The Becharof National Wildlife Refuge encompasses approximately 1,157,000 acres and located directly south of the Katmai National Park and Preserve. It contains Becharof Lake, which at approximately 300,000 acres is the second-largest lake in Alaska, and the largest lake in the National Wildlife Refuge System. Mt. Peulik, a 4,800- foot volcano with lava flows reaching to Becharof Lake is a prominent landmark.

Becharof Wilderness
Approximately 500,000 acres of the refuge were designated the Becharof Wilderness by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. The area represents a variety of pristine habitats with the entire complement of plant and animal associations still intact. Wilderness designation insures that representative samples of these interdependent associations, some of which are unique, will be perpetuated for this and future generations to enjoy. The genetic diversity protected by the unit will serve as an invaluable source of data for scientific investigation and for potential future needs for fish and wildlife protection, restoration and enhancement.

Becharof Lake
Becharof Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the National Wildlife Refuge System. The lake and its drainage support one of the largest sockeye salmon runs in Bristol Bay as well as a large suite of their predators including char, Arctic grayling, brown bears, cormorants, terns, and bald eagles. The uplands within this ecosystem provide habitat for moose, caribou, nesting waterfowl and songbirds, small mammals, and other species within a rich matrix of vegetation types. Many subsistence and recreational hunters hunt caribou within this area. The outlet of Becharof Lake is popular with subsistence fishermen and recreational anglers. Significant paleontological resources have been located in the fossil-rich upland, including pliosaur (a giant marine reptile from the late Jurassic period) found in the Kejulik drainage. The area has special scenic and public use values.

Island Arm and Ruth Lake
The Island Arm of Becharof Lake provides most of the spawning and rearing habitat for sockeye salmon within the Becharof drainage. Consequently, it hosts one of the highest density of brown bears feeding on spawning salmon that occurs in Becharof Refuge and the Ugashik Unit. Island Arm is also especially scenic with its many small islands and surrounding mountains. Among them, the Ruth Lake and River provide an outstanding example of a beautiful glaciated mountain drainage.

Becharof/Katmai Uplands
These uplands on the eastern boundary of the refuge support important brown bear denning and moose winter range. The area is on, of the most scenic parts of the refuge.

Mt. Peulik/Gas Rocks Area
This area is geologically significant, being one of Alaska’s most recent volcanically active sites. In 1977, eruption of the Ukinrek Maars received international attention. In addition to its scientific and educational values, the area has special scenic values. At 4,835 feet, the classic volcanic cone of Mt. Peulik dominates the area; and nestled in its side the cinder cones of Ugashik Caldera complete the unique volcanic landscape.

King Salmon River Drainage (Egegik)
This drainage provides important spawning and rearing habitat for all species of Pacific salmon except sockeye. It also contains significant Dolly Varden char and arctic grayling populations, and the farthest south resident rainbow trout population on the Alaska Peninsula. The area provides brown bear, moose, and caribou habitat, as well as nesting habitat for tundra swans, sandhill cranes, ptarmigan, and other birds. It is important for local subsistence, as well as for recreational angling and hunting.

Big Creek Drainage
This area is important for salmon spawning and rearing and includes key moose, caribou, and brown bear habitats. It is one of the most heavily visited parts of the refuge for subsistence purposes and is a favorite trapping area for local residents. Recreational hunting for moose is popular in this area of the Refuge.