State Parks and National Parks

Kenai River Special Management Area

Soldotna, AK U.S.A.

Kenai Area Office
P.O. Box 1247
Soldotna, AK 99669
U.S.A.

907-262-5581
907-260-4882 Kenai River Center

Open Year-Round

Entry Fee Charged

State Park Information

The Kenai River is one of the most heavily used freshwater rivers in Alaska. The special management area includes more than 105 miles of rivers and lakes, including Kenai and Skilak lakes.

The river boasts major runs of king, red, silver and pink salmon, trophy-sized rainbow and Dolly Varden trout. The king or Chinook salmon often weigh in at 50 to 85 pounds.

The river and its surroundings are the home of bald eagles, moose, caribou and wolves.

Canoeists, kayakers and rafters find Class I to III rapids on different stretches of the river. Power boating is popular in the lakes.

There are more than 100 campsites in three developed Alaska State Park campgrounds, and numerous boat launch and day-use picnic areas along the river along the river. There are also numerous boat launches and day-use picnic areas along the rivers and lakes.

The recreation land surrounding the Kenai River is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and Alaska

Most facilities are accessible from the Sterling Highway, which follows the river.

Some river stretches have restrictions on horsepower and types of vessels used.

The park is not staffed in winter, but public use is permitted.

Activities Column 1 Activities Column 2 Activities Column 3

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Alaska Courtesy of Alaska Courtesy of Alaska

State Parks