Kenai Backcountry Lodge

Staying at the remote Kenai Backcountry Lodge within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge offers a real taste of the wilderness. The lodge, located on a five-acre, private in-holding, began as a river-accessed hunting cabin back in 1935. Years later, the remodeled and expanded property is still road-free. Guests raft in with Alaska Wildland Adventures, starting their vacation at the Kenai Riverside Lodge.

EcoTourism Pioneer

The company that owns and operates the lodge—Alaska Wildland Adventures—was started by Kirk Hoessle, a Missourian who came here for a summer job years ago and never really left. He started AWA as a tent safari and rafting tour operator, but snapped up the Backcountry Lodge when it came up for sale, and started expanding his company beyond the tents. He's long been an advocate for ecotourism in Alaska, and prides himself on hiring guides with the same expertise and passion about the great outdoors.

Seven Log Cabins & Two Lakeshore Cabins

Kenai Backcountry Lodge features comfortable, newly renovated guest cabins. Cozy cabin interiors feature a minimum of two beds, simple furnishings, a private en suite bathroom and shower, a private porch and propane light and heat.

Leaving No Trace—Literally

This true ecolodge runs off hydroelectric power supplemented with propane. You won't hear the sound of generators in the background, just the quiet of the forest. Raised boardwalks let you walk through the forest among the cabins without impact on the forest floor.

Challenging Hikes or Gentle Sunset Paddles

After your first night at the Kenai Backcountry Lodge, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a guided hike through the wildlife refuge. You choose whether you want a casual hike, or a challenging one: The challenging hike takes you to the top of the Cottonwood Creek trail for amazing views—sometimes even including Denali. The casual hike lets you stop and smell the roses, with a focus on native plants. Non-hikers can enjoy a quiet afternoon on the screen porch, some ping-pong or beachcombing. In the evening, you can also take guided sunset paddle in a touring kayak when the lake is calm.

On the last day of your Backcountry stay, you'll motor across Skilak Lake, then shuttle back to Kenai Riverside Lodge and your vehicle. In addition to the Kenai Backcountry Lodge, Alaska Wildland Adventures owns and operates two other wilderness lodges on the Kenai Peninsula. Check out Kenai Riverside Lodge, located on the banks of the upper Kenai River; and Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge, an exclusive seacoast paradise. If one lodge is not enough, take part in one of Alaska Wildland Adventures’ all-inclusive Adventures, or choose a two or three lodge combination package and experience all AWA has to offer.

FAQs

• What is included if I travel with Alaska Wildland Adventures?

  When you travel with Alaska Wildland Adventures, all activities are included as outlined in your trip-specific itinerary, including all meals and snacks, accommodations, pre-trip planning materials, first-class equipment and guide support. All you’ll need to bring is personal gear and clothing (outlined in our Packing List) and high spirits, and they’ll take care of the rest!

• What kind of food do you serve?

  Meals are a highlight of every trip. Their highly skilled and imaginative cooks emphasize freshness and flavor. From delicious Alaskan seafood with fresh garden salad, to homemade breads and rolls, to decadent desserts, you will be amazed at how well you can eat in the wilderness. They’re able to accommodate a variety of dietary requirements with advance notice, and there will be opportunities to let them know about those during the booking process.

• Are there any physical requirements I should be aware of?

  Most trips are for folks in average physical condition. Participants should be comfortable trail walking three to four hours with short breaks. Some trips offer non-exertive options while others include more strenuous hiking. Ask their reservations staff about the right trip for you.

• What are the best trips to bring children on?

  Kenai Riverside Lodge is ideal for parents and grandparents traveling with children 7-11. For well-traveled children and youth, ages 12-18, we recommend the more active Alaska Wildland Collection, although any itinerary is suitable for older teens.

• Will I have opportunities to see wildlife on my trip?

  Alaska Wildland Adventures intentionally plans their itineraries to travel to remote areas including visits to various national parks, state parks and wildlife preserves in the state. Kenai Fjords National Park – which is featured in many of their trips – is home to whales, sea lions, seals, sea otters, porpoises, bald eagles, Dall sheep, puffins, murres and more aquatic wildlife. Interior regions such as Talkeetna and Denali are home to moose, caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, porcupines, foxes, wolves, golden eagles, ptarmigan and other land creatures – though these creatures can be spotted in many areas of the Kenai Peninsula, as well. The longer you stay in wild places, the more opportunities you’ll have to view wildlife.