the beach
a small piece of history
Just a short floatplane ride from the lodge, where the tide leaves behind its own kind of catch.
Starting around 1910, Japanese fishermen began using hand-blown glass balls, called Ukidama, or "floating balls," to keep their nets afloat at sea. Most were made from recycled glass, often old sake bottles, which is why the surviving ones carry air bubbles, faint seams, and the occasional stamped kanji character. Glass was phased out in favor of aluminum and plastic by the 1970s, but by then hundreds of thousands of floats had already broken loose from nets and drifted into the North Pacific.
Once free, the floats get caught in a current called the North Pacific Drift, a slow, circular sweep of water that carries them east from Japan, past the Aleutians, and down the Alaska coast before looping back toward Asia. Storms and tides periodically knock floats out of that current and push them onto shore, which is how they end up here: half-buried in gravel, tangled in beach grass, or resting in the tide line, decades after they last held a net.
the beach
The flight to the beach follows the same stretch of coastline as the trip out, a short hop by wheel plane, weather permitting. Landings depend on the tide and conditions that day, so this excursion is offered when timing allows rather than on a fixed schedule.
Once there, expect loose gravel, scattered driftwood, and a good stretch of shoreline to comb at your own pace. Bring a bag for anything you find; glass floats, sea glass, and the odd curiosity the tide leaves behind are yours to keep.
AN ADVENTURE FOR EVERYONE
Beachcombing has always been part of life at Lava Creek. It's become a favorite for guests looking for a change of pace from a full day of fishing, or for anyone in the group who came as much for the scenery and company as the rods.
No experience needed, just a good eye and a walk along the shore.
need help planning your trip?
Whether you're here for the fishing, the flightseeing, or a little of both, we'll help you build the week that fits.