Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and Chugach National Forest

The Kenai Mountains rise over the turquoise colored water of Kenai Lake and the Kenai River to create an outdoor lover's paradise and one of our favorite Alaska destinations. Originally set aside by President Roosevelt in 1941 as a refuge for moose, Dall sheep and other wildlife, the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge has since been expanded to nearly 2 million acres. The refuge now protects a significant portion of the Kenai River corridor and is the home of moose, brown and black bears, wolves, sheep, Mt. goats, bald eagles and other birds among others. Hiking is a favorite activity in this area; there are over 200 miles of great hiking trails located here.

The Kenai River area is famous throughout the world for large populations and tremendous sized salmon and rainbow trout. Anglers come from around the world to pursue the trophy sized fish. Rainbow trout (some weighing up to 20 lbs.) are prized as are king, red and silver salmon. Others prefer a tranquil float down the Kenai River with a camera, rather than a fishing pole, to search for wildlife and to enjoy the magnificent views.

The Kenai River features several uniquely Alaskan landscapes and consistently offers our guests very good wildlife viewing opportunities in addition to great hiking. We have lead hundreds of trips through this area and the feedback from our guests indicates that the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is one of their favorite destinations.

From the official Kenai National Wildlife refuge website:

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge was established to conserve moose, bears, mountain goats, Dall sheep, wolves and other furbearers, salmonoids and other fish, waterfowl and other migratory and non migratory birds; to fulfill international treaty obligations of the United States with respect to fish and wildlife and their habitats; to ensure water quality and necessary water quantity within the Refuge; to provide, in a manner consistent with the first two purposes, opportunities for scientific research, interpretation, environmental education, and land management training; and to provide, in a manner compatible with all the aforementioned purposes, opportunities for fish and wildlife-oriented recreation.

Most of our trips spend two nights camped within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge to take advantage of the recreational opportunities in the area.

These activities can generally be arranged throughout your trip with some of the finest local adventure tour companies in the state. Your guide will make all of the arrangements. Optional activities are merely suggestions and do not include all of the possibilities. All activities may not be available at the time of your tour. Prices listed here are subject to change and do not include local taxes or fees.

If you have any questions about these activities please contact us.

Adventure tours located at the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and Chugach National Forest

Hiking

There are multiple hiking trails within the Chugach National Forest and the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge to enchant a wide variety of hiking interests and abilities. Some of the highlights include pristine alpine lakes surrounded by towering mountains; spawning salmon leaping up a waterfall; and great wildlife viewing opportunities throughout our stay in the area. Your guide will explain your hiking options and will make recommendations based on our many years spent exploring and guiding in this region.

River Rafting

Two hour and full day scenic river rafting trips are available on the Kenai River.

Scenic Float: Float within the Chugach National Forest and the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. During the two hour scenic float your guide will talk about the wildlife and history of the area. The views are outstanding.

Kenai Canyon Raft Trip: Travel deep into the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge on a full day float down the Kenai River to Skilak Lake. The trip is capped with a motorized float along the shore of this very large, glacier carved lake- a true wilderness experience.

Guided Drift Boat Fishing

The Kenai River and its neighboring waters are known throughout the world for their abundance of salmon and trout. Anglers prize these world class waters for Sockeye (red), Coho (silver), and Chinook (king) salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Dolly Varden. Guided drift boat fishing on the Kenai River includes all necessary equipment and instruction (from beginner to advanced).

Horse Back Riding

Trail rides are offered in the Chugach National Forest. Ride along the base of Mt. Langille and perhaps continue to Russian Gap, or travel to Crescent Lake in the late summer. Traveling by horseback in Alaska is like going back in time.

More Information

For more information about any of the adventures listed above and for current day trip prices, call us toll free (800) 320-2494 or contact us.

For more information about Kenai National Wildlife Refuge check out the following sites:

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge site with good links to information
http://kenai.fws.gov/
http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=74525