Birds are sensitive during the nesting season. Vegetation clearing, ground disturbance, heavy wake near shorelines and other site construction and recreational activities can destroy eggs or nestlings or cause nest abandonment. If you encounter an active nest, leave it be and give it space until young hatch and depart the area. Do not destroy eggs, chicks, or adults of wild bird species. Learn about the laws that govern migratory birds in Alaska including possible exceptions for subsistence gathering. More information on avoiding waterbird harassment and timing recommendations for construction activities to minimize impacts to nesting birds.
Visit Us
Alaska's most-visited Refuge is nearly two million acres in size. World-class fishing, camping, and hiking opportunities draw people from Alaska and around the world. The Swanson River and Swan Lake Canoe Trails are one of three such wilderness trail systems in the United States and provide an opportunity to really get into the backcountry.
There are 14 rustic public use cabins located in Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Getting there can be a thrilling adventure in itself, as most require the use of boats, aircraft, hiking, or skiing.
Before embarking onto the refuge, we encourage you to visit our Visitor Center in Soldotna, Alaska. Programs for visitors and local residents are year-round. Our partner bookstore, Alaska Geographic, offers natural history-themed books, cards, gifts and educational curios and a portion of all sales directly support Refuge education and outreach programs.
Here are some essentials for travelling in Alaska's bear country.
Activities
Whether you fish, boat, hike, bird, or hunt, be sure to slow down and look for wildlife and signs of wildlife like tracks, scat, and nests. Please familiarize yourself with safety in bear country. Downloadable PDF maps are available here: Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Maps
Trails
Downloadable PDF maps are available here: Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Maps
Related Documents
Maps
PDF Maps are available for download. We are continuing to grow our library collections of maps. If you do not see what you are looking for please contact the visitors center.
Rules and Policies
On May 5, 2016 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a final rule for Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Consistent with the Refuge’s 2010 Comprehensive Conservation Plan, the final rule amends Refuge public use regulations to ensure natural resource conservation while maintaining high quality and safe experiences for visitors. The final rule is available at: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2016/05/05/2016-10288/refuge-specific-regulations-public-use-kenai-national-wildlife-refuge
You can also download a copy of the regulations specific to the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge here.
If you're staying in one of our public use cabins, PACK OUT all trash and secure food, garbage and supplies from bears.
Locations
This Visitor Center opened in May 2015 and is adjacent to the Kenai Refuge headquarters building in Soldotna, Alaska. It incorporates many environmentally-conscious features, the building has a sod roof, solar panels, in-floor radiant heating, LED lighting and a soapstone masonry heater.
The Kenai Refuge Visitor Center is in Soldotna, Alaska. From points north, including Anchorage, travel to mile 95 of the Sterling Highway, and cross the Kenai River Bridge. Once you cross the river, immediately get in the far left turn lane and make a left on to Funny River Road. As soon as you are on Funny River Road, prepare for an immediate right turn on to Ski Hill Road. Drive one mile up the hill and make a left turn on to a road leading to the Visitor Center. Follow directional signs and look for the big bronze bull moose statue.
Kenai staff offices are located in the headquarters building.
The Refuge Headquarters is located next to the Visitor Center.