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Points of Interest
Here’s our list of places to see wildlife on the Kenai Peninsula, as well as tours to get you to the good spots.
Quick: what’s the longest combined rail and highway tunnel in North America? It’s the Anderson Memorial Tunnel, and you’ll drive through it on the scenic and historic drive to Whittier. The Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area is a place whose valleys and mountains, communities and people tell the larger story of a wild place and a rugged frontier. This audio guide gives you the inside scoop on its fascinating history. You’ll… ...more
If you need a moment to yourself, this lonesome lake is a great place to find quiet solitude – and some excellent rainbow trout fishing. But that’s not all it’s great for.
See the small body of water to the right? This is the upper end of Hidden Lake. Find out what natural changes have occurred to it over time.
This is a must stop for photos of beautiful Kenai Lake. The lake was formed from glacier water is a majestic blue and green tone. You’ll find several parking areas along the lake and signs that give you a little history about it.
Kenai Lake marks the beginning of the Kenai River Special Management Area. Established in 1984 to protect this very important resource, the 105-mile area stretches almost all the way to the city of Kenai. Take a walk to the viewing decks with informative signs about this area. You will be able to see the Kenai River along the highway for the next 10 miles.
Finding your lost puppy is probably easier than this. Understand how refuge staff try to bring moose back to an area. It’s not as simple as putting up posters.
The cabin is located on the north shore of Engineer Lake. The cabin is south facing overlooking the lake surrounded by spruce and birch trees. Two bunk beds, table with benches, wood stove, broom, shovel, water bucket, fire extinguisher, established campfire ring, and outhouse.
Camp out at this quiet, clearwater lake, where glaciers once stood over 2,000 feet tall
Ken Tarbox is your guide to this area. Ken’s a retired fishery biologist for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. He’s lived in the area for 32 years and wouldn’t change a thing about it.
Sounds Wild: Birds SmellTern Lake has lots to offer but few people use the old Sterling highway to access the boreal forest near this lake. Drive into the recreational area and as you turn left toward the restrooms you will see an old road to your right. You can walk for miles down this road and enjoy the smell of the woods and the sound of the birds.More Information ...more
Cabin in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. The trailhead to the cabin is located on the Skilak Lake Road, mile 7.5 from the east entrance junction with the Sterling Highway. The cabin is located .2 miles from the road on the Upper Ohmer Lake Trail.
Fire can be hugely important in an ecosystem. Pyromaniacs should note that they’re only positively effective when controlled and contained.
Having trouble being efficient with all your resources? You could probably take a lesson from the ecosystem found here.
Take a stroll down the boardwalk as it winds along the river. There are several interpretive signs with information about fishing, dall sheep, rafting and boat safety. You’ll also find access to Pioneer Village where you can pan for gold at Prospector John’s Authentic Gold Panning.
Out of ideas for what to do? Check out the log books at this cabin to see who has stayed here and what they’ve done.
Close to Anchorage and endowed with abundant recreational opportunities, central Kenai is Alaska’s playground. Two highways, numerous trails, and several major rivers slice through the spine of the Kenai Mountains. World-class fishing, hiking, river rafting, and canoeing – plus alpine lakes and gold history – make for an ideal day trip or week-long vacation.
Check out this salmon-friendly habitat and learn why so many salmon spawn here annually.
This 18-mile-long loop gravel road is the premier wildlife-viewing area on the Kenai Peninsula, and you’ll get spectacular views of lakes and glaciers. Don’t forget to stop and explore all the nature and wildlife around you!
If you’re a bird watcher, you’ll love this half-mile trail of Aspen and Spruce forest.
This 18-mile-long loop gravel road is the premier wildlife-viewing area on the Kenai Peninsula, and you’ll get spectacular views of lakes and glaciers. Don’t forget to stop and explore all the nature and wildlife around you!
Find out how the sockeye salmon in this lake benefit from the clear waters.
Grab your optics and let’s take in the 360-degree view here at the start of the Kenai River, Alaska’s world-renowned salmon fishing hot spot. See wildlife up on the hillsides, songbirds, waterfowl, and the brilliant ice-blue Kenai Lake and River. Breathtaking.