Our Alaska Salmon Runs honor the salmon, the keystone species of our daily lives in this commercial fishing village and the anchor of our surrounding ecosystem. Cordova is surrounded by extraordinary ecosystems that combine to form one of the world’s most spectacular natural environments and host to a thriving wild salmon migration. The race course traverses the Copper River delta where runners are treated to soaring views of mountains being carved by glaciers, wildflowers, and blue water rivers and lakes.

The race course is mostly flat (we’re at sea level), and follows the old Copper River railroad route which led to the Kennicott Copper mines. The marathon starts at 27 mile bridge – one of the many bridges that span the Copper River. The first half of the course is gravel road – with little to no traffic. Because the area is still wild, moose and bear are occasionally encountered. For safety and water support, marathoners will be followed by a vehicle. Runners pass the “Mudhole Smith” airport at mile 13. Paved road then spans the Copper River delta, lined with beautiful wildflowers, including lupine, nagoonberry, fireweed, and Alaska’s State flower, the forget-me-not. The last 10km, are run along the blue waters of Eyak Lake. June temperatures range from low 50s – 75 F.

We now host participants from all over the world, and in one of Alaska’s most beautiful and friendliest communities. We have welcomed runners from Japan, Australia, Brazil, Norway, and several states in the continental U.S.A such as New York and Florida – plus many more. Some people come back year after year, and we hope that you will do the same. Our salmon runs are dedicated to the five species of salmon native to our area.

To see last year’s race results, CLICK HERE. A list of our top race finishers is posted HERE.

For a taste of Salmon Run history and fun, check out our new video!

The Prince William Sound and the surrounding area offers world class salmon and halibut fishing, sea kayaking and canoeing – all with amazing view of the spectacular scenery and wildlife. Surrounding glaciers are easily accessible and can be viewed by road, foot or aerial tours.

Cordova is well known for its Shorebird Festival each May (when the tidal flats of the Copper River Delta shimmer with the activities of thousands of shorebirds on their epic spring migrations), though bird watching can be enjoyed year round from the viewing platforms at Alaganik Slough, or simply when you are out and about!

Perhaps one of the activities visitors most enjoy when traveling to Alaska is wildlife viewing. Sea otters, seals, ermines and other sea mammals are plentiful – so it’s possible to glimpse a furry critter on the Delta, or in the Cordova Harbor in town.

While Cordova doesn’t offer any typical indoor entertainment facilities (we don’t have a movie theatre or bowling alley), you will enjoy visiting the Ilanka Cultural Center to view Eyak the Orca – a re-articulated skeleton of a Killer Whale skeleton from a Prince William Sound pod. Other rainy day activities include visiting the Cordova Historical Museum – visitors find it interesting to see how the town looked prior to the earthquake in 1964.

For more ideas on what to do during your visit to Cordova, visit the Cordova Chamber of Commerce Website, or stop by their office on First Street. Maps on local hiking trails can be picked up at the U.S. Forest Service building on Second Street. Information on fishing and hunting regulations can be picked up at the Alaska Department of Fish & Game Office, on Railroad Avenue by the northeast corner of the harbor.

We hope you enjoy the great line-up of activities we have for you this salmon festival weekend. All activities take place at Mt. Eyak Ski Hill unless otherwise noted. Stay tuned for information about shuttle rides that will be available throughout the weekend.

Thursday July 26th

6:00 p.m. | Taste of Cordova, a Copper River Salmon showcase at Orca Adventure Lodge. Starts off with the CDFU Fillet Demonstration, wild salmon art showcase, and the display of your best seafood dishes. Features a Copper River salmon dinner, announcement of the showcase winners, the Salmon Festival silent auction and live music! $5 for fillet demonstration, art showcase and seafood cook-off, and includes music and appetizers. Copper River salmon dinner prepared by Orca Adventure Lodge culinary team is an additional $15 for adults, $10 for children under 10. Beer/Wine for sale at $5/glass. Purchase of tickets in advance can be done at the CR/PWS Marketing Association, or can be purchased with cash or check at the event.

Friday July 27th

7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Local Arts and Crafts Festival (download A&C entry form from the sidebar)

7:00 p.m. | 12th Annual Salmon Jam music festival opens!

9:oo p.m. | Headline band – Meg Mackey Band

Saturday July 28th

7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Alaska Salmon Runs road races: King salmon marathon, Sockeye half marathon, Coho 10K, Humpy 5K, Smolt one-mile walk/fun run. See the Alaska Salmon Runs page for more details. Download a registration form from the sidebar.

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Small Fry Activities: Join the Prince William Sound Science Center and their partners in education at the festival grounds for fish printing, relays, casting practice and other exciting hands-on activities. Fun for kids of all ages! Arts and Crafts Sale will also be open during this time–your opportunity to support local artists without having to pay the gate fee! Rain location: Bidarki Recreation Center. Free for everyone!

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | 4-H Music Camp hosts a community square dance. Free for everyone!

5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Salmon Barbecue and Alaska Salmon Runs medal announcements. Dinner is $15/adult, $8/child under 12. Does not include Salmon Jam Music admission.

7:00 p.m. | Night 2 of Salmon Jam Music Festival kicks off. Must have wrist band to enter.

9:00 p.m. | Our headliner band rocks the stage once again!

For ideas of other things to do in Cordova, visit or “things to do” page, or visit the Cordova Chamber of Commerce website.