Kenai National Wildlife Refuge stretches across 2 million acres, bounded to the east by Chugach National Forest, to the southeast by Kenai Fjords National Park and to the south by Kachemak Bay State Park. The refuge encompasses much of the total land area of the Kenai Peninsula and includes the western slopes of the Kenai Mountains and forested lowlands along Cook Inlet. Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is also the most accessible refuge in Alaska and the most visited, drawing more than half a million visitors each year.
The refuge contains a range of habitats and a large variety of wildlife, including healthy populations of Dall sheep, mountain goats, brown bear and moose. The well-known Kenai River and its tributaries run through the refuge with numerous lakes located throughout. The Kenai River king salmon fishery is world-renowned and reputed to support the largest genetic strain of king anywhere. The world's record for a sport-caught king, weighting 97 1/4 pounds, was pulled from the Kenai in 1985.
Activities and Attractions
Camping, fishing, hiking, hunting and canoeing are all popular activities in the refuge. There are more than 200 miles of trails and most are found along the Sterling Highway and Skilak Lake Loop Road. The popular Swanson River and Swan Lake canoe trails provide excellent opportunities to see many kinds of wildlife in their natural habitat. Cow moose visit this area to give birth in late May or early June. Many species of songbirds, shorebirds and waterfowl nest along the lakeshores, marshlands and surrounding forest. Beaver inhabit many lakes and streams.
The refuge has 15 road-accessible public campgrounds with tables, fireplaces, parking spurs, boat ramps, water and restrooms. Backcountry camping opportunities vary from fly-in and boat-in locations to sites accessible only by trail. There are 10 backcountry cabins available on a reservation system.
Accessibility
The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is bisected by the Sterling Highway, which enters the refuge westbound at Mile 55. Secondary access roads are Skilak Lake Loop Road, Swanson River and Swan Lake roads and Funny River Road. The northern refuge boundary is 20 air miles from Anchorage. The refuge is also accessible along river trails and by floatplane to many lakes.
Fees
No fees to enter park, camping and cabin fees apply.
Weather and Climate
Summer temperatures on the Kenai Peninsula generally range in the 60s and 70s and rarely rise above 80°F. The region receives up to 19 hours of daylight in the summer. Winter's extreme low is about -30°F, but extended periods of below 0°F are rare. Late summer and fall weather is wet and rain gear is recommended for hiking and hunting. Annual precipitation on the western side of the peninsula ranges from 19 inches at Kenai to 23 inches at Homer. On the mountainous eastern section, precipitation exceeds 40 inches annually. The first snow normally falls in October and by November, the ground is usually snow-covered. Spring breakup on low lakes occurs in April, on high lakes in May.
Facilities
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center - 907-262-7021 - year round (Ski Hill Road, Soldotna)
History
The refuge began as the Kenai National Moose Range in 1941. In December 1980, the moose range was renamed the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, expanded in size and scope to include all wildlife species.
http://kenai.fws.gov/