Okhosk Coast

South of the Yamskiye Islands, the northern Sea of Okhotsk meets the entrance to Shelikhov Gulf. The largest island, Matykil, has steep cliffs on its northern side and a more gently vegetated southern shore. Atykan rises nearby with precipitous rocky walls. Strong currents pass the islands, whose cliffs and loose stone slopes shelter immense colonies of auklets and fulmars. Steller sea lions gather on Matykil's eastern and southern beaches.