McNeil River

McNeil River flows for 35 miles through Alaska's wilderness, originating from glaciers and alpine lakes in the Aleutian Range toward Cook Inlet.

The Alaska State Legislature established McNeil River State Game Sanctuary in 1967, expanding its protected territory in 1993 to preserve brown bear populations.

Native Alaskan communities maintain connections with McNeil River's ecosystem, which supports traditional fishing practices and wildlife observation methods.

Access to McNeil River requires participation in a state-managed lottery system that limits daily visitors to 10 people from June through August.

The river's falls create natural barriers where salmon congregate during migration, attracting up to 74 brown bears simultaneously to fish.

Location: Kenai Peninsula

GPS coordinates: 59.04973,-154.47209

Latest update: October 29, 2025 18:35