Kenai Peninsula
Scenic Landscapes and Natural Wonders
The Kenai (pronounced "keen-eye") Peninsula, which is about
the size of the state of Connecticut, is a natural setting
where time has stood still; where spirits are lifted by its
rugged beauty.
Home
to one of the top ten natural wonders of the world.
Sweeping from rocky
coastline to glacier-crowned peaks the Kenai Fjords National Park
encompasses 607,805 acres of unspoiled wilderness on the
southeast coast of Alaska's Kenai Peninsula.
The Peninsula "currently" has 4 active volcano's.
They can be viewed along the Pacific "rim of fire" -Mt. Redoubt,
Mt. Iliamna, Mt. Spur, and Mt. Augustine. Other sensational
occurrences are found along the Knik and Turnigan Arms where the
only regular tidal bores occur, you may even see one on your way
to Anchorage via the railroad.
Fishing The Kenai
Peninsula Rivers are among the most famous, most intensely
managed, fresh water salmon fisheries in Alaska. Rivers and
lakes are also teaming with Arctic Grayling, resident and
sea-run Dolly Varden, and trophy rainbow trout. Whether fly
fishing all alone along the bank,
drifting for kings
or taking
deep-sea halibut charter,
the Kenai Peninsula is truly a fisherman's paradise. Fishing is
excellent year round including winter when a visitor can ice
fish for salmon or trout on a peninsula lake.
Wildlife There is perhaps no natural wonder that can rival
the eye-catching symphony of wildlife. An estimated 8,000 moose
join mountain goats, dall sheep, trumpeter swans, Canadian
geese, bald eagles, all easily viewed by Kenai Peninsula
visitors. From Brown bears in salmon streams eagerly clutching
sockeye salmon to sea birds and pods of whales surface offshore.
Transportation Exploring our precious area by any mode is truly a memory in the
making. Many appreciate the flexibility of driving
along various scenic routes. Discovery by
rail
is
equally remarkable, as winding tracks take all aboard across
massive gulches, past snowcapped peaks and raging rivers.
Perhaps the most panoramic of ways to behold the grandeur of the
peninsula is via flight.
Helicopters
and
small airplanes
afford a bird's eye view of exquisite landscape and
geologic marvels, seeing the majestic
Brown Bear
up close and personal, or a chance to dip your
fishing
line in remote areas of the Peninsula.
Kenai
Located on the Kenai Peninsula where the world-famous Kenai
River meets Cook Inlet. It is surrounded by spectacular scenery
and wildlife, and has a rich history of native and Russian
settlements and culture.
Kenai is the heart of Alaskan adventure, providing something for
everyone. The Kenai River is known for its world-class King
Salmon fishing. Kenai industries include oil, natural gas,
commercial fishing and tourism.
Soldotna
Located at the heart of the Kenai Peninsula, the City of
Soldotna offers year round recreational opportunities for
residents and visitors. Fishing opportunities include not only
the Kenai River for King, Sockeye, and Silver Salmon throughout
the summer season, but also easy access to nearby Cook Inlet for
Halibut and numerous lakes and streams for Trout, Dolly Varden,
and other species. Sightseeing and hiking are available within
and around Soldotna. Lands open for snow machining and
cross-country skiing trails are readily accessible during our
winter season.
Soldotna's beauty is shared through our many parks. We have more
river city parks within the City's boundary than anywhere else
in Alaska.
Homer
Nestled among rolling hills and overlooking Kachemak Bay and the
Kenai Mountains, this seaside community has 4,000 residents and
another 8,000 beyond the city limits. In addition to the
downtown area of Homer, a unique attraction is the Homer Spit, a
long, narrow finger of land jutting 4.5 miles into Kachemak Bay.
People have inhabited Kachemak Bay for thousands of years, drawn
to its abundant, diverse land and marine animals and relatively
mild climate. In the 1800s, homesteaders and coal miners made up
the area's population and Homer became a booming 'company town
until the demand for coal diminished in the early 1900s. Some
years later, the commercial harvest and processing of fish
became the mainstay of the local economy, and lead the growth of
Homer into the commercial and transportation hub of the Southern
Kenai Peninsula. Today, Homer's economy relies on commercial
fishing and the growing tourism industry.
Halibut Cove
Halibut Cove is in the Kachemak Bay State Park on the Kenai
Peninsula. It lies on the south shore of Kachemak Bay, 12 miles
across the inlet from the Homer Spit. The Cove was named by W.H.
Dall of the U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey in 1880. Between 1911
and 1928, Halibut Cove had 42 herring salteries and a population
of over 1,000, according to one resident. From 1928 to 1975, the
population stayed around 40, mostly fishermen. 2.9% of the
population is Alaska Native or part Native. Halibut Cove
residents include many artists. Paintings, prints, pottery and
batiks are produced and sold locally. There is a local community
association. The summer population grows to around 160.
Ninilchik
The Peninsula was historically used by Dena'ina Indians for
fur-farming and fishing. In 1847, Grigorii and Mavra Kvasnikoff
moved their large family from Kodiak to Ninilchik. All nine
major old families of Ninilchik descend from Mr. and Mrs.
Kvasnikoff. These families are: Kvasnikoff, Oskolkoff, Crawford,
Steik, Kelly, Jackinsky, Cooper, Resoff, and Leman. Descendants
of the first Kvasnikoff couple in Ninilchik now number 3,000,
and live not only in Ninilchik, but also in Anchorage, Kodiak,
Nanwalek (English Bay), Port Graham, Seldovia, Kenai, Cordova,
Metlakatla, Seattle, and elsewhere. Many of the current Native
residents are descendants of the Kvasnikoffs. A traditional
Native Village is located in the community, although
approximately 80% of the population is non-Natives.
There is a strong Russian Orthodox following, and an historical
Church is located in Ninilchik. The Transfiguration of Our Lord
Russian Orthodox Church is the most photographed building in
Ninilchik. Its services began in 1846 with the arrival of lay
missionary Grigorii Kvasnikoff. This present building was
designed by local architect Aleksei Oskolkoff and dedicated in
1901.
Seldovia
Athabascan Indians, Aleuts and Eskimos have camped at Seldovia
for hundreds of years, but its modern history began in the late
1800's. It is possible that prehistoric evidence of a village
site may lie beneath the Russian Orthodox Church or other homes
in the Seldovia city. The 1964 earthquake changed Seldovia
forever. The land mass subsided four feet, allowing high tides
to wash over the boardwalk and into its buildings- houses and
stores. The waterfront boardwalk was replaced and renewed with
fill from surrounding hills so the town could be rebuilt on
higher ground, above high tides. Today, Seldovia is an active
and fun community, has a wonderful school (grades 1-12), invites
tourism, is an attractive retirement place, and supports the
sport fishing industry.
Seward
Seward, Alaska is located approximately 113 miles east of Alaska
Legends. This beautiful coastal community located at the head of
Resurrection Bay can be reached by traveling the breathtaking
Scenic Byway of the Sterling highway, with breathtaking sites
and stops the entire journey. Seward has one of the most
accessible glaciers in Alaska, Exit Glacier. You are able to
park within 1/2 mile of the glacier. Then it's an easy walk to
within 15 yards of this glacier, let us know if want to make
this a part of your trip. Your trip to Seward will provide you
with photography opportunities in every direction.
Cooper Landing
The gateway to the southern peninsula stretches nearly 10 miles
along the banks of the Kenai and Russian Rivers. Cooper Landing
is the heart of peninsula adventure; whether you are hiking,
rafting, fishing or photographing this region will enchant you
with the spirit of the great north.
Outdoor adventure is the predominant form of recreation in
Cooper Landing. The surrounding area hosts backcountry trails
for everything from hiking and backpacking to horseback riding
and mountain biking. For those who prefer water activities,
Cooper Landing is the "put in" for many Kenai River rafting and
canoe trips and if a cold, crisp, white landscape is more your
style then there are many opportunities for cross country
skiing, snowshoeing or snow machining. Finally don’t forget the
lure of world class King salmon, either on your own or with a
guide don’t leave Cooper Landing with out a big fish.
MUSEUMS AND CULTURE CENTERS
Alaska Native Heritage Center
Challenger Center
Alaska Sea
Life Center
Kenai Visitor and Culture Center
Oceans and Islands Center
Peterson Bay Education
Center
Pratt Museum
Soldotna Homestead Museum
Alaska Native Heritage Center
Located in Anchorage, The Center is a must see for all visitors.
An educational and cultural institution for all Alaskans, the
Alaska Native Heritage Center provides programs in both academic
and informal settings, including workshops, demonstrations, and
guided tours of indoor exhibits and outdoor village sites. Local
residents and visitors to Alaska are introduced to Native
traditions and customs of both the past and present. The Welcome
House is a celebration of contemporary Alaska Native cultures
while the outdoor facilities and sites allow the exploration of
ancient tradition and the presentation of stories from the past.
Our Center provides a unique opportunity to experience Alaska's
many diverse Native cultures at one location.
The
Alaska Sea Life Center
offers an unrivaled up-close and personal experience with
Gulf of Alaska marine wildlife. Witness 1500 pound Steller sea
lions gliding past underwater viewing windows, puffins diving in
a carefully crafted naturalistic habitat, and harbor seals
hauled out on rocky beaches. Alaskan king crab, sea stars, and
Pacific octopus also await you, as well as a whole variety of
inter-tidal creatures and deep sea fishes. (Quoted from their
website). Staying an extra day in Seward following your
cruise will give the opportunity to experience marine wildlife
up close. Plus you never know what guest the center may have
visiting them.
Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center
Built in commemoration of Kenai's 200th anniversary, the Kenai
Visitors and Cultural Center is one of the premiere cultural
attractions on the Kenai Peninsula. The facility houses museum
displays and exhibits, hosts original and traveling art
exhibitions, and offers a variety of cultural and natural
history programs throughout the year. The museum features
Athabascan, Aleut and Russian cultural exhibits, homesteading,
mining, commercial fishing, and oil industry history displays,
and a natural history room with mammal, bird and fish exhibits.
Pratt Museum
The Pratt Museum is the only natural history museum in the
25,600-square-mile area of the Kenai Peninsula. It serves a
regional population of over 40,000 and hosts around 30,000
visitors each year. Indoor exhibits focus on art, natural
history, native cultures, homesteading, fishing, marine ecology
and the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Additional attractions are
Alaskan wildlife dioramas, salt-water aquaria and a fine Museum
store. Outdoor exhibits include the historic Harrington
homestead cabin with period furnishings, botanical garden, and
forest nature trail, enlivened by summer and permanent art
installations.
Soldotna Homestead Museum
Soldotna is the last place in America to incorporate itself as a
city within the framework of the Homestead Act. The Soldotna
Homestead Museum preserves this history in the setting of a
homesteaders' village, with wildlife displays and Native
artifacts.
OTHER ALASKA INFORMATION
Alaskan FAQ
Alaska Railroad
Kenai River
Scenic Byway
Kenai River Information
The
Kenai River winds over 85 miles across the Kenai Peninsula.
>From its start at the Snow Glacier it empties into Kenai Lake.
The section from Kenai Lake to Skilak Lake, the "upper" river,
winds past the little town of Cooper Landing and into the
pristine landscape of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. The
part of the river that is in the refuge is closed to motorized
traffic, making it a true wilderness experience.
The
river exits Skilak Lake and becomes the "lower" river. Winding
through the towns of Soldotna and Kenai, the river exits into
Cook Inlet and the Gulf of Alaska.
Glacial silt is what gives the Kenai its unique emerald color,
and this beautiful river, back-dropped with the spectacular
Kenai Mountains, is a treat for the eye year round. But the silt
is not enough to affect the abundant fish life. From the early
runs of King Salmon in May and June to the monster Rainbow Trout
in September, the Kenai is a truly exceptional fishery.
Scenic Byway
The Mountains of the Chugach range and the Kenai Mountains will
tower above us as we marvel at the scenery and look for wildlife
along the way as we drive from Alaska Legends to Seward along
these 2 beautiful Scenic Byways.
Two segments of the Sterling Highway have been recognized by the
State of Alaska as scenic byways. The 38-mile stretch from the
Wye (Seward Highway/Sterling Highway intersect) to Skilak Lake
Road is recognized for scenery, natural setting, recreational
activities, historic significance and wildlife viewing. The same
is true for the 23-mile stretch from Anchor Point to Homer,
which is also noted for cultural and archaeological qualities.
Recognized for its scenic, natural, historical and recreational
values, the 127-mile Seward Highway, from Anchorage to Seward,
holds triple designation: USDA Forest Service Scenic Byway,
Alaska Scenic Byway, and All-American Road.
(Courtesy
of the State of Alaska Department of Transportation Website)
