Kenai River

The Kenai River is a waterway on the Kenai Peninsula that flows from a glacial lake through varied landscapes before emptying into Cook Inlet. The river moves through forests and open areas where freshwater and saltwater ecosystems come together.

The Dena'ina people settled along this river thousands of years ago, using it as a route for travel and as a source of food. Later, European explorers and settlers arrived and used the area and waterway for their own purposes.

The river has been the center of life for people in the region for generations, especially because of the salmon runs that draw anglers and locals each year. The way people stand on the banks waiting and boats move back and forth shows how deeply this waterway is woven into everyday life here.

Several access points and fishing areas are available, as well as camping spots or day-use areas along the river. It helps to plan your visit based on the season, since conditions change quite a bit throughout the year.

A particularly large king salmon was caught here in 1985 and was one of the biggest fish ever caught at this location. This record catch made the area well-known among anglers worldwide.