Sometimes, the silence of the lake and pristine environment is all a person needs to let go of all his worries and just unwind.
This article highlights some of the best facts that you should know while visiting Kenai Lake.
A Little about Kenai Lake
Kenai River is possibly the largest and one of the most sundry freshwater rivers, supporting sport fishing activities in Alaska.
The best time to visit Kenai, also known as Alaska’s playground, is August and September; this is said to be the best time because you will get the serene black sky between 11 pm and 5 am, and if lucky, you can spot the Aurora Borealis.
The lake has around 34 species of fish living in it, but the tourists are the most attracted to the rainbow trout and Pacific Salmon.
The Kenai Lake is the terminus for fishing; the lake’s resident fishes are- Rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, Lake trout, and Steelhead trout.
The best thing about Kenai Lake is that you don’t have to leave the roads. You can see the lake from Sterling Highway, which is on the eastern side of Cooper Landing.
The place is competent at entertaining its tourists both on and off seasons.
If you visit the place in the off-season, you can go snowmobiling, skiing, hiking, and wildlife watching. And if you visit in the in-season, it offers- fishing, bald eagle viewing, and boating (including boat launch).
The Best Facts to Know While Visiting Kenai Lake
1. Snowmobiling and Skiing
A snowmobile is allowed in the place from December 1 to April 30. Snowmobiling is prohibited in all the areas above the timberline but not the Caribou Hills.
The swishing sound of skis is one of the most pleasing sounds one could ever hear. You can also go cross-country skiing during the winter season in Resurrection Pass, famously known as Cooper Landing.
It’s something you cannot miss if you pay a visit to Kenai Lake.
But don’t forget to check the weather report before leaving.
2. Hiking
Cooper Landing, also known as the Resurrection Pass, is one of the most popular hiking places in Kenai and around Kenai Lake.
You can find eight public cabins that dot the route in the route, and if you want, you can reserve one for yourself.
If you love mountain biking, then this place deserves a visit in the summer. Places like Johnson Pass, Trail of Blue Ice, and Harding Icefield are some of the best places for hiking in Kenai.
3. Wildlife Watching
From spotting Tigers in India to swimming with river otters in Kenai, the world is full of incredible wildlife adventures that you can’t miss experiencing.
If you are a wildlife lover and love watching animals, pack your bags and pay a Kenai visit.
Also, the river’s forest is full of different animal species like- river otters, waterfowl, wolves, moose, black and brown bears, etc.
4. Fishing
The world-famous Kenai Lake is no doubt the most deliberately fished in Alaska.
Salmon Fishing is one of the most enjoyable activities of the Kenai River, and it is prominently known for its giant King Salmon.
The salmon, which enters the river every year, is available in different varieties, such as king, silver, pink, and more.
You can fish for dolly varden throughout the year in the Kenai River. The busy season, or the high season, for Dolly Varden fishing, is from July to September, and the low season is from January to May.
If you missed this, you can go anytime between November and December. Your thirst to go on a fishing trip will end here.
5. Bald Eagle Viewing
Yes. You read it right. It’s bald eagle viewing. The American bald eagles love to spend their time around the Kenai River with humans.
After all, they have equal rights to nature as we do. They are there to watch the river because it is full of fish during the summer and spring months.
They mainly build their nests on trees near the rivers filled with Salmons. You need to book your boats, which are available in the parks.
The boats will slowly (so that the eagles are not disturbed) take you near the home of these predators.
You may spot an eagle flying above your head, and who knows, you may see their young ones crying out for food to their mothers, so don’t forget your camera before leaving.
6. Boating
Does it need to be stated that boating is abundant in the river?
The Kenai River’s length, or Kenai River, stretches an area of 132km. Take a boat and explore the diverse natural flora and fauna while floating over the serene river and lake.
If you want to launch your boat, don’t worry; there are more than 40 river ramps to fulfill your wish.
7. Road Trip
If you are planning a road trip, then again, Alaska welcomes you with a warm heart.
The Seward Highway in Alaska extends for 125 miles, equal to 201 km; it joins Seward to Anchorage across the Kenai Peninsula.
If you have at least a week in hand and an urge to explore the place’s beauty, then this is the trip your soul needs.
If you take the Seward Highway from Anchorage, you can visit Chugach State Park, Bird Point, Bird Creek, Mount Alyeska, Canyon Creek, Resurrection Bay, or Cooper Landing in Seward.
The place is worth your visit, and the best part is that Kenai is just about 45 miles away.
Bottom Line
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, book your tickets, and give a treat to your soul by paying a visit to Alaska’s Kenai Lake!
Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology
