If you like fish, Dillingham is your town. This is the harbour for the Bristol Bay commercial sockeye salmon fishery, one of the world’s most productive. Dillingham also offers outstanding sport-fishing opportunities; guides, charter boats, and wilderness fishing lodges abound. The town has plenty to offer non-anglers, as well, serving as a jumping-off point to several prime wilderness and wildlife areas. Though a working town with a utilitarian ambience, Dillingham offers basic services for travelers, such as hotels, restaurants, and stores.

Those wanting to explore outdoors might consider the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge. This wilderness of lakes, rivers, mountains, and coastline is huge; while its eastern boundary lies 5 kilometres west of town; the western boundary is some 210 kilometres away.

Rafting tours often start on headwater lakes and drift the waterways for several days. Most trips are geared to fishers or hunters, though sightseers and wildlife watchers will also enjoy themselves.