The Kenai River Special Management Area encompasses more than 105 linear miles of rivers and lakes. These include Kenai Lake, Skilak Lake and the Kenai River from river mile 82 downstream to within four miles of its mouth at Cook Inlet. Rivers and lakes are a defining feature of the Kenai Peninsula’s natural landscape, alongside glaciers, coastlines and mountains.
Rivers, Lakes and Wildlife Viewing
The Upper Kenai River is a section open to drift boats only. It offers opportunities for fishing and camping, as well as scenic overlooks. In summer, bears, moose and bald eagles can be spotted along the river. Fishing and camping opportunities go hand in hand with a river landscape where wildlife viewing and scenic vistas are also part of the experience.
Trails in the Kenai River Special Management Area provide access to fishing spots and scenic overlooks. They also offer opportunities for photography and panoramic views of the Kenai River, Skilak Lake and Kenai Lake. Visitors who want to take in the waterways from somewhere other than the river will find a different perspective on these same named bodies of water.
A total of 187 bird species have been recorded at the Kenai River Flats. Of these, 81 are known to breed at least annually or occasionally. These figures give a sense of the birdlife found here; future surveys may change the species counts.
Glaciers, Parks and Getting Around
The Kenai Peninsula’s landscapes include lush forests, rugged mountains, a jagged coastline and vast glaciers. Harding Icefield crowns the landscape of Kenai Fjords National Park. It is the source of at least 38 glaciers that flow across the land.
Kenai Fjords National Park is located just outside the city of Seward. Seward is accessible year-round via the Seward Highway, a National Scenic Byway. The main ways to access the park are by road to Exit Glacier and by water along the coast. Road and coastal conditions vary by season, so check current conditions for your chosen route before planning your trip.
Other protected areas showcase different sides of the region. Kachemak Bay State Park offers opportunities for fishing, boating, kayaking, hiking, camping and mountaineering. Captain Cook State Recreation Area, meanwhile, includes forests, lakes, streams and saltwater beaches. Activities there include canoeing, boating, beachcombing, birdwatching, berry picking and wildlife viewing.
Deep Creek State Recreation Area has two scenic overlooks, a beach campground and a day-use area; it also offers wildlife viewing opportunities. Here, visitors can enjoy scenic views, a beach camping area and a place for day visits.
Discover History and Culture
Caines Head State Recreation Area is home to an abandoned World War II fort. Historic trails take hikers along old military roads to Fort McGilvray and on to South Beach. The landscape here offers a connection to a specific chapter of military history.
Russian Orthodox and village history come together in Ninilchik: the Church of the Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord was built in 1901 and has five golden onion domes. The original Ninilchik Village dates back to the early 19th century. It includes historic log cabins and fishing boats resting on the beach.
Food also plays a part at Salmonfest. Food stalls and food trucks serve Thai cuisine, salmon dishes, Indian cuisine, classic American fare, gourmet sandwiches and barbecue. The selection ranges from salmon dishes suited to the region to foods and cuisines from different traditions.
Winter Experiences on the Kenai Peninsula
In winter, the Kenai Peninsula offers opportunities for cross-country skiing, dog sledding, snowshoeing, ice fishing and fat biking, as well as viewing the northern lights. These activities are quite different from summer river outings and birdwatching. Offerings from individual providers and conditions vary; check the relevant conditions when planning specific winter activities.
Discover more destinations: Seward, Homer, Soldotna, Clam Gulch, Kenai, Moose Pass, Anchor Point, Fritz Creek, Ninilchik, Kasilof, Seldovia.
See the overview of destinations: Alaska.
