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Walrus Islands — State Game Sanctuary
What to Bring

You may also download a printable checklist (PDF 27 kB) of recommended and required equipment.

  • PERMIT – Round Island Access Permit. If you are visiting Round Island you will need to bring this with you to access the sanctuary. If you are a day visitor to Round Island, day visit access permits may be obtained from staff on the island.
  • Bring outdoor apparel suitable for layering and cool wet fall weather. Clothing that will provide warmth while being stationary in the wind and rain such as synthetic fleece or wool clothing is best. Your clothes will get wet so bring several changes of clothes including extra socks.
  • Warm hat and gloves - waterproof gloves (neoprene gloves or rubber gloves with liners) & non-waterproof.
  • Good rain gear is critical as the area is subject to storms. Good quality rubberized, Goretex or other raingear is recommended. Ponchos are NOT recommended. Brimmed rain hats are useful if you like.
  • Rubberized knee boots and hiking boots.
  • Tent - A storm proof, high-quality sturdy tent capable of withstanding high winds (in excess of 60 mph) and driving rain with a good rain fly, ground cloth, stakes (enough to stake tent completely) and extra parachute or tie-down cord(s). A low-quality cheap tent will not provide you adequate shelter.
  • Tent repair kit (including materials for splicing broken poles)Hiking boots or shoes for around camp and while at the viewing sites.
  • Sleeping bag (preferably synthetic and rated to at least 20°F).
  • Sleeping Pad - Air mattress or foam pads (tent sites are synthetic wood platforms).
  • Complete cook kit and eating utensils - There is a three burner countertop propane camp stove in the cook tent so you do NOT need to bring a camp cook stove or fuel.
  • Food for your intended length of stay plus enough for an extra week (in case weather delays your departure). Foods that create minimal scraps and come with minimal packaging are preferred as your trash has to be removed from the Sanctuary when you leave.
  • Plastic garbage bags
  • Personal Water bottles and a Water filter or other water treatment method (creek water is available and needs to be filtered, boiled or treated before consuming).
  • Lantern or flashlight with extra batteries. Pocket knife.
  • Matches and/or lighters.
  • Personal First aid kit and prescription medications.
  • Toilet articles. Toilet paper is available on site. Pit toilets are available only at camp.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen (just in case!).
  • Backpack for transporting camera equipment, extra clothing, food and water between camp and viewing areas (some method for keeping contents dry is a must – i.e., waterproof pack, dry bag, waterproof stuff sack(s) or plastic bags to protect food, clothing, camera equipment, etc.).
  • Binoculars.
  • River dry bags, duffle bags lined with plastic bags or other water proof containers to transport your gear (It’s often raining when you arrive or your gear gets dropped in the water when loading or unloading the boat). You will also need to carry all of your gear up a series of stairways to negotiate a 50-foot cliff, so pack in 30-40 pound bundles. Early season arrivals, prior to stairway installation, may have to carry gear up 50-foot rock face.
  • Photography Equipment: Camera, lenses, tripod, etc. Bring lots of digital storage capacity, film and extra batteries (please note that there is NO ELECTRICITY at the camp to recharge batteries).
  • Wildlife guides, personal journal,
  • Reading material and playing cards (in case of foul weather).