Fifty miles of Solid Gold! Few could refute that statement as it relates to the amount of tourism dollars generated by anglers, travelers, and visitors from around the world who come to the lower Kenai River to harvest the abundant salmon returning each season. And despite a few folks seeing the river as a source of income, a great many Alaskans around the State have a different perspective and respect for this river.

You can view the family photo albums in just about any Alaskan's home who lives in southcentral Alaska and see what I mean. There are memories of Kenai River experiences in all of them. Whether it was your first salmon caught or the biggest fish of your life, the Kenai is an integral part of a great majority of the state's population...and their recreational activities.

We hope that many more Alaskans will take advantage of what the lower Kenai River offers during the month of May....before the hectic activities of fishing season overwhelm its true beauty and value. Spring is the perfect time to drift the lower river in a canoe, kayak, or raft in peaceful bliss. And with so many access points available, boaters can plan a trip for as little or as long of a day as they would want. Throw in some grub, stop off on a sandbar for lunch. And see how special and quiet this river really is.

Some Safety Precautions & Tips

• Springtime waters are very cold and the days are cool. Dress warmly in layers.
• Never venture on the river without wearing proper life jackets and carrying extra floatation such as flotation boat cushions.
• Bring a spare paddle or oar secured in the boat.
• Many of the listed boat launch areas may have significant shore ice past the 1st of May so only canoes, kayaks or rafts which can be easily transported can be used in the early season.
• Take a spare change of clothes in a waterproof bag just in case and a lighter or matches.
• The river from Skilak Lake to Eagle Rock is very low in the Spring. Watch out for "sleeper rocks" just under the surface which show little disturbance because of the slow current. Read the river as you would at any other time.
• If you get wet, stop and dry out with a fire or change clothes. And with the number of residential houses along the river, if you have to, ask a local for some help. Don't let your pride cause you hypothermia if you still have a long way to go.

Access In and Out of the Lower Kenai

Lower Skilak Lake Campground Ramp - River Mile 50 Some precautions are in order if you decide to originate your journey from this location. It is a mile and a half of open lake before reaching the mouth of the river. And the lake has a notorious reputation of getting extremely rough in a matter of minutes when winds off the glacier begin to blow. Those boaters are cautioned to stay within a safe distance from shore until you reach the river.

Due to the sensitive nature of the first three miles of the river, outboard motor use is prohibited from March 15 through June 14th. For nature lovers and wildlife photographers, this area provides some good opportunities to view and photograph tundra swans who stage and nest in this area.

Dottie's Fish Camp - River Mile 43.5 A private facility which has a boat ramp for putting in or pulling out.

Bing's Landing - River Mile 39.5 A State Parks facility providing plenty of parking and a boat ramp. Boaters are cautioned that Naptown Rapids are present downstream of this area. During the spring they pose no major problem because of the low water conditions, but they deserve respect. However, as the river rises, they do become challenging or even dangerous so caution is advised. If you have any doubts, just walk your boat downstream along the shore.

Izaak Walton Campground Ramp - River Mile 36.2 Another State Parks facility with campground and boat ramp located at the confluence of the Moose and Kenai rivers. A very good starting point for those wanting to do a half day trip or less.

Morgan's Hole - River Mile 31 A State facility with no boat launch or ramp but canoes, kayaks and rafts can pull out here. You must pack all your gear uphill to the parking area.

Funny River Wayside - River Mile 30.5 Located on the south side of the river on Funny River Road which is accessed from the Sterling Highway past Soldotna. A State Parks facility.

Swiftwater Campground Ramp - River Mile 23 On the north side of the river near the beginning of Soldotna. A city run campground and cement boat ramp are here. Open May 1.

Kenai River Bridge - River Mile 21 The Visitor Center located next to the river at the Soldotna Bridge can provide a haul out for canoes and kayaks. But we suggest going another half mile to Centennial launch ramp.

Centennial Campground Ramp - River Mile 20.4 A city run campground and cement boat launch with ample parking. Does not open until May 1.

Big Eddy Jetty Ramp - River Mile 14 A private facility with improved gravel-based boat launch and parking.

The Pillars Ramp - River Mile 12.4 A State Parks facility with cement boat launch and lots of parking. Open around May 1.

Eagle Rock Ramp - River Mile 11.4 A private facility with gravel-base boat ramp. May be difficult to access early in the season due to very low water levels and shore ice. Canoes and rafts aren't a problem for pulling out here at the parking lot overlook.

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