Russian naturalist/explorer S. P. Krasheninnikov described an Itelmen settlement along the Nalychevo River over 250 years ago. Here, people caught fish from the river and ocean, hunted seals, and inland they hunted for bear and fur bearing animals like mink and sable. The village was inundated by a tsunami November 5, 1952 and was subsequently abandoned.
This protected valley became a popular recreation, hunting, and fishing area for locals living in the Petropavlovsk area due to its gorgeous scenery, hot springs, and amiable microclimate. The flora of Nalychevo is typical Eastern Kamchatka boreal forest, with arctic-alpine species represented. 14 plant species in the park are listed as rare in the Russian Far East and 4 are in the Russian endangered species Red Book. One of the most important characteristics of Nalychevo is the presence of distinct botanic zones - from marine to alpine. Because of it's biodiversity and outstanding array of volcanoes, Nalychevsky Nature Park, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List of Volcanic. This status led to support by the World Wildlife Fund to develop a visitor center and guest cabins in the park center.
The park opens off the north side of Avachinsky and Koryaksky Volcanoes in the southeast region of the peninsula and includes the Nalychevo River basin. A spectacular volcanic backdrop including the Avachinsky and Koryak-sky Volcanoes, which overlook Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, encircle the meadows, stone birch forests, and tundra of the park. A chain of active and extinct volcanoes includes Kozel-sky, Avachinsky, Koryaksky, Arik, Aag, Dzenzur, and Kju-panovsky with a maximum elevation of 3,456 m (Koryaksky). The park has no road access so one must either hike in, helicopter in (20-30 minutes each way), or in winter ski or snow machine into the territory.
Nalychevo Park can be visited year round with many hiking and winter skiing opportunities. Hikers trek in and out of the park from June through early October. The best skiing is March through April. Hiking trails offer two main routes into the park and are shown in maps available at the Park Department in Petropavlovsk.
The park center has a visitor center museum and although there isn't much information in English, there are maps and plenty of pictures. The park center has a ranger cabin, toilets, and a store that sells essential food items for a well-fed visit to the park. There are several cozy cabins and covered cooking areas, which may be reserved in advance.
The park is home to a wide range of wildlife including Kamchatka brown bear, sable, and many species of birds. In August it is common to see a few bears grazing on the tundra berries across the river from the Park Visitor Center.
In the park center are wild hot springs, and the water is a delightful temperature for bathing. There are several other wild springs in the park that one may visit.