Kayaking - Tikchik Lakes

In the park's northern half, and much more remote than the Wood River lakes, are these six lakes. Flat-water kayaking is popular on these lakes, and those interested in river floating can get dropped off on Nishlik or Upnuk Lake and travel along the Tikchik River into Tikchik Lake. You can be picked up there or continue your journey by floating the Nuyakuk and Nushagak Rivers to one of several Alaska Native villages where air-charter flights are available back to Dillingham.

The upper lakes are more challenging and more costly to experience. But the scenery - mountains, pinnacle peaks and hanging valleys surrounding the lakes - is impressive, and there will be far less motorboat activity, if any at all.

The paddling season is from mid-June, when the lakes are finally free of ice and snow, until early October, when they begin to freeze up again. Be prepared for cool and rainy weather and pack plenty of mosquito repellent. Be cautious; sudden winds on the open lakes can create whitecap conditions, and white water may exist on many of the connecting streams.