Journey to Alaska Episode 20
Join us in this episode, where we leave Seward and head toward Homer. We stop at the Deep Creek State Rec Area near Ninilchik Alaska and take you along as we witness a strange Alaskan ritual!
There’s a new adventure around every corner so don’t forget to join in on our Alaska Summer on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook! We appreciate you following along with us.
Journey to Alaska Episode 20 | Ninilchik, Alaska | Deep Creek Boat Launch
Who Needs a Boat Ramp?
While we were in Ninlichick camping at Deep Creek Campground we saw a “new to us”, unique way to launch and retrieve your boat without a boat launching ramp. This tractor assisted boat launch operation is one of the busiest boat ramps in the area.
Opened in the late 1980s, Deep Creek State Park, in Ninilchik, was put on the map of premier saltwater fishing destinations with the opening of this tractor assisted boat launch operation.
The boat launch area is generally open from May 1st through Labor Day weekend, this service launches thousands of charter and private boats and has become an essential asset to the Ninilchik community economy, as well as a major attraction.
It was quite fun to watch them launch and retrieve these big boats. Later on in our trip, we took a fishing trip ourselves out of Ninilchik and got to “ride” the boat out the launch area (video coming soon).
8 Random facts about the Deep Creek Boat Launch
- Most of those crews are local boys and we are proud of the great work they do
- Due to the large tide changes in Cook Inlet, there is no harbor or ramps
- Charter boats and trailers in Ninilchik are limited in size and weight because of this unique launch system and carry a maximum of 6 fishermen
- When you hear someone cry, “The kings are in at Deep Creek! “, it’s because our launch is the first to open on central Cook Inlet every season
- The halibut in Cook Inlet and king salmon runs at Deep Creek are legendary, making this boat launch area very popular
- The tractors launch both private and charter boats
- Due to the unique conditions of this launch, weather can play a major factor when launching boats.
- Departure and return times for fishing trips can vary widely as their dependent on the tides, wind and overall marine weather conditions.
Aaron watching them retrieve a boat from the ocean after a long day of fishing. We watched boats come and go while we were camping at Deep Creek Rec Area for 2 weeks. Make sure you check out our video to see how this unique boat launch works! It is pretty awesome!
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