The Upper Kenai River and Russian River are open to fishing through 11:59 p.m. April 30, as is the ¼ mile section of Kenai Lake just upstream of the Sterling Highway Bridge in Cooper Landing. Hidden Creek Trail - Alaska Hike SearchKenai National Wildlife Refuge - American Hiking SocietySkilak Lake - AK Fire Info In 2019, the refuge started reclaiming an old horse trail along the north shore of Tustumena Lake from the end of Doc Pollard Trail that will connect to Bear Creek Trail. A large lake in the refuge was Skilak Lake. Southcentral Management Areas Fishing Reports - Sport Fish ... The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge reported Sunday on Facebook that the people were camping alone along the shoreline of Skilak Lake near the mouth of Hidden Creek, and that after the attack, they . This remote lot is about 100` X 250`. There are seven hiking trails of varying difficulties located within the recreation area. Refuge spokesperson Leah Eskelin said the campers were attacked in a dispersed area along the shoreline of Skilak Lake, about 58 miles (93 kilometers) south of Anchorage. From the east entrance to Skilak Lake Road this campground is located at mile 8.4 turnoff. There are several great state campgrounds, easy trails but with great views, fishing, lots of wildlife, and some nice scenic overlooks. Kenai Backcountry Lodge is located on glacier-carved Skilak Lake in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge in Southcentral Alaska. Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Cabins Skilak Lake Road is a State of Alaska Right-of-Way. Sport fish bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to the peninsula each year. Box 2139; Ski Hill Rd. The trail gains elevation gradually, though there are several steep sections near the end of the trail. Kenai National Wildlife Refuge P.O. Alaska takes wildlife management very seriously. At the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters and Visitor Center off Ski Hill Road, there are about 10 miles of trails waiting to be explored by two-legged skiers and snowshoers (no dogs, please!). SCENIC VIEWS: Views of the Kenai Mountains, Skilak Lake, and the mountains across Cook Inlet can be seen from most of the trail. The Dena'ina traditional people of the Kenai call their birthplace "Yaghanen" - the "good land.". Refuge boundary; then east along the refuge boundary to its junction with the Kenai River; then eastward along the north side of the Kenai River and Skilak Lake; then south along the western side of Skilak River, Skilak Glacier, and Harding Icefield; then west along the Unit 15B boundary to the mouth of Shantatalik Creek. We are one of the few outfits that float the entire Upper Kenai River from Kenai Lake to Skilak Lake, including the historic town of Cooper Landing, and the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. The lake offers activities for every visitor including camping, hiking, nature watching, fishing, swimming, and much more. Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and others, this expertly researched map contains an . Originally, this trail was used in the 1930s and 1940s to access the Alaska Guides Camp that sat on the north shore of Tustumena Lake at Bear Creek. There are several great state campgrounds, easy trails but with great views, fishing, lots of wildlife, and some nice scenic overlooks. • Waterproof • Tear-Resistant • Topographic MapNational Geographic's Trails Illustrated map of Kenai National Wildlife Refuge was created for all outdoor enthusiasts adventuring in this diverse area on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. Upper Skilak Lake Campground located along Skilak Lake Road on the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska is a popular campsite maintained by the U.S. Permitted for the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge for the last several decades, a float down the Kenai River canyon to Skilak Lake is one of our most popular trips for guests and guides alike. By Jay Luzardo. There are also three small free campgrounds on Swanson River Road. Contact the Refuge Headquarters (907-262-7021) for snowmachine regulations. The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is just one of more than 500 units of the national refuge system but it stands out as a very special place among special places! Jamie . This notice advises the public that the Fish and Wildlife Service— Start Printed Page 66062 Alaska Region is permanently closing and/or restricting hunting and trapping within the Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area (Skilak Loop Management Area), a portion of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Skilak Lake Loop Road is a very scenic drive located on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula in the South Central Region, in USA. Camping: The Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area has ten campgrounds. This trail goes through a burn area that occurred in May of 1996. Both people sustained injuries from the bear encounter but managed to escape by kayak to . Kenai National Wildlife Refuge P.O. Fire has burned underneath trails in many areas leaving holes in and alongside of trails. Hupp 80 years of conservation and counting Just a few weeks ago, on Dec. 16, the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge turned 80. Toll Free: 877-285-5628. I love having the opportunity to show people this productive and beautiful roadside fishery. But in March of 2013, the Alaska State Board of Game (BOG) adopted a proposal to allow firearm hunting and trapping of lynx, coyotes and wolves in the SWRA. campgrounds including Watson Lake, Kelly Lake, Engineer Lake, Rainbow Lake, and Dolly Varden Lake. This action is consistent with refuge management . Kenai Wildlife Refuge Skilak Lake Road passes through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Kenai Peninsula Campgrounds These smaller campgrounds are great for boondocking and offer a quiet and scenic Alaskan experience. Hupp 80 years of conservation and counting Just a few weeks ago, on Dec. 16, the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge turned 80. Turn onto Skilak Lake Loop Road at mile 75.3 on the Sterling Highway and travel 5.3 miles east on Skilak Lake Loop Road. ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Two people that were camping along the shoreline of Skilak Lake in Kenai National Wildlife Refuge were attacked by a bear Saturday morning, according to a refuge spokesperson. Located in the heart of Kenai National Wildlife Refuge on the shores of glacier-carved Skilak Lake, Kenai Backcountry Lodge is a remote wilderness retreat. Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Upper Skilak Lake Campground: Jump to Events Facilities/Services Policies Rates Recreation Rental Units Reviews Sites Weather Forecast : Overview: Location Address: Soldotna, Alaska 99669 GPS: 60.439729, -150.321347 View on Map Accessible only by boat, this historic property offers a chance to relax and reconnect with nature far from busy tourist areas. Getting There Skilak Lake Road runs for 19 miles, with entrances at Sterling Highway mileposts 58 and 75.2. The closest boat ramp is located at Upper Skilak Campground off Skilak Lake Road. As such, travel on Skilak Lake Road is at your own risk and discretion. Access to the cabin is by boat, float plane, ski plane, skiing, and snowmachine. Engineer Lake Campground located along Skilak Lake Road on the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska. P.O. Kelly Lake is one of the few Refuge lakes open to vehicles to drive on for the purpose of ice fishing only. Facility Details, Rentals, Seasonal Sites, Reviews . Even the most casual visitor to the Refuge has the opportunity to see wildlife and amazing scenery. The Kenai River downstream of Skilak Lake to the mouth of the Upper Killey River is open to fishing through 11:59 p.m. April 30. (Sabine Poux/KDLL) Two kayakers paddled six miles to safety across Skilak Lake after they were mauled by a bear early Saturday morning. Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge guarantees breathtaking scenery and an unforgettable experience for visitors staying in one of the 14 rustic cabins located in Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. The hunting and fishing traditions that helped create the Refuge in 1941 still flourish, but so do enhanced opportunities for hiking, camping, canoeing, and wildlife watching. Hidden Lake Campground located along Skilak Lake Road on the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska is a popular campsite maintained by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 13, 2021 at 1:38 PM PDT. The lodge is accessible from Cooper Landing making this lodge a convenient Alaska wilderness vacation. By vehicle and then a short walk. Kenai National Wildlife Refuge "We're grateful that they got the care that they needed right. Getting to the cabin can be a thrilling adventure in itself, as most of them require the use of boats, aircraft, hiking or skiing. Secondary access roads are Skilak Lake Loop Road, Swanson River Road, Swan Lake Road, and Funny River Road. P.O. Caribou Island and Skilak Lake is surrounded by the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. From Seward, enjoy a beautiful driving tour out to the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge followed by boating on Skilak Lake, one of the largest glacial-carved lakes on the Kenai Peninsula, combined with magnificent hiking opportunities in a true backcountry environment. Skiliak Lake all the way to and a little past the swan sactuary is part of the KNWR-kenai refuge. State rules don't actually automaticly become a rule for NWR. A trip of a lifetime! - Review of Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Soldotna, AK - Tripadvisor Kenai National Wildlife Refuge 142 Reviews #2 of 15 things to do in Soldotna Nature & Parks, Nature & Wildlife Areas 1 Ski Hill Road, Soldotna, AK 99669 Save Book In Advance Middle Kenai River Full-Day Fishing Trip Day Trips Upper Skilak Lake Campground is one of 9 campgrounds in the Skilak Lake Recreation Area portion of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. I love having the opportunity to show people this productive and beautiful roadside fishery. The refuge is bisected by the Sterling Highway, which enters the refuge westbound at Mile 55. Access. The Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area is part of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and contains an area that is bounded on the north. Kenai National Wildlife Refuge fishing. Lots of hikes were well marked in the Refuge, but we wanted to get to Kenai for dinner, so no hikes for us. It was a man-made fire which burned approximately 5,200 acres. The Refuge campgrounds offer over 120 RV and tent sites to accommodate a wide range of visitor expectations. Refuge spokesperson Leah Eskelin said the campers were attacked in a dispersed area along the shoreline of Skilak Lake, about 58 miles (93 kilometers) south of Anchorage. The Swan Lake fire began as a lightning strike to a dead white spruce on the edge of the Moose River flats with-in the Dave Spencer Wilderness Unit of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge on June 5, 2019. The smallest has three spaces; the largest, at Hidden Lake, has forty-four. Soldotna, Alaska 99669. Skilak Lake Loop Road is a very scenic drive located on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula in the South Central Region, in USA. Wildlife Viewing Cabin Program The Refuge cabin program began in May of 2005. Skilak Lake sits on the Skilak Lake Wildlife Recreation Area which is part of the almost two million acre Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. The hunting and fishing traditions that helped create the Refuge in 1941 still flourish, but so do enhanced opportunities for hiking, camping, canoeing, and wildlife watching. straightened, bypassing Skilak Lake Road and creating a 19-mile loop off the present Sterling Highway. Location. In 1986, the Kenai Wildlife Refuge, in partnership with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, designated this area as the Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area to promote wildlife viewing opportunities. Skilak Lake Road ...lots to see and do. OTHER ACTIVITIES: Wildflowers are found in profusion along the trail during the summer, and berry picking is possible for high bush cranberries and raspberries in August. Located in the heart of Kenai National Wildlife Refuge on the shores of glacier-carved Skilak Lake, Kenai Backcountry Lodge is a remote wilderness retreat. GPS coordinates: Latitude: 60.426133, Longitude: -150.140654. Alaska River Adventures has operated guided fishing, scenic rafting, hiking, and lodging for over 40 years on the Kenai River. Hidden Creek Trail provides easy access to Skilak Lake and the mouth of Hidden Creek. It is within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, and can be accessed by Skilak Lake Loop Road via the Sterling Highway. The upper stretch of the Middle Kenai is part of the Kenai National Wildlife refuge, and consequently provides great opportunity for wildlife viewing; loons, swans and other waterfowl are abundant.. Downstream of this area the river meanders through private property and provides an interesting change of . Etc. Soldotna, Alaska 99669. Kenai National Wildlife Refuge: Hidden Lake Campground, Skilak Lake Rd - See 142 traveler reviews, 37 candid photos, and great deals for Soldotna, AK, at Tripadvisor. Skilak Lookout Trail. Of the 9 campgrounds, this is one of 3 that can accommodate RVs. Refuge Contact Station Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Wilderness Chugach National Forest gate rivers 1 mile . Box 2139; Ski Hill Rd. A bear attacked two campers sleeping in a tent early Saturday morning along the shoreline of Skilak Lake in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska officials say . Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. At one point or another most winters, a car finds itself at the bottom of a partly frozen lake in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Accessible only by boat, this historic property offers a chance to relax and reconnect with nature far from busy tourist areas. (i) The Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area is bound by a line beginning at the easternmost junction of the Sterling Highway and the Skilak Loop Road (Mile 58), then due south to the south bank of the Kenai River, then southerly along the south bank of the Kenai River to its confluence with Skilak Lake, then westerly along the north shore of Skilak . Skilak Lake is beautiful! If your ski partner has four legs, try heading out Skilak Lake Road/Swanson River Road or simply going for a walk on the Ski Hill Multi-use Trail. Skilak Lake is a large lake on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska.The lake is part of the Kenai River system but also contains glacial runoff, being fed by meltwater from Skilak Glacier.The water is exceptionally clear with a mostly rocky bottom, relatively free of aquatic vegetation. Refuge there first So here is what I found out. A brown bear bit a hiker on the Upper Kenai River Trail, about one mile from the trailhead off Skilak Lake Road, in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge on Sunday night, according to the refuge officials. There is a dedicated easement for an airstrip on the island but it has never been cleared. Fish and Wildlife Service. Created in cooperation with U.S. The Refuge contains many smaller (and free!) No campground host is available nor are there services like dump stations; all but Jean Lake offer potable water. The refuge was there before Alaska was a state. Tucked away in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, the Skilak Lake Loop Road is 30.25km (18.8 miles) long, with entrances at Sterling Highway mileposts 58 and 75.2. It can be accessed by boat in the summer and snowmachine in the winter. On June 17th, when the Alaska Type 2 IMT Black Team in-briefed, the incident was being managed by a Type 3 organization. The road offers spectacular views of lakes and glaciers. From mid May to Labor Day weekend camping fees at Hidden and Upper Skilak Campgrounds: *Hidden Lake Campground - All sites are $10.00 per night Winter view of one of the Refuge's many treasures, Skilak Lake, Credit FWS/L. Lower Skilak Lake Campground located along Skilak Lake Road on the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska is a popular campsite maintained by the U.S. This property is .68 acres on Caribou Island in Skilak Lake. 10 The entire Skilak Lake area is a great place to hang out, especially for families with small children (under 7). The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (KNWR) covers much of the western half of Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, almost 2 million acres of mountains, rivers, lakes, and forested plains. Directions - The campground is located in a small cove along the northern shore of Skilak Lake. The trail ends at a rocky area overlooking Skilak Lake. Eager anglers can pursue chinook, sockeye, coho and pink salmon; as well as Dolly Varden char, rainbow trout, and arctic grayling. the Kenai River to its confluence with Skilak Lake, then westerly along the north shore of Skilak Lake to Lower Skilak Lake Campground, then northerly along the Lower Skilak Lake Campground Road and the Skilak Loop Road to its westernmost junction with the Sterling Hwy (milepost 75.1), then easterly along the Sterling Hwy to the point of origin. Skilak Lake Within Alaska's Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Pristine beauty with a wickedly violent temper. Skilak Lake Lightning ignites multiple wildfires on Kenai Peninsula By Alaska Division of Forestry on June 6, 2019 More than 50 wildland firefighters are responding to a 121-acre wildfire on the Kenai Peninsula, one of several wildfires on the Peninsula started by lightning associated with afternoon thunderstorms Wednesday. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities recently announced a decision to cease winter maintenance on this 19-mile road for the 2019-2020 season. That's what happened the first weekend of February, when a 2015 Chevy pickup fell through the ice of Skilak Lake. The second largest campground along Skilak Lake . The refuge has 14 cabins available for reservation and 2 cabins available on a first come, first served basis. We offer day trips and all-inclusive lodging adventure packages custom fit to . Kenai National Wildlife Refuge fishing. We did not spot any wildlife in the park, even though the signs advised visitors to the area to be bear aware. Nowadays, the locals refer to the Kenai Peninsula as "Alaska's . Free camping in the Skilak area and on Swanson and Swan Lake Roads is available year-round. Skilak Lake is beautiful! Tour Overview. Refer to USGS map Kenai B-1. The section to the west goes directly to Skilak Lake, while the section to the Phone: 907-262-7021. The Refuge maintains headquarters and a large visitor's center with a trail system of its own in Soldotna and a seasonal visitor's center at the north end of Skilak Lake Road where it meets the highway. That's what happened the first weekend of February, when a 2015 Chevy pickup fell through the ice of Skilak Lake. We drove 19 miles on the dirt road, which seemed well-maintained. Kenai National Wildlife Refuge/Upper Skilak Lake Cooper Landing, AK 99572 (907) 262-7021. Skilak Lake acts as a transition zone from the Kenai Mountains to the Kenai lowlands. Backcountry camping is permitted, but you must be at least 1/4 mile from the Sterling Highway, Ski Hill Road or Skilak Lake Road. The unidentified victims were camping on Kenai National Wildlife Refuge at the mouth of Hidden Creek along the shore of Skilak Lake at the time of the incident Saturday, according to a statement . The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge located on the Kenai Peninsula, with access near the towns of Cooper Landing, Kenai, Soldotna, and Sterling. Learn about the Alaskan terrain and wildlife from . Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Contact Station at Sterling Highway milepost 57.8; stop for refuge information, June 10—August 15, 10am to 4pm daily. Location Address: Mile 13-6 Skilak Lake Rd, Soldotna, Alaska 99669 GPS: 60.47319, -150.466304 View on Map Local Directions: Located in a small cove along the northern shore of Skilak Lake. Most of the trail is dry and in good condition . These rules have to be adopted by the refuge. Two sleeping campers were attacked in their tent by a bear on the shoreline of Skilak Lake in Alaska. Share this location. Skilak Lake broods within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge as a jewel in nearly two million acres of wilderness. Lake Torpedo Lake Petersen Lake Kelly Lake Hikers Lake Chatelain Lake Jean Lake Fuller Lakes uLower Ohmer Lake Upper Ohmer Lake Blizzard Lake Marsh Lake Egumen Watson Lake . Called a "miniature Alaska" by some because it includes every major habitat type found in Alaska, the Kenai Peninsula is a fantastic place to explore, and Skilak Lake is a great place to start. ± Hunt Area Closed Area 2 talking about this. Skilak Lake y Kenai National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Guide 3 The Kenai Peninsula kenai vg 2020.indd 3 5/26/20 8:52 AM. Tucked away in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, the Skilak Lake Loop Road is 30.25km (18.8 miles) long, with entrances at Sterling Highway mileposts 58 and 75.2. NOTE: There is no trash pick-up at these smaller campsites so please help us out by packing out your trash. The road offers spectacular views of lakes and glaciers. ← Resize → Winter view of one of the Refuge's many treasures, Skilak Lake, Credit FWS/L. Box 2139; Ski Hill Rd. Find a Park Alaska Cooper Landing Kenai National Wildlife Refuge/Upper Skilak Lake More Campgrounds Nearby. Cabins are a combination of new 16' x 18' log trapper-style cabins and restored historical cabins built by early residents of the Kenai Peninsula. The trailhead to the cabin is located on the Skilak Lake Road, mile 7.5 from the east entrance junction with the Sterling Highway. Soldotna, Alaska 99669 Phone: 907-262-7021 Toll Free: 877-285-5628. Skilak Lookout trail passes through the Hidden Creek burn that occurred in May of 1996, which burned 5,200 acres. If you hike, go during daylight hours, with company, and be bear aware. Phone: 907-262-7021. There were no other . Exposed roots have also been le˜ behind since du˚ has been burned away. Kenai Backcountry Lodge is an eco-friendly Alaskan lodge with a hydroelectric system that provides the electricity to run the kitchen and laundry . Updated: Jun. There is a four wheeler trail that provide The island life of Kenai Refuge brown bears. There were no other . Kelly Lake is also open to snowmachines for ice fishing access. In addition, it also houses two larger campgrounds at Hidden Lake and Upper Skilak Lake where you will never pay any more than $10 a night. nogHXiQ, CQj, fZQVsBu, zehN, XDRPk, GeToa, Dzpnsm, tfOv, MSxC, BiIq, yswtqJ,