KenaiVisitor Guide 2020 |
Visitor Guide to Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Alaska. Published by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS).
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K
enai National
Wildlife Refuge
Visitor Guide
Sw
an
F
E d ir L a
iti e ke
on
Fire Safety Tips
p.4
Fishing
p.14
Explore Skilak Lake
p.8
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Contents
After Fire Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Wildlife Viewing & Safety . . . . . 5
Cabins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Skilak Wildlife Rec. Area . . . 8-11
Skilak Map Popular Day Hikes. . 8-9
Skilak Points of Interest . . . . . . . 10
Camping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Canoe System . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13
Fishing and Hunting . . . . . . . . .14
Welcome to the Kenai
National Wildlife Refuge
T
his special edition of Refuge Reflections includes safety
information, maps and recommendations for visitors
specific to the newly burned area in the years following the
Swan Lake Fire of 2019. Many refuge roads and recreation
sites were affected in some way by the fire. Be aware that
trails were burned, leaving weakened trees that can fall. In
addition, deep ash pits that look like solid ground, but will
collapse under foot, are present, and exposed roots, holes
and other tripping hazards are a real danger. Campgrounds
were protected by dedicated firefighters, but access roads
may be affected by falling trees, and because of rain and
snowmelt, this danger is still active on these roads.
Finally, new opportunities for mushroom foraging exist in
the burned area, bringing with it a new set of challenges
in a landscape where many hazards still remain even after
the flames disappear. Details provided in this visitor guide
will help when making plans to visit, camp, hike or drive
through the Swan Lake Fire burned area.
Useful Contact Information . . 15
Visitors Guide
Swan Lake Fire Edition
Refuge Coordinator: Leah Eskelin
Contributors: Matt Conner, Kristi Bulock, Mike Hill,
Kevin Painter, Leah Eskelin, Ian Shive
Produced and Designed by
All photos and maps courtesy of U.S. Fish and
Wildlife unless otherwise noted.
Moose Pair cover photo courtesy
Wild North Photography.
The Visitors Guide is published by the Alaska
Geographic Association in cooperation
with Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. It is funded
by revenue generated from Alaska Geographic
store sales.
© Alaska Geographic
2
Personalized visitor information is available at the Refuge Visitor
Center in Soldotna, which provides year-round educational
programming, hiking/ski trails and community events. Call or
stop by to start planning your adventure on the Kenai.
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The Kenai Peninsula
2019 Swan Lake
Fire Impact
Where is the Burned
Area?
The map (below) of the 2019
Swan Lake Fire perimeter
does not show the details of
its burn scar. The Swan Lake
Fire burned with a variety
of intensities over the four
months it was active on the
Kenai Peninsula, burning hot
through black spruce stands
while dancing lightly around
wetlands.
Wildfire in Alaska’s forests
creates a mosaic of different
landscapes. Before visiting the
burned area, consider hazards
and include alternatives to your
plan in case conditions in the
“burn area” make it inaccessible.
2019 Swan Lake
Fire Perimeter
March 1, 2020 167,182 Acres
What about Wildlife?
KENAI NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Sterling Hig
hway
Skilak Lake
Animals in this fire-adapted ecosystem react to
smoke just as humans do, moving away and seeking
shelter in safe zones like wetlands and lakes.
Though some individual animals may not avoid
harm, their species’ population benefits as a whole
from the forest’s rebirth after fire.
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Traveling In Forested Areas After A Fire
Walking On Dangerous Ground
Hazard Trees
Ash Pits
The duff that held tree roots in place has now been
burned away leaving trees very unstable.
Duff layer. A layer of moderately to highly decomposed leaves,
needles, fine twigs, and other organic material found between the
mineral soil surface and litter layer of forest soil.
Safety
Tips
Ash pits may look like solid ground on the surface, but
underneath can be inches to feet deep of smoldering ash.
Ash Pit. A hole in the ground filled with ash, possibly containing hot
embers beneath. It may be imperceptible from the ground above, and
can remain dangerous long after flames and smoke are no longer visible.
• Look up, down and around!
• Be aware of your surroundings at
all times.
• Do not walk on trails during
windy days.
• Share your hiking plans with
friends and family.
• Plan your trip! Avoid areas with
hazard trees after storms.
Safety
Tips
• Stay on designated trails.
• Keep Pets on trails.
• Do not allow
children to play in
burned areas.
• Carry a hiking stick
to check the ground for
ash pits.
Trip Hazards
Fire has burned underneath trails in many
areas leaving holes in and alongside of trails.
Exposed roots have also been left behind since
duff has been burned away.
Safety
Tips
4
• Be aware of trail conditions
• Watch your step!
• Use caution on trails affected
by fire
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Wildlife Viewing and Safety
Where to Look
Alpine Tundra:
Boreal Forest:
Wetland:
Aquatic:
In the mountains above
treeline, low growing
plants provide food for
Dall sheep, caribou,
and marmots. Golden
eagles hunt small
mammals from the air.
Brown bears feast on
berries in late summer.
Spruce and hardwoods
such as birch, aspen, and
cottonwood are home to
songbirds, spruce grouse,
red squirrels, owls, lynx,
moose, and black bear.
Bogs, marshes, and
muskeg are nesting areas
for migratory waterfowl
and shorebirds. Caribou
and moose eat dwarf
birch and willows. Bears
can be seen in these areas
hunting for moose calves
in spring.
Areas around rivers,
lakes, and ponds are
home to beaver, muskrat,
loons, trumpeter swans,
and spawning salmon.
Trout and salmon,
attract bald eagles, bears,
and river otters.
If You Encounter A Moose
Move away! Maintain a space of 75 feet or more between
yourself and a moose.
Watch for body language. If the moose lowers its head and
ears, and the hair on its back and neck stands up, back off.
If a moose charges, retreat behind a large tree or rock. Most
moose charges are bluffs and getting behind something solid
offers important protection from their sharp, powerful hooves.
Remember, keeping your distance from moose is the best way to
avoid a negative encounter.
Traveling in Bear Country
Consider carrying accessible
bear spray and be prepared to
use it.
Black and brown bears are
found throughout the refuge.
Be alert and use your senses to
evaluate fresh bear sign such as
tracks, scat, claw marks, and
strong scents.
Make noise to avoid surprising
a bear. Be especially careful
along noisy streams, in thick
brush, and where visibility is
poor.
If you see a bear—stay calm. If
the bear does not notice you,
quietly leave the area from
the same direction you
arrived. Keep your eyes
on the bear.
If a bear does notice you,
prepare your deterrent, face the
bear, wave your arms, and talk to
it calmly. Try to appear larger by
standing close to your group.
If a bear approaches you, stand still.
Do not run!
If a bear attacks, fall to the ground
and play dead. Lie flat on your
stomach, with your hands behind
your head.
Keep your pack on.
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Cabins
SLEEPS:
2-4, depending on
cabin size
STAY LIMIT:
7 nights
Engineer Lake Cabin
Cabins for your use
T
here are 16 public use cabins located in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
Getting there can be a thrilling adventure in itself, as most require the use of
boats, aircraft, hiking, or skiing.
CABINS: Have bunk beds, wood heating stove, table, benches, and an outhouse.
Some cabins on front country lakes are equipped with row boats for recreation
during summer months.
BRING: Sleeping bags and pads, cook stove and gear, water purification, first aid,
extra food, garbage bags and toilet paper.
COST:
$35-$45 per night,
plus booking fee
2 cabins - Trapper
Joe & Emma Lake are
first-come, firstserve & no fee
RESERVATIONS:
Call 877-444-6777
or Search for Kenai
National Wildlife
Refuge Cabins at
www.recreation.gov
FIREWOOD: Bring dry kindling and prepared firewood. You may collect dead
and down wood, but availability may be limited.
PACK OUT: All trash and secure food, garbage and supplies from bears.
Trapper Joe Cabin
6
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16 Cabins For Reservation
North Refuge Cabins
Upper Ohmer Lake view
from cabin porch
Inside the Upper
Ohmer Lake Cabin
South Refuge Cabins
Pipe Creek Cabin
Emma Lake Cabin
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Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area
8
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Popular Day Hikes
Difficulty
Easy to
Moderate
Moderate
Strenuous
Very Strenuous
Burney’s Trail
Length
(Roundtrip)
1.2 miles
Hiking Time
(Roundtrip)
1 hour
Hidden Lake Campground
Egumen Lake
0.6 miles
45 min
Sterling Hwy, mile 70.4
Hidden Creek
2.6 miles
2 hours
Skilak Lake Rd, mile 4.6
Trail
Location
Lower Kenai River
4.6 miles
2-4 hours
Skilak Lake Rd, mile 2.3
Seven Lakes
8.8 miles
4-6 hours
Skilak Lake Rd, mile 9.4
Upper Kenai River
5.6 miles
3-5 hours
Skilak Lake Rd, mile .6
Marsh Lake
6.0 miles
2 hours
Skilak Lake Rd, mile 16.6
Bear Mountain
1.6 miles
2 hours
Skilak Lake Rd, mile 6.0
Hideout Trail
1.5 miles
2 hours
Skilak Lake Rd, mile 1.9
Skilak Lookout
4.0 miles
3-4 hours
Skilak Lake Rd, mile 5.4
Fuller Lakes
5.8 miles
4-6 hours
Sterling Hwy, mile 57
Vista Trail
3.0 miles
2-3 hours
Upper Skilak Campground
Skyline
2.0 miles
3-5 hours
Sterling Hwy, mile 61
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Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area
Mile
Fire Affected Areas
Fire Affected Areas
East to west
10
Interest Point
Comments
0.1
Jim’s Landing
View bald eagles in tall cottonwoods on the south shore of the Kenai
River. Busy boat ramp for drift boat and raft trips. Last boat launch
“take-out” before Skilak Lake.
0.6
Kenai River Trail (East)
Hike in 1/2 mile for a scenic view of the Kenai River Canyon.
1.9
Hideout Trail
This 1.5 mile roundtrip hike offers spectacular views of the Kenai River
and Skilak Lake.
2.3
Kenai River Trail (West)
Hike in to see regrowth from the 1991 Pothole Lake Fire. Good area for
viewing moose.
3.6
Hidden Lake
Campground
Largest and most developed refuge campground. For a 1.2 mile roundtrip
scenic hike, take Burney’s Trail across from site #7, Skyview Campground
Loop. Park in the amphitheater lot. Nice picnic area by lake boat ramp.
4.6
Hidden Creek Trail
Origin of the 1996 Hidden Creek Fire which burned 5,200 acres. Nice
cobble beach for picnicking at the end of the trail by Skilak Lake (3 miles
roundtrip; lower section of the trail may be wet).
5.1
Hidden Creek Overlook
Outstanding view of Hidden Creek Flats, Kenai River, Skilak Lake, and
the glacial outwash area of the Skilak Glacier.
5.4
Skilak Lookout Trail
Hike through the heart of the forest regenerated after the 1996 Hidden
Creek Fire. From the alpine zone at the end of the trail, look down to
Skilak Lake for a view of gull and cormorant rookeries on the lake’s rocky
islands (4 miles roundtrip).
6.0
Bear Mountain Trail
Gains elevation quickly for a scenic view of Skilak Lake at trail’s end
(2 miles roundtrip).
8.4
Upper Skilak
Campground
Excellent picnic site with views of Skilak Lake and the Kenai Mountains.
Campground with vehicle sites and walk-in tent sites. Boat launch for
Skilak Lake and Vista Trail (3 miles roundtrip).
8.5
Lower Ohmer Lake
Campground
Small developed campground with vehicle and tent sites. Nice canoeing
and fishing for rainbow trout. Look for moose, loons, and beaver.
9.3
Engineer Lake Overlook
Scenic view of Engineer Lake and west end of Hidden Lake.
9.4
Engineer Lake
Campground
Small undeveloped campground area and trailhead for Seven Lakes Trail
(8.8 miles roundtrip). Nice lake for canoeing. Access to Engineer Lake
Public Use Cabin.
13.6
Lower Skilak
Campground
Moderate-sized campground with 14 primitive sites. Popular boat launch
for Skilak Lake and Kenai River fishing activities. Overflow parking lots
available for boat trailers.
16.6
Marsh Lake Trail
Once a fuel break from the 2016 Card Street Fire, this trail offers a unique
view of surrounding mountains that includes a large man-made clearing.
Good for wildlife viewing. Trail ends at Marsh Lake. (6 miles round trip)
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Mileage begins at east entrance, see map on page 8.
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Camping
Roadside Campgrounds
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge has a variety of
roadside campgrounds. All campsites are on a firstcome, first-serve basis. There is no reservation system
for refuge campgrounds. Federal Interagency Senior
and Access Passes reduce camping fees by 50% in
refuge campgrounds.
Requirements: Camping may not exceed 14 days in a
30-day period anywhere on the refuge. Stay limits are two
days at the Russian River Access Area or seven consecutive
days at Hidden Lake Campground.
Fires in developed campgrounds are allowed but
restricted to grates, barbeques, or stoves. Campers may cut
firewood, but only dead or down wood may be collected.
Attend fires at all times. Completely put out fires before
you leave.
Pets must be on a leash no longer than nine
feet. Owners must be in control of pets at all
times and must clean up pet waste.
The burned area, found just outside campsites in
some cases, can be very dangerous for free roaming dogs.
Backcountry Camping
Backcountry camping is permitted 1/4-mile away
from the Sterling Highway and Skilak Lake Road.
Please practice Leave No Trace ethics.
Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area Camping (see map on pages 8–9)
Number
of Units
Toilets
Boat
Launch
Nightly
Fee
Engineer Lake
4
✔
✔
Free
Hidden Lake
44
✔
✔
$10
Kelly Lake
3
✔
✔
Free
Lower Ohmer Lake
4
✔
Canoe
Free
Lower Skilak Lake
14
✔
✔
Free
Petersen Lake
3
✔
✔
Free
Upper Skilak Lake
25
✔
✔
$5-$10
3
✔
✔
Free
Campgrounds
Watson Lake
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Canoeing in the Refuge
T
he Swan Lake and Swanson River canoe
systems cover over 100 miles in the northern
lowlands of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
From easy family weekend trips to week-long
adventures, paddlers of all abilities and ages will
enjoy this unique wilderness experience.
Swan Lake
Canoe Route
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Canoeing in the Refuge
What To Expect
• Lakes typically break up in
mid-May and remain open
until mid-October. Lake waters
are cold (50-60 degrees F).
Swanson River
Canoe Route
• Portages range from several
hundred yards to a mile or
more. Travel light and use a
good canoe yoke. Realize you
hike as much as you paddle on
the canoe routes. Carry an extra
paddle to ensure safety.
• Biting insects are often present
on portages and at campsites.
Bring repellent and head nets.
• Narrow rivers, like Swanson
and Moose, require paddlers to
maneuver tight oxbows and to
avoid rocks and brush. These
rivers require intermediate
level canoeing skills.
• Campsites are not designated.
To reduce impact, choose
sites that have been previously
developed.
Map Key
Canoe System Regulations
• Canoeists must register at the
entrance where they embark.
• Group size is limited to 15
people. Smaller groups of
2 to 8 are recommended to
reduce impact.
• State boating and life jacket
regulations apply.
• No motorized watercraft.
• Wheeled vehicles such as canoe carts and mountain bikes are not allowed in
wilderness areas.
• Power equipment, such as electric boat motors, generators and chain saws, is
not allowed in designated wilderness areas.
• Fishing and hunting in season are permitted.
• Fireworks are prohibited.
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Fishing and Hunting
Getting Started
Fishing
F
ishing on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is a
great angling challenge as each body of water has its
own unique fish ecology and regulations.
Obtain a current copy of the Sport Fishing Regulations
Summary for Southcentral Alaska and keep it handy
while fishing. The key to using this booklet is to first
locate where you want to fish, and then follow the
regulations that apply to each specific area.
Alaska residents ages 18 and older and nonresidents ages
16 and older must purchase a valid sport fishing license.
These are available at local sporting goods and grocery
stores. They can also be purchased online at www.admin.
adfg.state.ak.us/license
Fishing Away From the Crowds
Good areas for quiet fishing near the road system are
found in small lakes such as Lower Ohmer, Watson,
Kelly, Petersen, Forest, Dolly Varden, Rainbow, Paddle,
and many areas of the Swan Lake and Swanson River
canoe systems. Fishing from a canoe or small inflatable
boat is highly recommended to successfully fish for
rainbow trout in these waters.
One of the few areas to fish for grayling is Lower Fuller
Lake, a steep 1.5-mile hike from mile 57 of the Sterling
Highway.
Hunting
H
unting is an important wildlife management tool
that we recognize as a healthy, traditional, outdoor
pastime, deeply rooted in America’s heritage. Hunting
can instill a unique understanding and appreciation of
wildlife, their behavior, and their habitat needs.
As practiced on refuges, hunting, trapping, and fishing
do not pose a threat to wildlife populations and, in some
instances, are necessary for sound wildlife management.
Refer to both the current State of Alaska and refugespecific hunting regulations when planning your hunt.
Fishing
Etiquette in
Bear Country
• If a bear approaches
you while you have a
If you have detailed
fish on the line, cut the
questions on fishing
line and leave the area.
regulations, please contact
• Fish remains attract
the Alaska Department of
bears. Cut fish
Fish and Game (ADF&G)
carcasses into small
office in Soldotna at 907pieces and toss into
262-9368.
deep, fast-moving
For information on the
water. Do not put fish
status of fish concentrations
waste in dumpsters or
and emergency closures
on shore.
use the ADF&G Soldotna
• Carry fish out in sealed
Fishery Hotline (updated
plastic bags to decrease
weekly) at 907-262-2737.
odors that could attract
bears to paths and
trails.
• Store all food, bait,
line and tackle, fishy
clothes, and garbage
in bear-resistant
containers in your
vehicle.
• Avoid fishing during
times of low visibility
(dawn, dusk, and at
night) to prevent bear
encounters.
• Always keep your
dog on a leash and
Hill Road; and the Moose
under control to
Research Center on Swan
prevent negative bear
Lake Road. Discharge of
encounters.
firearms is not permitted
• Carry accessible bear
within ¼ mile of all
spray and be prepared
refuge facilities, including
to use it.
trailheads, parking lots,
cabins, campgrounds,
roads, waysides, and buildings.
Hunting in the Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area has its
own set of rules and regulations. For current guidance,
Much of the refuge’s two million acres is open to hunting.
consult the refuge website at http://kenai.fws.gov or
Areas on the refuge that are closed to hunting and
contact refuge headquarters for more information at
trapping include areas around our administrative, visitor
907-262-7021.
center, and educational facilities; hiking trails on Ski
14
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To Learn More
Photo by Fabrice Simon
Stop by the refuge visitor center in
Soldotna to find these useful guides,
plus other Alaska books, maps,
journals, posters, and more.
Stay Connected
A
s the official nonprofit education partner of
the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
Geographic connects people with Alaska’s
magnificent wildlands through the creation and
delivery of exceptional educational products and
programs. Alaska Geographic supports youth
camps and expeditions, mentorship, stewardship
projects, and adult field courses. Together
with public land partners, Alaska Geographic is
dedicated to sharing Alaska’s rich natural and
cultural heritage.
Alaska Geographic operates stores across the
state, including the Kenai National Wildlife
Refuge Visitor Center in Soldotna. A portion of
every purchase made at this Alaska Geographic
store directly supports the Kenai National
Wildlife Refuge by funding educational and
interpretive programs and projects. Since 1959,
Alaska Geographic has donated more than $20
million to Alaska’s public lands.
Please consider supporting Alaska’s public lands
by becoming a member of Alaska Geographic. To
learn more about our
work and the benefits
of membership, or to
browse our selection
of Alaska books, maps,
films, and more, visit one
of our stores or point
your web browser to
akgeo.org
Pins, patches, hats, and other products featuring
this unique Kenai National Wildlife Refuge design
are available exclusively from Alaska Geographic.
Kenai Trails
A collection of regional weather,
flora and fauna, and trail access
information, as well as safety tips,
equipment lists, topographical
maps, and a brief history of Kenai
Peninsula trails.
$7.95
Birding the Kenai
National Wildlife Refuge
Part birding guide, part hiking guide,
this indispensable book highlights
commonly sighted birds and where
they can be found. Includes detailed
descriptions of trails in the refuge.
$5.95
Kenai NWR Water Bottle
Discover Alaska Collection
Show your support for Kenai National
Wildlife Refuge and stay hydrated on your
next adventure with this Nalgene© water
bottle.
$19.95
National Wildlife Refuges
of Alaska
Alaska’s 16 national wildlife
refuges are a legacy in trust for
animals and people. Containing
77 million acres of refuge lands,
their wildlife and wild wonders
are unmatched.
$9.95
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Information Centers
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
http://kenai.fws.gov
www.facebook.com/kenainationalwildliferefuge
907-262-7021
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 2139
Soldotna, AK 99669
Refuge Visitor Center 907-260-2820
Physical Location (not for mailing):
33398 Ski Hill Road
Soldotna, AK 99669
For More Information
http://kenai.fws.gov
State of Alaska
Department of Fish and Game . . . . . . . 907-262-9368
Fish and Wildlife Protection. . . . . . . . . .907-262-4573
Fishery Hotline (Soldotna) . . . . . . . . . . .907-262-2737
State Forestry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 907-260-4200
State Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 907-262-5581
State Troopers (non-emergency) . . . . . . 907-262-4453
Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor
Center - AK Maritime NWR
www.islandsandocean.org
Homer
907-235-6961
Alaska Public Lands Information
Center
www.alaskacenters.gov/anchorage.cfm
Anchorage
907-644-3678
Begich, Boggs Visitor Center,
Chugach National Forest
www.fs.fed.us/r10/chugach
Portage
907-783-2326, 907-288-3178
Kenai Fjords National Park
www.nps.gov/kefj
Seward
907-422-0500
Kenai Visitor and Cultural Center
www.visitkenai.com
Kenai
907-283-1991
Soldotna Visitor Information Center
www.soldotnachamber.com
Soldotna
907-262-9814
Emergency Services: 911
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