Alaska’s wild, rugged beauty deserves to be explored, and one of the best ways for most of us to catch an up-close glimpse of Mother Nature is by taking a hike. Here’s a gorgeous trail that takes you along a river with some jaw-dropping views.
You’ll find the Kenai River Trail near Skilak Lake. Take the Skilak Lake Road to the junction with the Sterling Highway. The trailhead is just a little more than a half mile from the junction.
Gary Harris/Alltrails
The trail is 10 miles out and back, and considered moderately difficult. On the upper portion of the trail, you’ll experience some elevation changes as you traverse the steep, rocky trail to the ridge of Kenai River Canyon.
Gary Harris/Alltrails
Once you make it up the trail, you’ll have some excellent views of the majestic Kenai River.
Gary Harris/Alltrails
At some points, you’ll just get a peek at the river far below…
Gary Harris/Alltrails
…in other spots, you’ll be stunned by the view in front of you, with steep canyon walls lining the river. The clear waters look aquamarine from up here, and you’ll want to have a camera handy to capture this stunning vista.
Jason McWilliams/Alltrails
From the ridgeline, the trail descends, and winds through some beautiful, forested terrain.
Gary Harris/Alltrails
You’ll be surrounded by aspens both old and new. If you look carefully, you can see the traces of two wildfires - a large one in 1991, and a smaller one in 2004. You’ll notice that the trees along this part of the trail are much younger, and are growing over the charred stumps and logs of the old fires.
Jordyn Richmond/Alltrails
As you get to the water’s edge, it’s a good time to enjoy a picnic or just sit and watch the river from its banks. You’ll then return to the trail to hike it in reverse back to the trailhead.
Gary Harris/Alltrails
The Kenai River is a popular spot for salmon fishing - for both humans and bears.
Forest Service Alaska Region/flickr
Keep an eye out for bears along the trail. You’ll likely run into signs of them, including scat, fish carcasses, and tufts of fur on bushes and trees. Make plenty of noise as you hike, and carry bear spray.
Dr. DeNo/flickr
Have you hiked the Kenai River Trail? Tell us about your adventure!
Gary Harris/Alltrails
Jason McWilliams/Alltrails
Jordyn Richmond/Alltrails
Forest Service Alaska Region/flickr
Dr. DeNo/flickr
From its stunning mountains to its incredible coastline, Alaska is a nature lovers delight. To witness a different side of Alaska, take a tour of the Galapagos of Alaska to see the most incredible wildlife.
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