NHN Uyak Bay , Larsen Bay, AK 99624(Kodiak Island Borough)

The inlet often ringed by land on several sides is shielded from large waves and harsh winds, making it potentially ideal for small boats, kayaking, fishing, and safe floatplane landings. Its calm waters reflect the sky and surrounding hills, attracting birds and wildlife. Being off-grid means no municipal power, water, or sewer, so you’d rely on solar, wind, generators, rainwater catchment, wells, or septic systems. The setting is peaceful and remote, ideal for those seeking solitude, privacy, and a direct connection to nature.

Recreation

Uyak Bay, just outside Larsen Bay on Kodiak Island, is one of Alaska’s richest wildlife areas, and a property there would be surrounded by extraordinary biodiversity year-round. The calm, nutrient-rich waters of the bay attract salmon runs in summer, which in turn draw Kodiak brown bears to the shoreline. Sitka black-tailed deer frequent the hillsides, feeding in meadows and among spruce.

Along the shore and in the inlet, you might see sea otters, harbor seals, and the occasional humpback or orca passing through. Bald eagles and puffins are common, along with a variety of seabirds and waterfowl. The protected inlet’s tidal flats can attract shorebirds and water birds during migration.

The combination of forest, hillside, and shoreline habitats means you’d have year-round opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, hunting (where permitted), and fishing all right from your own land. This mix of marine and terrestrial life makes Uyak Bay a rare place where wilderness is not just nearby, but part of your daily surroundings.

History

Uyak Bay and Larsen Bay on Kodiak Island have a long, layered history shaped by Alaska Native heritage, Russian colonization, commercial fishing, and modern subsistence living.

Ancient Alutiiq/Sugpiaq homelandFor thousands of years, the Alutiiq (Sugpiaq) people lived along the shores of Uyak Bay, thriving on the rich marine environment. Archaeological sites including old village sites, shell middens, and petroglyphs reveal settlements dating back more than 7,000 years. Salmon runs, halibut, sea mammals, and waterfowl formed the core of their subsistence and culture, along with seasonal hunting of land mammals.

Russian era (late 1700smid 1800s)When Russian fur traders arrived in the late 18th century, they established posts around Kodiak Island, including areas near Uyak Bay. The sea otter fur trade was intense, and it deeply disrupted traditional life, both culturally and through forced labor. Russian Orthodoxy also took root during this time, leaving a lasting spiritual and architectural influence.

American era & commercial fishing (late 1800searly 1900s)After the U.S. purchase of Alaska in 1867, American fishing and cannery operations expanded. Uyak Bay’s sheltered waters and access to rich fishing grounds made it a strategic location for salmon canneries. Larsen Bay, in particular, grew around a large cannery established in the early 20th century, becoming a seasonal hub for fishermen, cannery workers, and supply boats.

Mid-20th centuryLarsen Bay remained a small fishing village, with many residents working seasonally in the cannery or fishing commercially. Subsistence activities remained vital, with the surrounding land and sea continuing to provide for the community. The cannery eventually closed in the late 20th century, but the village persisted.

TodayLarsen Bay is home to a predominantly Alutiiq population, blending modern life with strong cultural traditions. The area is known for sport fishing lodges, wildlife viewing, and as a gateway to Kodiak’s remote bays including Uyak Bay. The land and waters remain a source of subsistence resources, cultural heritage, and economic activity through guided fishing, hunting, and tourism.

Location

Uyak Bay is a long, sheltered fjord-like bay on the western side of Kodiak Island, Alaska, opening into Shelikof Strait. Surrounded by steep, green hills and forested slopes, it offers protected waters ideal for boating, fishing, and floatplane access. Near the bay’s eastern end lies the small village of Larsen Bay, a remote Alutiiq community with a strong fishing heritage. The area is rich in wildlife from Kodiak brown bears and Sitka black-tailed deer on land to salmon, halibut, and sea otters in the water. With no road connections to the rest of the island, Uyak Bay is reached by boat or floatplane, giving it an untouched, secluded feel while still being within a short flight of Kodiak City.