Russian River, River in the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, US

Russian River is a 13-mile river on the Kenai Peninsula that runs north from Upper Russian Lake through Lower Russian Lake and empties into the Kenai River near Cooper Landing. A 2.3-mile walk from the first campground parking lot leads to viewing platforms at Russian River Falls.

The Dena'ina people called this waterway Chunuk'tnu and recognized its importance long before modern settlement arrived on the Kenai Peninsula. This indigenous name reflects a relationship with the river that extends back generations.

The Dena'ina name for the river, Chunuk'tnu, is the oldest recorded name for this waterway. Today the river is known for its salmon runs: sockeye arrive in mid-June and mid-July, and silver salmon in August, drawing anglers to the mouth and the falls.

You can reach the area by hiking from the Russian River Campground parking lot or by taking the ferry across the Kenai River, with fees for both options. Be prepared for changing water and weather conditions, and allow extra time if you plan to spend several hours observing.

The river's Dena'ina name, Chunuk'tnu, predates the Russian name by generations. The 13-mile waterway drops from Upper Russian Lake through Lower Russian Lake before joining the Kenai near Cooper Landing, and the falls viewing platforms sit 2.3 miles from the campground's first parking lot.