Mill Bay

Mill Bay is a surf spot located in Alaska, USA Northwest. The spot is situated on the northeastern tip of Kodiak Island, on the northern side of town. Mill Bay offers a beach break with a sandy bottom. The surf spot provides both left and right waves. It’s suitable for all levels of experience and sometimes breaks with waves less than 50m in length. The spot works best with a medium tide. Mill Bay is easily accessible from the city of Kodiak, with public pathways leading directly to the beach. Winter is the prime season for surfing at Mill Bay, especially when wave faces reach 5ft+ and conditions become clean and barreling. The best swell direction comes from the north, southeast, east, and northeast. Swell size starts working at 1 to 1.5 meters and can hold up to 3+ meters. For paddling out when it’s big, it’s best to start on the left side of the reef and then paddle behind it into the surf zone once you’re far enough out. The spot is rarely crowded, with only about 10 people in town who surf. Nearby spots include Three Mile and Fossil Beach. When visiting Mill Bay, it’s important to check the surf forecast and report to understand current conditions. Always assess your skills before paddling out to ensure the spot and conditions match your surfing level. While crowds are uncommon, it’s crucial to respect local surfers and follow proper surf etiquette. Beyond surfing, Mill Bay Beach Park offers picnic sites and opportunities for fishing, particularly for silver and pink salmon from late July through September. The area is also popular for birdwatching, especially during winter months. Kodiak Island Borough, where Mill Bay is located, has a diverse geography including various islands and protected areas such as the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge.