King Cove, Alaska — a working fishing town at the edge of the Aleutians

The Peter Pan Seafoods plant at King Cove is one of the largest in North America, processing sockeye, pink, and chum salmon in summer, then Pacific cod, pollock, and halibut through the winter. In peak season the fleet in the harbor can top 100 boats. A dockside walk at 6 a.m. during salmon season is the whole story in one look.

For more than 40 years, King Cove has fought for an 11-mile gravel road through a corner of the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge to reach the Cold Bay airport for medical evacuations. The refuge protects the world's most important brant staging area; the community has lost residents on delayed medevacs. The land exchange has been approved, blocked, and re-approved through multiple administrations and lawsuits.

PenAir / Ravn Alaska flies King Cove from Cold Bay in a Grand Caravan when weather allows — expect flexible schedules. There is one hotel (King Cove Corporation Hotel), a store, a restaurant or two, and a small museum. Ask permission before photographing people or private property; this is a working community, not a tourist stop.

The harbor and cannery, the WWII lookout ruins above town, the boardwalk to Ram's Creek, and — if a local offers — a skiff ride to see sea otters and puffins along the outer coast. Bring cash; card acceptance is spotty.