The pristine lakes and rivers that empty into Bristol Bay support world-renowned spawning and harvesting of all five species of Pacific salmon -- king, sockeye, silver, chum, and pink -- as well as rainbow trout, arctic char, grayling, northern pike, lake trout and Dolly Varden. Beluga whales and Orcas (killer whales) can be seen following the salmon runs. The area is home to caribou, moose, bear, and walrus, as well as small game such as beaver, porcupine, otter, and fox, and varied waterfowl.

All wildlife are important for commercial and sport activities and for the subsistence lifestyle of local communities. Wood-Tikchik State Park (the largest state park system in the U.S.), Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, and Walrus Islands State Game Sanctuary; are all accessible from Dillingham and Naknek.

Traditional customs of the region's mixed Alaska Native culture -- Eskimo, Aleut, and Athabascan -- are still evident. Local arts and crafts can be seen in the region's museums and visitor centers. From hub communities, visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, boating, rafting, fishing, hunting, traditional subsistence activities, air tours, hiking, cannery tours, museum tours, and historic sites.