Welcome to Akhiok
Akhiok is a remote, commercial fishing Alutiiq village with 58 residents. It is located on the southwestern tip of Kodiak Island in Alitak Bay, approximately 80 air miles southwest of Kodiak City. Akhiok is beautifully carved out by flat grassy rolling hills abundant in wildflowers. Akhiok was first established as a sea otter hunting community by the Russians. It was originally called Kashukugmiut.
North to the village of Akhiok, is the Ayakulik River (also known as Red River) it has exceptional fishing for king salmon and reds, and frequent encounters with the bears is common. The Alutiiq natives were originally located on the Ayakulik River once supporting approximately 15,000 Alutiiq natives. In 1939, the natives relocated to Akhiok (15 miles away from the Ayakulik River), which was originally a Russian sea otter hunting community. Upon the Russian arrival to the area, there were 130 barabaras (partially sod homes semi built underground by Alutiiq ancient natives). The river is important to the native culture and the Alutiiq people, which provides fishing, hunting and gathering of native foods to the locals today. There are several archeological sites along the 
rich banks of the river, and along the cliffs of Alitak. There are over 700 petroglyphs* carved into the rocks. It is the largest collection found today.
*Petroglyphs (shown right) are graphic pieces of artwork carved into rocks by the ancient Alutiiq people. These markings are usually found at the entrance of a bay. Reasons are unknown but they could have been used for hunting rituals, marking territory, or telling stories.
The most commonly used method to get to the Ayakulik Riveris is using a drop off and pick up points method provided by a small bush pilot wheeled aircraft or by helicopter at Red Lake or Bear Creek.
The Ayakulik River is the largest river stream on Kodiak Island. It is a 28 mile, crystal clear, slow moving river that gradually peaks. It runs over gravel, rocky beds, and a series of pools. Water levels are usually low from mid- June to mid August, but rises by mid May to mid June, and mid August to mid October. Rafters float along the Ayakulik River and Bear creek until they meet the shores of Kodiak Island. The Ayakulik River provides a strong pink and sockeye salmon run, with steelhead trout as well.
The Kaguyak River provides one of the best King Salmon runs. In 1972, the village of Kaguyak relocated to Akhiok, after the 1964 earthquake and tsunami, and incorporated themselves into present day Akhiok. Some residents moved to the near village of Old Harbor.
Resources: Ayakulik Inc. website, Alaska's Konyag Country, Alaska Department of Fish and Game website, Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, Koniag Website, Picture Of Akhiok And Russian Orthodox Church Are Provided By Bruce Nelson, and Petroglyphs By Andy Christofferson. The Ayakulik River, e.g. Image courtesy of the Alutiiq Museum.
Traveling to the villages
Click to view a map showing where Akhiok is on Kodiak Island