Russian River, Salmon stream in Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, US
The Russian River extends 13 miles through Upper and Lower Russian Lake before connecting with the Kenai River near Cooper Landing in south-central Alaska.
The Denaina people named this waterway Chunuk'tnu, establishing its significance long before modern settlement in the Kenai Peninsula region.
The Russian River Falls viewing platforms allow visitors to observe both sockeye salmon migrations and bears hunting below the cascading waters.
Access requires either hiking from Russian River Campground parking lots or taking the Russian River ferry across the Kenai River, with associated fees.
Two distinct sockeye salmon runs occur annually in mid-June and mid-July, followed by silver salmon arrivals in August through the river system.
Location: Kenai Peninsula
GPS coordinates: 60.41715,-149.99194
Latest update: October 29, 2025 18:35
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