Bystrinsky Nature Park is a key collection of central Kamchatka ecosystems and comprises some of the most dramatic mountains, alpine tundra, meadows, birch and conifer forests on Kamchatka. The park includes the traditional homelands of the Even reindeer herding people who first settled on Kamchatka just over 150 years ago. Anavgai and Esso villages are within the park boundaries and preservation of traditions of these aboriginal people is one of the park's primary goals. This interior Kamchatka park is homeland of big horn snow sheep, moose, sable, bear, beaver, mink, fox, wolf, reindeer, and 104 species of birds. The region's conifer forests are not found in other parts of Kamchatka and the massive Ichinsky Volcano is the highest active volcano in the Sredinny Mountain Range.

     Get to the park by driving 8-10 hours from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky on the only road north. As both the largest (3,295,095 acres) and one of the least developed of Kamchatka's parks, Bystrinsky offers visitors and locals a huge and unspoiled territory.

      The park's trails have been used for decades by regional hunters and reindeer herders. Even Native people use sturdy northern horses for travel into the wilderness. Through the park flow some of the wildest and most scenic rivers on Kamchatka and the Esso Bystraya River is a favorite for Whitewater rafters. 

     Thanks to the efforts of Native leaders from Anavgai and Esso, there are several wonderful cultural festivals each year and everyone is welcome to join in the merrymaking. Each March the Beringia Sled Dog Race from Esso to Ossora, on Kamchatka's northeast coast, has a heartwarming ceremonial start for one of the world's toughest dog races. The summer solstice is the Even New Year celebration and autumn brings harvest festivities in early September.

      In 2004, with support of the UNDP/GEF the Even camp "Menedek" was created near the village of Anavgai, where visitors may experience the traditional culture and life of the Even people.  At this center, one may acquire authentic handmade souvenirs, and enjoy a snack of fry bread and tea with the Even people.