Kenai, Alaska

Fishing on the Kenai River

Russian Orthodox Church, Kenai

The town of Kenai is located on the western side of the Kenai Peninsula at the mouth of the Kenai River on Cook Inlet, about 16 km off the Sterling Highway. The town’s scenery and history make it a worthwhile stop. Kenai provides stunning views of active volcanoes across the inlet, Russian heritage, access to incredible wilderness and world-class fishing on the world famous Kenai River. The majestic Alaska Range is visible across Cook Inlet.

Kenai is the largest town on the Kenai Peninsula and second-oldest permanent settlement in Alaska, stablished by Russian fur traders in 1791.

Today the North Kenai industrial district has a strong oil and gas industry with the largest concentration of oil industry infrastructure in Alaska outside of Prudhoe Bay. Across Cook Inlet, 15 oil platforms pump about 42,000 barrels a day.

Fishing around Kenai, Alaska

The Kenai River is perhaps the most famous river for salmon fishing in the world. The world record King Salmon was caught in the Kenai River. There are many fishing areas, camps, and lodges along the Kenai River. In the town of Kenai there are many public access fishing boardwalks.

Gateway to Wildlife Viewing and Adventure

Kenai is a gateway into the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and the Captain Cook State Recreation Area. The fishing in this area is world famous, the wildlife is abundant and the adventure is everywhere. Rafting, kayaking, hiking and wildlife viewing are all popular activities.

Kenai Bicentennial Visitors Center

Make sure you stop by the Visitors Center, built in 1991 to mark the city’s 200th anniversary. The Kenai Cultural Center features historical exhibits on the city’s Russian heritage, local Alaska Native culture and history, seasonal art shows and more. The wildlife room includes dozens of mounts including eagles, wolverines, brown bears and a beluga whale.

Kenai Landing

Kenai Landing, at the mouth of the famous Kenai River, is an authentic 1920s era salmon cannery renovated as a visitor destination, providing a vibrant mix of arts, history, entertainment, sportfishing and lore with lodging and restaurants, all in a beautiful waterfront setting. The restored 1922 Marketplace houses a number of shops and galleries.

Beluga Whale Lookout and “The Bluff”, Kenai

Take a walk along ‘The Bluff,’ a good vantage point from which to view the mouth of the Kenai River or the mountainouss on the west side of Cook Inlet. Beluga Whale Lookout is located along the way and is a great place to spot groups of these white whales in late spring and early summer as they ride the incoming tides into the Kenai River to feed on salmon.

Parish House Rectory, Kenai 

The Rectory is considered to be the oldest building on the Kenai Peninsula, constructed in 1881. Restored in 1998, the rectory continues to be the residence of priests who serve the church. Hand-hewn logs, joined with square-notched corners, are covered by wood shingle siding and painted the original colors.

Russian Orthodox Church and Chapel, Kenai

Across from the rectory is Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary Russian Orthodox Church. One of the oldest Russian Orthodox churches in Alaska and a National Historic Landmark, it has three onion-shaped domes. Icons from Russia and an 1847 Russian edition of the Holy Gospel are displayed. Regular church services are held each Sunday and tours are available Monday through Saturday. Nearby is the St. Nicholas Chapel which was built in 1906.

Access: Road access on the Kenai Spur Highway off the Sterling Highway near Soldotna and scheduled air taxi and air charter service.

Location: Kenai is located on the western coast of the Kenai Peninsula on Cook Inlet. It lies on the western boundary of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, on the Kenai Spur Highway, approximately 65 air miles and 155 highway miles southwest of Anchorage via the Sterling Highway.

Population: 6,777.

Accommodations: Seven hotels/motels, 11 bed and breakfasts, 6 lodges, 13 cabins, 3 vacation rentals/apartments, numerous restaurants, all services.