Wood-Tikchik State Park

The most popular and accessible float trip within the park. This float passes through five lakes and four shallow clear water rivers. Rangers recommend at least 7-10 days for this journey, or even longer adding time to explore the western reaches of the lakes. The lakes can be very rough with 2-4 foot breaking waves if a strong wind is present. Excellent fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Permit required. The river is used for floating, fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing. When water levels are low exposed gravel bars are suitable for camping. Excellent hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Fish and Wildlife of Wood-Tikchik State Park

Wood-Tikchik State Park spans 2,700 square miles of mostly remote wilderness. The park provides critical habitat for fish and wildlife and is a sanctuary for many species. The Wood-Tikchik Lakes provide prime spawning and rearing habitat for sockeye salmon, the most central and essential component of the watershed.

Sport Fishing

Though sockeye salmon are arguably the most important species found in the park, most visiting anglers come to Wood-Tikchik State Park after another equally impressive species, rainbow trout. Rainbows can be found throughout the park and their migrations are tied closely with salmon spawning. The Agulowak and Agulukpak, two shallow and relatively short clear water rivers, inspire Wood-Tikchik's status as a world-class sport fishery.

For information regarding fish and game bag and possession limits, seasons and methods of take, please refer to the current hunting and fishing regulations or visit www.adfg.alaska.gov

Subsistence uses in the park are concentrated in and around the lakes and rivers. Hunting, fishing, and gathering are a vital part of the local way of life. The most important fish and game resources in the park is salmon, although moose, caribou and resident fish are also important.

For centuries families have fished for salmon, gathered berries and plants and hunted for moose and caribou in the Wood-Tikchik and surrounding area. The park is also used for trapping and providing other renewable resources for food, clothing, and handicrafts. The culture and the health of the people of the watershed are reliant on the resources of Wood-Tikchik and the surrounding lands.

As set forth in the enabling legislation, a primary purpose in creating Wood-Tikchik State Park was to insure that traditional uses of the area were allowed to continue. While local residents use the park year-round, the park sees its heaviest use between June 15 and the end of September - the prime fishing and hunting seasons.

Residents of Aleknagik and Dillingham as well as the surrounding villages use the park for a variety of resources. Many residents of these villages are highly dependent on a subsistence lifestyle. The most important fish and game resource within the park is salmon, although moose, caribou and resident fish are also important. The park is also used for gathering firewood, picking berries, trapping and for other renewable resources and food, clothing, shelter, transportation, and handicrafts.

When can I hunt or fish in the park? Hunting and fishing are both allowed in the park. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game provides information on regulations including: lawful seasons, lawful gear and gear and weapon restrictions. Regulation information and licenses are available at Alaska Department of Fish and Game and at local sporting goods stores.

Permit required to camp on or around Chikuminuk Lake. The Allen River has severe rapids and is rarely run by boaters. The upper and lower rapids are very difficult. It is highly recommended to portage several class V rapids.

Large portions of the Wood-Tikchik State Park are de facto wilderness, experiencing very little visitation and offering few, if any, man-made comforts. Managing the more remote parts of the park for wilderness values is consistent with both legislative direction and local interests, with one major exception: use of motorized vehicles. Conventional wilderness management restricts or prohibits motorized activities, yet the park enabling bill states that park regulations:

Persons conducting commercial activities within Wood-Tikchik State Park must obtain, in advance, a permit issued by the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation per State of Alaska regulations. Examples of Commercial activities include guided activities, outfitting, commercial photography and filming, charter services, transportation services, etc.

Wood-Tikchik State Park Regulations

The following list of regulations help govern the management of Wood-Tikchik State Park. For a full list of State Park and Wood-Tikchik specific Regulations, please visit the Alaska Statutes and Regulations web page at legis.state.ak.us/basis/folio.asp

Wood-Tikchik Regulations

The use of hovercraft on water bodies (and snow and ice covering water bodies) is prohibited on the upper river within the Wilderness Area and is allowed only between January 1- May 31 annually on the lower river in the Natural Area. Management Unit 2: Upper Tikchik Lakes- Nishlik, Slate, Upnuk and Chikuminuk - This unit is designated wilderness.

The use of generators is prohibited.

The use of hovercraft anywhere in this unit is prohibited.

Stays in the campground at the Agulukpak are limited to three nights. Commercial use of the campground is prohibited. Primitive camping is allowed along the river as long as camps are at least one-mile away from the cabin and campsites.

(b) The use of an airboat is prohibited.

(2) except as authorized by the director under 11 AAC 18.010, is prohibited on Upnuk, Chikuminuk, Grant, Kulik, Nishlik, and Slate lakes and the upper Tikchik and Wind Rivers.

(e) The use of a motorized boat is prohibited on Lake Chikuminuk.

State Park Regulations

Visitors and prospective visitors often have numerous question about the park. Below is a list of questions and answers that may assist your trip planning. If your question isn't answered below please contact the park for further information. Many regulations are cited and you can click the link to find further information or a description.

Where can I get firewood? Wood that is both dead and lying on the ground may be gathered for lawful personal use within the park. No wood may be gathered for personal use off of state park land, including for use on private lands within the park. Cutting live trees is prohibited. 11 AAC 12.170

Can I light off fireworks in the park? The discharge of fireworks is not allowed in the park. They can injure visitors, disturb wildlife and cause wildfires. 11 AAC 12.197

Can I take my firearm in the park? Firearms may be carried in the park but only discharged for self-protection or lawful hunting and trapping. Target practice is prohibited in the park. 11 AAC 20.370

Can I land my airplane or helicopter in the park? The use of fixed wing aircraft is allowed in the park. Helicopter landings are not allowed in the park. 11 AAC 20.375

Can I pick berries in the park? Yes, berries and edible plants may be gathered for personal consumption, but not for sale. Collecting, damaging or disturbing rocks, trees, other plants or minerals is prohibited. 11 AAC 12.170

Can I pan for gold? Gold panning is prohibited within Wood-Tikchik State Park. 11 AAC 12.170