About Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
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.
How to Get 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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Kenai National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Kenai National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1451) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Kenai National Wildlife Refuge?
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 …
How do I contact Kenai National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 907-262-7021 or email: kenai@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
