Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

Overview

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is managed by Fish and Wildlife Service and is located near Soldotna, Alaska.

The Dena’ina people call this special place “Yaghanen” - the good land. It's also known as the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. 

 

From ice fields and glaciers to tundra, forests, and coastal wetlands, the Kenai Refuge is often called “Alaska in miniature”. Biodiversity is unusually high for this latitude because of the juxtaposition of two biomes: Sitka spruce-dominated coastal rainforest and the western-most reach of boreal forest in North America. This refuge is known for its moose, brown and black bears, lynx, wolves, trumpeter swans, and more. The Kenai River, which originates in the refuge, is renowned for its wide variety of sport fish including Chinook (king), sockeye (red), and coho (silver) salmon, Dolly Varden and rainbow trout. This refuge, including the Kenai Wilderness, is an anchor for biodiversity on the Kenai Peninsula in a time of change - including development downstream, changing climatic conditions, and change through fire. 

Things to Do at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

Camping Opportunities

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge offers 2 campgrounds with various amenities and settings. From developed campgrounds with full facilities to primitive backcountry sites, there are options for every camping style.

Recreation Activities

Popular activities at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge include:

Nearby Activities

Plan Your Visit

Reservation Tips

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is a popular destination. Campground reservations typically open several months in advance. For peak season visits, book as early as possible. Check individual facility pages for specific booking windows and availability.

Getting There

The Kenai Refuge Visitor Center is in Soldotna, Alaska. From points north, including Anchorage, travel to mile 95 of the Sterling Highway, and cross the Kenai River Bridge. Once you cross the river, immediately get in the far left turn lane and make a left on to Funny River Road. As soon as you are on Funny River Road, prepare for an immediate right turn on to Ski Hill Road. Drive one mile up the hill and make a left turn on to a road leading to the Visitor Center. Follow directional signs and look for the big bronze bull moose statue.

GPS Coordinates: 60.46467100000000, -151.07327200000000

Contact & Resources

Phone: 907-262-7021

Additional Information:

Additional Information

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