Ninilchik is a Russian town dating back to the early 19th century. Several of the homes date from the 1800’s,
including the first Russian schoolhouse and the Russian Orthodox church.
The town was settled by Russian American Fur Company employees as
a kind of retirement home for longtime workers who had married locally and didn’t want to go back to Russia. The old families of Ninilchik
are both Russian Orthodox and Native American.
This part of the state is a good place to take interesting photographs. The water and light
in the air add a special quality, and the old boats seem to find picturesque resting places.
It periodically crosses small salmon streams, often surrounded by a cluster of houses dating back to the Russian ownership
of Alaska.
These beaches produce delicious razor clams. And, when super-low tides occur, groups of friendly people will show
you how it’s done.
A
Stark, Coastal Beauty
Ninilchik Village has a stark, coastal beauty. By Alaskan standards, the village, having been settled by Russians, is an old one. Along with
dry-docked boats, there are a number of historic, photogenic buildings, including a Russian School House.
Ninilchik | Clamming, old buildings, a great river
to fish in, and the influence of Russia.
Anchor Point | Great fishing. Look for the signs pointing
to the “secret” Anchor Point fishing holes.
CLAMMING 101
Go clamming at Clam Gulch, Deep Creek and Ninilchik. You need
a sport fishing license for this.
Clamming
is best during a minus tide of 2 feet or more. You’ll need a bucket, a clam shovel, boots, and at least one glove to
protect against the razor clam’s sharp shell.
To dig, find a tiny “dimple” and quickly scoop a 6-inch hole. Reach down into the sand until
you find your clam. Experience will teach you not to break the shell, but even if you do, you have to keep it.
You are allowed 60 razor clams. Remember, cleaning the clams is an altogether different matter, so be moderate
in what you dig until you’ve figured that out, too!
Down
and Dirty 
Clamming
is best during a minus tide of 2 feet or more. You’ll need a bucket, a clam shovel, boots, and at least one glove to
protect against the razor clam’s sharp shell.
ALASKA 101
BEARFOOT GUIDES
DENALI 101
