The Kenai Peninsula in southern Alaska is home to diverse landscapes ranging from rugged mountains and forests to scenic coastlines. Nature lovers visiting the area will find no shortage of places to explore and enjoy the great outdoors.
Some of the top parks offering scenic trails, wildlife watching, fishing, boating and other activities include Skilak Lake Recreation Area, Funny River Road Recreation Site, Kenai River Flats, Clam Gulch,Russian River Flats, Swanson River Flats, Ninilchik View Park, Funny River Recreation Site,Funny River Tsunami Park, Swanson River Campground, Vensen Estate Public Use Area, and Cooper Landing Community Playfield. Let’s take a closer look at 12 of the most popular parks on the Kenai Peninsula.
Skilak Lake Recreation Area
Located about 35 miles south of Soldotna, Skilak Lake Recreation Area is one of the premier parks on the Kenai Peninsula with over 16,000 acres of diverse landscapes. It offers 27 miles of scenic hiking trails that pass through forests, meadows and along scenic Skilak Lake.
Some of the most popular trails include the 5.5-mile Paul Robbins Loop Trail, the 2-mile Caribou Point Trail, and the 4.5-mile Caribou Hills Trail. Hikers and wildlife watchers alike come here hoping to spot moose, bears, beavers and over 130 species of birds. The lake is also outstanding for fishing, boating, kayaking and canoeing. With numerous campgrounds, picnic areas and a full-service 70-slip marina, Skilak Lake is a top choice for outdoor recreation in the Kenai Peninsula.
Funny River Road Recreation Site
Funny River Road Recreation Site sits at the confluence of the Funny River and Kenai River, offering scenic views and river access. The public recreation area has paved trails for biking, hiking and wildlife viewing. Anglers come here to fish for salmon, Dolly Varden, rainbow trout and other fish species that run in the rivers.
There are also gravel bars, eddys and riverbanks popular for fly fishing along both the Funny River and Kenai River. Camping is allowed in designated areas along Funny River Road. Visitors may see bald eagles, river otters and occasionally brown bears feeding along the rivers. It’s a more rustic park area but remains popular due to its close proximity to Soldotna and easy access to the Kenai River.
Kenai River Flats
One of the most famous fishing spots on the Kenai Peninsula, Kenai River Flats encompasses over 4,000 acres of wetlands, lakes and gravel bars situated along the “Lower” Kenai River between the towns of Kenai and Soldotna. Due to its many channels, sloughs and eddies, the Flats area is renowned for its abundant runs of sockeye, coho and Chinook salmon along with rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. Anglers come from all over the world to experience the exciting fishing, particularly during the busy salmon runs.
While the park provides no amenities itself, the surrounding communities offer full services and outfitters. Visitors can also view bald eagles and other waterfowl that feed along the many islands and braided channels. Strict regulations protect this vital fishery resource and wildlife habitat.
Clam Gulch
Located near the town of Seward, Clam Gulch is less than a five minute drive off the Seward Highway and offers calm creek waters and intertidal beaches ideal for clamming, crabbing and beach exploring. The park has signage identifying sustainable harvesting areas and regulations. Popular activities include clam digging at low tides as the parks namesake bivalves like littleneck clams, butter clams and gapers can be found.
Guests may also search for Dungeness and king crab among the tidal pools and rocks. Short trails lead along the scenic coast allowing for wildlife viewing. Picnic areas with tables and firepits make it a lovely coastal destination just outside of Seward.
Russian River Flats
Situated 20 miles east of Soldotna along the Sterling Highway, Russian River Flats provides recreation access along an important salmon stream. The Russian River is known for large runs of sockeye salmon, silver salmon, pink salmon and Dolly Varden char which support a vibrant sport fishery. Anglers can be seen fishing from drift boats, waders or shorelines at numerous access points along the recreation area.
Bears are commonly seen feeding on salmon, so visitors need to be alert and follow food storage regulations. There are also hiking trails traveling through sections of forest and muskeg with opportunities to spot moose, waterfowl and other wildlife. Campgrounds with fishing platforms provide a base for enjoying the area.
Swanson River Flats
On the western side of the Kenai Peninsula, Swanson River Flats Recreation Area surrounds the mouth of the Swanson River where it empties into Cook Inlet. Large tidal flats and an expansive wetland estuary provides diverse habitats for waterfowl, shorebirds and fish. Popular activities include waterfowl hunting during appropriate seasons, fishing for Dolly Varden, rainbow trout, grayling and salmon from the river or boats launched at the trailered boat ramp.
Hiking trails lead through coastal forest and muskeg while also allowing for wildlife viewing along the tidal flats. Picnic sites situated along the forest edge have views over the flats. Off-highway vehicles are permitted on designated trails only. It’s a scenic getaway 30 minutes west of Homer.
Ninilchik View Park
Located in the village of Ninilchik, this small park is situated on a bluff high above the scenic Ninilchik River estuary offering panoramic views. Benches allow visitors to take in vistas stretching from Mount Iliamna and the Aleutian Range to the east across Cook Inlet to the western Kenai Mountains.
The park also enhances local recreation opportunities such as the Ninilchik River Trail a linear 15-mile multi-use path following the river. Interpretive signs describe the local landscape, native plants and the surrounding communities traditional activities like commercial fishing and subsistence harvesting. A short stroll along the bluff edge provides commanding views as well as chances to watch for eagles, shorebirds and beluga whales that can sometimes be seen in Cook Inlet.
Funny River Recreation Site
Located near the community of Funny River, this BLM recreation area offers access to the fun-filled namesake river. The lower Funny River is a braided glacial stream that flows with emerald green waters and provides fishing and scenic beauty. Steelhead, salmon and trout populate the fishery drawing anglers year-round. The park contains grassy campsites, modern bathrooms and boat launches down to rocky beaches on the Funny River.
Short trails lead through spruce forest with interpretive signs describing the geology and ecology. Picnic areas with tables overlook the river and wetlands. It’s a peaceful spot for families to swim, boat and fish just a 20 minute drive north of Soldotna. Abundant birds and potential bear, moose and beaver sightings add to the enjoyment.
Funny River Tsunami Park
While tsunami threat may seem an unusual park feature, this small riverside park just north of Funny River commemorates the area’s 1964 Good Friday Earthquake and subsequent tsunami waves that inundated communities along the Funny River and lower Kenai River. Interpretive panels tell the gripping human stories and lessons learned from that natural disaster event.
Picnic tables and a riverside walking path allow reflection on the forces of nature. The forest edge also provides habitat for birds like bald eagles that can sometimes be seen soaring over the river valley. With its peaceful setting, the park offers an opportunity to learn while also enjoying scenic views up and down the braided Funny River.
Swanson River Campground
In a scenic coastal setting near low tide waters of Cook Inlet, Swanson River Campground lies within the larger Swanson River Flats recreation area. Nestled among spruce and cottonwood trees, the campground has 35 sites with picnic tables and fire rings available on a first come, first served basis.
Campers enjoy such activities as boating, fishing for Dolly Varden or salmon in the Swanson River, hiking forest trails or wildlife viewing from the campground. Bears are commonly seen searching tidal areas for food, so proper food storage is important. With its quiet riverside setting 30 minutes west of Homer, the Swanson provides an excellent base for exploring the surrounding beaches, wetlands and mountain scenery.
Vensen Estate Public Use Area
Located on the western Kenai Peninsula 50 miles northwest of Homer, the 750-acre Vensen Estate is a spectacular scenic park traversing coastal rainforest, lakes, streams and tidal flats. Hiking trails lead through lush forests of spruce, hemlock and cottonwood trees with wildflowers, ferns and berries lining the paths.
Pebble and gravel beaches along Cook Inlet provide exceptional views of glaciated mountains across the inlet. Birders come to spot varied warblers, sparrows, raptors and waterfowl among the park’s wetlands and coastline. Interpretive signs teach visitors about the varied natural features. Picnic sites, kayak launching and primitive walk-in camping enhance this beautiful wilderness getaway.
Conclusion
With over a dozen parks ranging from larger developed recreation areas to smaller natural sites, the Kenai Peninsula offers diverse places to enjoy the outdoors. Rugged coastlines, forests, rivers and lakes provide scenery and recreation like hiking, boating, fishing and wildlife viewing.
Whether seeking a developed campground or remote wilderness experience, visitors to this scenic region of Alaska will find outstanding natural beauty and recreational activities amid the parks of the Kenai Peninsula.