush sea grasses, shrubs, and flowers to thrive.
Visitors to Adak should embrace its weather diversity as part of the overall experience, taking each day’s condition in stride and dressing accordingly to maximize comfort and safety.
Arriving in Adak
Getting around Adak
Before departing for Adak, guests of Adak Island Inn will be given a comprehensive guide with information about their upcoming trip, including where to locate their rental vehicle upon arrival at the Adak airport.
Adak Island’s roadways stretch over 16 miles from North to South. Most of the island’s roadways are accessible to visitors, but there’s an adage to keep in mind as you explore by vehicle: Not all roads are roads in the traditional sense. This is a remote destination, after all, with infrequent road construction and few resources for swift repairs, so guests should drive with caution and expect uneven surfaces.
A bonus for guests of Adak Island Inn is the option to explore Adak by e-bike, available for rent through the Inn.. Adak’s roads are perfect for adventuring on two wheels, which, in many cases, provide even more access than a car.
On foot, Adak visitors can trek several local trails leading to grassy vistas, sandy beaches, and historical sites left behind when the U.S. military vacated the island in the 1990s.
Lodging in Adak
Centrally located near downtown, Adak Island Inn is a collection of 40 fully furnished townhomes offering short-term, long-term, and seasonal rentals. Each two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom townhome has linens, a refrigerator, stove, washer, dryer, dishwasher, and a kitchen stocked with dishware, cutlery, and other necessary items. 
Since flights to and from Adak operate only twice per week, guests must plan at least three nights at Adak Island Inn, bringing plenty of supplies necessary for their stay. There is one small general store on the island, called the 100 Knot Stop, open four evenings a week for two hours each evening. Carrying basic items, it should not be relied upon by guests as a resource for meals, snacks, or beverages. We suggest paying a visit to your own local grocery before embarking on a trip to Adak, planning for all meals, favorite snack items, and any desired beverages. Pack everything carefully in a cooler, secure it with Alaska’s favorite fastener, duct tape, and check it into the hold of your Alaska Airlines flight. Don’t forget to tuck in extras just in case your return flight is delayed!
Adak Experiences
What to do in Adak
Adak Island offers visitors a rare glimpse of unspoiled beauty through its vast expanses of undeveloped land that are home to a diverse array of birds and other wildlife. Hiking, camping, fishing, beachcombing, and bird watching are popular pastimes. Hunting is also allowed. If you plan on engaging in any of these outdoor activities in Adak, you will need to obtain a land use permit, easily purchased here.
Want to take to the trails? Try Gannet Rocks trail near downtown, which travels along Kuluk Bay. This out-and-back hike is fun for those looking to stick within the city area. If a longer, more challenging trek is your style, drive north of town to the Horseshoe Bay trailhead and hike to its namesake shoreline, often with great views of Mount Adagdak. Hikers must use ropes for the last steep pitch down to the bay, so be cautious and ensure you’re outfitted with the proper footwear and gloves, especially if it’s raining. For anyone, a visit to Andrew Lake is the perfect place to spend time, with a beach from which to launch a paddleboard. It’s also a great place to fish, with Dolly Varden, coho salmon, and kokanee (landlocked sockeye salmon) – you can even rent your fishing equipment directly from Adak Island Inn!
In addition to exploring the island by bike and on foot, Adak Island Inn provides guests an opportunity to try paddleboarding around Adak’s secluded coves. For only $25 per day (plus tax), you can rent a paddle board, paddle, and life vest, perfect for viewing the island in a truly unique way.
History buffs will enjoy visiting several sites of significance from Adak’s tenure as an Army, Air Force, and Navy base. The Adak Historical Society has published a brochure listing these sites, along with interesting narratives behind each location.
We look forward to welcoming you to Adak Island!
Want to know more?
Visit the Aleut Ventures website and learn about Adak Island, its history, activities, and travel tips for exploring this distinctive Alaska destination. Or visit our parent company Aleut’s website for Adak maps.