The city of Cordova is the gateway to the Copper River Delta, a region containing hundreds of thousands of acres of marshland, glacier fed rivers, ponds, and streams with a back drop of snow-capped mountains and massive, breathtaking blue glaciers.

The Copper River Delta is formed by six glacial river systems, with a tremendous population of fish and wildlife. It is also the habitat for waterfowl; ducks and geese inhabit nearly every pond. Birds, mallards, pintail widgeons and teal can be seen throughout the area. The delta is also home to more than ten percent of the world's population of trumpeter swans.

In early May, millions of shorebirds arrive on the delta during the yearly spring migration. The city of Cordova hosts an annual shorebird workshop, called the "Shorebird Festival, "which draws hundreds of birds watchers from throughout the United States.

Many of the of the Shorebirds stay throughout the summer. The delta is home to gulls, and terns, which can be seen along the intertidal areas as well as snipes, sandpipers, phalaropes and yellow legs that nest in the wetlands. Bald Eagles, are also very common throughout the area. Moose and brown and black bears are also residents of the delta. During the summer, both species of bears can be seen along delta waterways feasting on the salmon headed for up river spawning grounds. Aquatic mammals such as mink, bears endeavor abound in the delta environment, and along to coast live longer populations of playful Sea Otters. There are also 21 miles of trails for hiking through the various delta habitats, in which the U.S. Forest Service maintain. They also have picnic areas, and remote camping sites. The delta area is a sport fisherman's paradise. Sockeye Salmon begin to migrate in mid June, followed by Silver Salmon in August. Cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden Char are found in abundance in the waterways too.