***More up-to-date and detailed town profiles and specific employment information about Dillingham and other Region 5 towns can be found at Alaska Job Finder. Unfortunately, our licensing agreement with AlaskaJobFinder doesn't allow us to use the most current version of their Alaska Job information.***

Please use this town profile only for general information, as some of the information may be outdated.

Located on the Nushagak River, this is the largest town in Bristol Bay with a population of just over 2,000. There is a large Aleut and Alaska Native population in Dillingham and many ties to tradition. This town is slightly more scenic and modern than the Bristol Bay towns of Naknek and King Salmon. While still basically flat with lots of Alaska tundra groundcover, the area does have a few more trees; there are even a few hills and mountains in the distance. The economy of Dillingham relies heavily upon fishing during May, June, and July. Bristol Bay alone provides one-third of the world's total salmon catch. Because of low silver salmon returns in recent years, the town no longer celebrates its once-annual Silver Salmon Derby. But chinook and sockeye keep fishing industry workers busy all summer long; in fact Dillingham boasts the largest commercial sockeye fleet in the world. Summer employment is brisk, and centers around two major salmon processing plants in town and a smaller plant across the river.

Laundry and dry cleaning services, two decent supermarkets, a hardware store, and banks all are available in the area. Fishing and boating provide recreation at Aleknagik Lake, forty-five minutes away; Ernie's Cab in town sometimes has scheduled lake runs for a set fee. Dillingham also is about thirty miles south of Wood - Tikchik State Park, the largest state park in the country. Completely undeveloped, this park is an ideal destination for those wishing to experience a backcountry canoe or kayak trip. The park features a chain of lakes reknowned for their sportfishing opportunities. Avid anglers will delight in trophy trout, char, and pike.

Outdoorspeople may also want to check out massive Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, the border of which begins just three miles outside of town. The refuge is home to migrating waterfowl, and is well worth a visit. Visit the refuge office at 6 Main Street, (907) 842-1063 for more information.

Dillingham is serviced by regularly scheduled flights on PenAir and Alaska Airlines.

Dillingham Information

Population: 2,000; greater during summer

Location: Bristol Bay; 500 miles southwest of Anchorage

Annual precipitation: 50 inches

July averages: 60.5 F

Inexpensive lodging: Nothing inexpensive, however here are your best options:

The Bristol Inn
Phone: (907) 842-2240
Address: 104 Main Street
Website: www.alaskaoutdoors.com/bristolinn/
Email: bristol@nushtel.com
Cost: $115.50/single; $126.50 for a double; $20.90 for each additional person.
Comments: Rooms are generally nicer than at the Dillingham Hotel, but can be noisy.

Dillingham Hotel
Phone: (907) 842-5316
Address: 429 Second Ave
Cost: $110.00/single; $137.50 for a double; $27.50 for each additional person.
Comments: Rooms are more quiet than rooms at The Bristol Inn.

Camping: Tent City/Dillingham Campground is located .25 miles from town by the boat harbor. The fee is $5/day, but this is not strictly enforced. There's a sani-can and picnic tables but no covered area. Showers are available in town for $4 at DLG Laundry/Ernie's Cab; bring a towel.

Airport: Approximately 4.5 miles out of town

Chamber of Commerce: P.O. Box 348, Dillingham, AK 99576; (907) 842-5115.

Hospital: (907) 842-5201

***More up-to-date and detailed town profiles and specific employment information about Dillingham can be found at AlaskaJobFinder.com. Unfortunately, our licensing agreement with AlaskaJobFinder doesn't allow us to use the most current version of their Alaska Job information. Please use this town profile only for general information, as some of the information may be outdated.***

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