Kenai Peninsula

The Kenai Peninsula is south of Anchorage, surrounded by the Cook Inlet to the west and Prince William Sound to the east. It is one of the most visited tourist regions in Alaska, especially popular with anglers lured by its excellent salmon and halibut fishing.

Many of the communities of the peninsula were severely affected by the 1964 earthquake.

Cities

 * -- Westernmost highway point in North America. The mouth of the famous Anchor River is here.
 * -- Known for its halibut fishing and for the Homer Spit, a four mile long sand bar jutting into Kachemak Bay
 * -- Tiny (pop. 200 or so) town on Turnagain Arm.
 * -- The largest town on the peninsula, 2003 population 7166.
 * -- Home of a lovely Russian Orthodox Church and excellent clamdigging.
 * -- Unincorporated small town north of Kenai, oil and fishing resources.
 * -- Small town across Kachemak Bay from Homer.
 * -- On Resurrection Bay, home of the Alaska SeaLife Center.
 * -- King Salmon Capitol of the World
 * - link between south central Alaska and Prince William Sound, with a population that lives almost entirely in one large building
 * - link between south central Alaska and Prince William Sound, with a population that lives almost entirely in one large building

Get in
The Kenai Peninsula can be reached by car by taking the Seward Highway roughly 40 miles south from Anchorage. Sterling Highway branches west towards Kenai, Seldovia, Ninilchik, and ultimately Homer. These are the only two major roads on the peninsula. If you are heading towards the central peninsula, Skilak Lake Road is a nice, if rugged, alternate route between Cooper Landing and Sterling through the untamed land of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. This unpaved road may be very rough after heavy rains.

The road system is generally good and four-wheel drive is not needed in the summer. Be aware that large portions of the road system pass through National Forest or Wildlife Refuge lands, resulting in long stretches with no fuel or other services. Be sure to fill your gas tank before passing Girdwood when heading south out of Anchorage. Mobile phones may not work in some of the more isolated areas.

ERA Aviation and Grant Air offer flights from Anchorage to Kenai or Homer.

It is also possible to take the ferries of the Alaska Marine Highway to and from Homer, Seldovia, and Seward.

Get around
Seward Highway - this 127-mile road, linking Anchorage with Seward, passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. Seward Highway ties Alaska's metropolitan center, Anchorage, with the port of Seward on Resurrection Bay. From Anchorage to the ghost town of Portage the highway borders Turnagain Arm and Chugach State Park. From Portage to Seward, it carries visitors through the Chugach National Forest, traveling over Turnagin Pass through the Chugach Mountains. The diversity of landscape and wildlife found along the route is the hallmark of the highway corridor. The Highway has been recognized for its natural beauty as a designated All-American Road.

Stay safe
Both Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm exhibit extreme tides. The only place in the world with a wider tidal range is the Bay of Fundy. Because of the swift tidal currents and the very soft clay of the tidal flats, it can be extremely dangerous to walk or drive on the tidal flats.

Both salt and fresh water in Alaska tend to be extremely cold year-round. Swimming in the ocean is not recommended, be aware that many lakes are fed by glaciers and can also be extremely cold, even if warm in shallows near the shore. If you plan to do stream fishing wear warm clothes and waders.

Brown bears, black bears, and moose are quite common on the peninsula. All of them can be aggressive towards humans if surprised, provoked, or fed. Mothers with their young are the most volatile. Be aware of the possibility of encountering these animals anywhere on the Kenai, even in the middle of a city. Moose are a major hazard on the peninsula's roadways, especially in winter. If you are traveling with a dog, be aware of the possibility of porcupines as well. In rare cases, bald eagles have been known to take small dogs and cats.

Go next

 * Interior Alaska
 * Southeastern Alaska