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Buskin River State Recreation Site

Mouth of Buskin River
Mouth of Buskin River

Buskin River through the Mist
Buskin River through the Mist		     Buskin River State Recreation Site borders the Buskin River and is near the state airport. The Buskin River is one of the most productive fisheries on the Kodiak road system. Visitors from around the world visit this river to fish for sockeye and coho salmon. For those that like to hike or mountain bike, there are old military roads connecting WWII structures hidden in the spruce forest on the north side of the park. Visitors can expect to see a variety of birds and wildlife including brown bears, eagles, harlequin ducks, and harbor seals. Most camping sites are suitable for R.V.s and there is an R.V. overflow area. Camping sites are available on a first come first serve basis. There are two picnic shelters and a handicapped-accessible fishing platform located nearby the river. Buskin is located on the Kodiak road system and is a short drive from both downtown and the airport. To reach the Park from the Kodiak State Airport, turn right onto Rezanof Drive. Follow Rezanof for .7 miles. Turn right at the Park sign. If beginning from the ferry dock, go west on Center Street, make a left onto Rezanof Drive. Follow for 4.1 miles. Turn left at the Park sign.

Other helpful links:
Buskin Trail & Campground Map   Fishing at the Buskin

Buskin River State Recreation Site Historical Significance

The WWII structures interspersed throughout Buskin River State Recreation Site were once part of Fort Greely. Fort Greely was a large U.S. army post built during World War II to help defend the continental U.S. from invasion by the Japanese. Little is left of the Fort Greely cantonment area; older naval base buildings were replaced with modern housing for the Kodiak U.S. Coast Guard base, the largest Coast Guard operation and support base in the world today.

Later, it was recognized that Fort Greely’s coastal defenses had been built on land with exceptional recreational and developmental value and the Buskin beach area was transferred to the Bureau of Land Management in 1975. Buskin River State Recreation Site was created on the southern portion of Buskin Hill near the location of the earliest World War II mobile armaments. This property is owned by the Coast Guard and is currently on long-term lease to the State of Alaska. (excerpt from "The Kodiak Coastal Defense System at Fort Greely During WWII")

Return to Kodiak State Parks Recreation Guide


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Kodiak Area State Parks
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Buskin River
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Last updated on Monday, 31-Aug-2009 10:16:39 AKDT.
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