Day 3: Kenai National Wildlife Refuge to Homer. kenai fjords national park. Accompanied by a guide, head to the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge located on the Kenai Peninsula, the beautiful preserve spans an impressive 1.92 million acres (7,770 square km) of diverse terrain. Sports Outdoors and Recreation Refuge Notebook. Kenai National Wildlife Refuge - Alaska | AllTrails Kenai Nature Trail "For boundless opportunities to discover nature in all its splendor, national wildlife refuges are unsurpassed. With animals, trails, campgrounds, and public use cabins, the refuge is an amazing place to explore. The cabin is located approximately one mile from Engineer Lake Campground on the Seven Lakes Trail. The water in Kenai Lake, Skilak Lake and the Kenai River is . seward wilderness hiking . On all of these trails, though, one must be aware of the chance of wildlife encounters. Refer to USGS map Kenai B-1. Hike one of the many established trails. For more information or to reserve a public-use cabin contact the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (907-262-7021, 877-285-5628; kenai.fws.gov) in Soldotna. The small group size ensures a personalized experience and a route that's catered . Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and Chugach National Forest. Lakes, mud puddles, and plenty of wildlife can be seen along this barely mile-long trail in Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. For . There are varied activities to participate in and the Refuge Center on Skihill Road in Soldotna, Alaska is a wonderful place to get information, see exhibits and watch beautifully crafted video presentations of wildlife on the refuge. It seems a general rule of thumb that the best views hiking are on the trails that take the most work. day adventure. Thursday, July 29, 2021 10:43pm. While the elevation does increase, it's very gradual and there are only a few short steep sections. Sunshine only makes this place better! Look for a pull-out parking area located at Mile 57.1 on the Sterling Highway in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge just outside of Cooper Landing if heading towards Kenai. About half a mile in, the trail breaks out into an area that was burned in 1996. Kenai National Wildlife Refuge; Trail. In 1941 President Roosevelt designated more than 1.7 million acres as the Kenai National Moose Range. Snacks and drinks are included throughout, as is a wilderness guide. The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is a vast land houlding on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. Soldotna, AK. The entire Skilak Lake area is a great place to hang out, especially for families with small children (under 7). While visiting the refuge, make sure to take advantage of all it has to offer: Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center - located just 15 minutes from Kenai and open daily. Kenai River Trails Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. There are three basic options on these refuge trails. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Cruise across the lake to reach remote hiking areas. Spend a full day exploring the remote wilderness of Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Centennial Trail. 2 ‑mile loop trail is an off-shoot of the Keen-Eye Trail that departs from the Kenai Nation­al Wildlife Refuge Vis­i­tor Cen­ter. Start your one-hour hike with a pit stop at the visitor center to gaze at life-sized brown bear, moose, bobcat, and Dall's sheep exhibits. Refer to USGS map Kenai C-2. Includes boat transport, picnic lunch, snacks, water and tea. Full-day hiking tour in Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is a 1.92-million-acre (7,770 km 2) wildlife habitat preserve located on the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska, United States.It is adjacent to Kenai Fjords National Park.This refuge was created in 1941 as the Kenai National Moose Range, but in 1980 it was changed to its present status by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. Runners, walkers, climbers, mountain bikers, cyclists, and walkers of all levels are certain to find a favorite trail. This 6-hour tour allows active travelers to experience the Alaskan backcountry, and tour routes range from easy strolls to difficult, strenuous climbs. The northern refuge boundary is 20 air miles from Anchorage. Skyline Trail Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. If you are looking for an easy but longer trail this is perfect. This 19 mile gravel loop road leads to Refuge hiking trails, campgrounds, and a scenic drive and then rejoins the Sterling Highway at Milepost 75. . Kenai Backcountry Adventures hiking adventures are the perfect way for active travelers to discover Alaska's dynamic wilderness. If you have your own canoe or kayak, stop for a paddle on Skilak Lake, located in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. After making your own way to Cooper Landing, follow your guide on to the trail to begin your 6-hour hiking tour in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Keen-eye Trail . Access to the cabin is by hiking trail, boat, skiing, and snowshoeing. wikipedia The parking area and trailhead for the cabin are located at the Kelly Lake Campground at mile 68.1 of the Sterling Highway (Alaska Route 1). Enjoy hiking and boating through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, hiking through the forest and then above the tree-line as your knowledgeable guide explains some of the area's history. Alaska has trails for every level of hiking experience. Learn about the wildlife and history of the Kenai Peninsula as your guide takes you through this pristine wilderness. Looking for the best hiking trails in Soldotna? Today, it features nearly 2 million acres of lush Alaskan wilderness and protection for all wildlife species and their habitats. Le sentier longe un lac et sa difficulté est évaluée comme facile. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. This 2. Skilak Lake Overlook Hike (2miles one way, 800 ft elevation gain) Drive Skilak Lake Trail to Homer (120 miles, approx 2.5 hours) Sightsee enroute (Russian Orthodox churches in Kenai, Village of Ninilchik) Night in Lands End Resort, Homer Spit, dinner at Homer Restaurant Dog Sledding On Godwin Glacier. Shop kootenai national wildlife refuge pins and buttons created by independent artists from around the globe. . Learn about the Alaskan terrain and wildlife from the guide. Thursday, October 28, 2021 4:17pm. With summer traffic in full force, it took what seemed like an eternity to make it from Fred Meyer back to the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters area. The National Wildlife Refuge System's extensive trails, boardwalks, observation decks, hunting and photography blinds, fishing piers and boat launches offer great opportunities to learn and have fun". Fishing. (I'm surprised this hike wasn't already listed, since it's fairly popular) There is a sign at the beginning of the trail that briefly describes what may be encountered. The trail overlooks marsh and a lake. It is less crowd­ed than the Keen-Eye Trail (which was built to accom­mo­date large groups), and while it's not a dif­fi­cult hike, it fea­tures some light hills and var­ied terrain. 2 ‑mile loop trail is an off-shoot of the Keen-Eye Trail that departs from the Kenai Nation­al Wildlife Refuge Vis­i­tor Cen­ter. The refuge is also accessible along river trails and by floatplane to many lakes. In Kenai National Wildlife Refuge's almost 2 million acres, you can hike, birdwatch, fish, pick berries or kayak on inland lakes and rivers. For some great suggestions and ideas on hiking in the area, take a look at these sites: Visit Soldotna's Local Hiking Trails; Alaska Hike Search Trail Information alaska heli-rafting and bear viewing adventure . I started working on this website 3 years later and didn't remember much, with the exception of how . The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (KNWR) covers much of the western half of Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, almost 2 million acres of mountains, rivers, lakes, and forested plains. It is mainly flat taiga with numerous lakes, and as such, its primary recreation is suited more toward water activities, especially fishing. For a quick hike with good views, go down Skilak Lake Road, past Hidden Lake campground, to Skilak Lake Lookout Trail. . The Kenai Peninsula is home to some of the best hiking opportunities in Alaska - you can see wildlife, oceans, rivers, glaciers, and mountains right in our backyard. Spend days 3 and 4 exploring Kenai National Wildlife Refuge by boat and trail. See The Leaves Change Along The Fuller Lakes Trail In The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge In Alaska. This past summer, the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge saw the benefit from four additional trail crews provided by the Student Conservation Association. Swanson River Oil Field Produc Road is a 3.6 mile trail through Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Paddle through the 100 mile canoe trail system; Fish on a secluded lake Over 110 miles of hiking trails traverse the Kenai Refuge, ranging from easy front-country walks perfect for families to multi-day strenuous hikes into wilderness. These trails provide unique access, breathtaking vistas and great daytrip opportunities for visitors. Hiking. by Peninsula Clarion Contributor. It is a wooded trail that connects to the shorter Keen-eye trail. Michelle Ostrowski, an education specialist at the refuge, said Saturday's event was successful. It was a man-made fire which burned approximately 5,200 acres. Easy: Kenai National Wildlife Refuge - One of the best places to spot wildlife in their natural habitat is the nearby Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Full-day hiking tour in Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. The SCA crews were made up of one leader and four crew members, living and . Private Land Parking Lot Restroom Sterling Highway Paved Road Trail Angler's Trail Powerline River Access Points CFR 261.10 (d). Explore the Alaskan wilderness on a hike through the majestic Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. These hikes range from difficult, multi-day back-country hikes to easier, short paved-trail walks. Camping and Day Use. kenai fjords national park. This is one trail that breaks the rules. Most of the hikes are short trails that end at a lake. Skilak Lookout Trail Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Float. USFWS Weapons Discharge, Food Storage, This 19 mile gravel loop road leads to Refuge hiking trails, campgrounds, and a scenic drive and then rejoins the Sterling Highway at Milepost 75. . Hike one of the many established trails. expeditions & multi-day trips from seward. Includes boat transport, picnic lunch, snacks, water and tea. Created in cooperation with U.S. Hiking & Biking For those who enjoy hiking and wilderness treks, The Kenai hosts over 400 miles of improved trails through pristine natural surroundings. The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge was originally established in 1941 as the Kenai National Moose Range. This gem of a refuge located in south-central Alaska is only two and a half hours by car from Anchorage. Explore one of 2 easy hiking trails in Soldotna or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Learn about the proposed management changes at the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, which include killing brown bears over bait, more inhumane methods of furbearer trapping, and traps and snares near hiking trails and campgrounds. Follow the steps up the short bank to access the trail. Description *This Hike was totally rewritten on September 16, 2006 * The first time I ever did this hike was back in 1999 when I was visiting and still deciding whether I wanted to move here. Learn about the Alaskan terrain and wildlife from the guide. This 6-hour tour allows active travelers to experience the Alaskan backcountry, and tour routes range from easy strolls to difficult, strenuous climbs. This 2. Le sentier offre plusieurs activités et est accessible toute l'année. Glacier Trekking & Ice Climbing. Snacks and drinks are included throughout, as is a wilderness guide. The hunting and fishing traditions that helped create the Refuge in 1941 still flourish, but so do enhanced opportunities for hiking, camping, canoeing, and wildlife watching. Hiking is a favorite activity in this area; there are over 200 miles of great hiking trails located here. Get a glimpse of Skilak Glacier and look out over the lake. Some trails are ideal for day-outings or family adventures while others are for heartier souls who are up for a challenge. Resources. kenai national wildlife refuge. Return to the lodge in the afternoon and enjoy the wood-fired sauna or simply relax at the lodge. Hunting. The Dena'ina traditional people of the Kenai call their birthplace "Yaghanen" - the "good land.". Michelle Ostrowski, an education specialist at the refuge, said Saturday's event was successful. The parking area and trailhead are located in Engineer Lake Campground at mile 10.3 on the Skilak Lake Road. After spending the majority of the last year and a half closed because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in Soldotna opened its doors on Saturday to celebrate National Trails Day. Length 2.6 miElevation gain 269 ftRoute type Loop. The Trail can get very muddy in sections if rain and probably should be avoided during breakup. You can stay at Kenai Riverfront Resort and enjoy a warm sauna every night after skiing the groomed local trails or after taking day trips to groomed trails in Homer, Nikiski, or Seward. The Keen-Eye Nature Trail starting from the headquarters of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge near Soldotna, is 0.75 miles long through a wooded area with a side trail leading down to Headquarters Lake. A large lake in the refuge was Skilak Lake. On day 6, board our private vessel to Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge for a two-night stay in Kenai Fjords National Park. 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