Where is Kenai River,Soldotna, Alaska?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Kenai River is located in Alaska, USA. It lies between the Kenai Lake and Cook Inlet, situated on the Kenai Peninsula in southern Alaska, and is famous for its salmon fishing and scenic river landscapes.

Kenai River Location Map,Soldotna, Alaska

  • Fishing Spots – Renowned for salmon and rainbow trout fishing along various stretches of the river.
  • Kenai River State Recreation Areas – Scenic parks with picnic areas, trails, and river access points.
  • River Rafting & Kayaking – Opportunities for guided rafting trips and paddling through calm and rapid sections.
  • Wildlife Viewing – Spot eagles, bears, moose, and other wildlife along the riverbanks.
  • Kenai River Overlooks – Scenic viewpoints offering panoramic river and mountain vistas.
  • Hiking Trails – Trails along the river providing access to waterfalls, forests, and natural scenery.
  • Camping & Lodges – Options for riverside camping and lodging for extended exploration of the area.
  • Kenai River Facts

    Official NameKenai River
    LocationSoldotna, Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, USA
    Latitude & Longitude60.4861° N, 151.0780° W (approx.)
    Total AreaRiver length: ~82 miles (132 km); Watershed area: ~5,660 sq mi (14,660 km²)
    EstablishedNatural river; managed under Alaska state water and wildlife regulations
    FounderNatural formation; protected by State of Alaska
    Managed ByAlaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G) / Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
    RegionKenai Peninsula, Southcentral Alaska
    AddressKenai River Public Access Points, Soldotna, AK 99669, USA
    Zip Code99669
    Area Code907
    CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
    Time ZoneAlaska Standard Time (AKST) – UTC−9 Standard / UTC−8 Daylight Saving
    Theme / ConceptFishing, Salmon Runs, Recreational Boating, Scenic Wilderness, Wildlife Viewing
    Sections (Areas)Upper Kenai River - Middle Kenai River (Soldotna) - Lower Kenai River (Kenai & Cook Inlet)
    Famous AttractionsKing Salmon Fishing - Rainbow & Silver Salmon Runs - Kenai River Sportfishing Lodges - Scenic Riverbanks - Wildlife Viewing (Bald Eagles, Bears)
    Annual VisitorsApprox. 100,000–150,000 anglers and tourists
    Entry Fee TypeFishing licenses required for sportfishing; river access mostly free
    Ticket Price RangeAlaska Fishing License: ~$25–$150 depending on residency & duration
    Ticket OptionsFishing Licenses - Guided Fishing Trips - Boat Rentals - Wildlife & Scenic Tours
    Best Time to VisitJune–July (peak salmon runs); August–September for silver salmon and less crowded experience
    Nearby AirportKenai Municipal Airport (ENA) – ~15 miles (24 km); Soldotna Airport (SXQ) – ~5 miles (8 km)
    TransportationCar access via Sterling Highway (AK-1) - Boat & Canoe Access Points - Guided Fishing Tours
    Official Websitehttps://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=kenairiver.main

    Distances from Kenai River to Nearby Landmarks

    • Kenai River Bridge – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
    • Kenai River Center – 1 km (0.6 mi)
    • Soldotna Creek Park – 3 km (1.9 mi)
    • Kenai National Wildlife Refuge – 15 km (9.3 mi)
    • Skilak Lake – 25 km (15.5 mi)
    • Soldotna, AK – 2 km (1.2 mi)
    • Kenai, AK – 35 km (21.7 mi)
    • Homer, AK – 80 km (49.7 mi)
    • Captain Cook State Recreation Area – 20 km (12.4 mi)
    • Kasilof, AK – 30 km (18.6 mi)
    • Russian River – 40 km (24.9 mi)
    • Cooper Landing – 50 km (31 mi)
    • Anchor Point – 75 km (46.6 mi)
    • Kenai Mountains – 55 km (34.2 mi)
    • Upper Kenai Lake – 60 km (37.3 mi)
    • Lower Skilak Lake – 28 km (17.4 mi)
    • Moose Pass – 65 km (40.4 mi)
    • Homer Spit – 85 km (52.8 mi)
    • Kenai Fjords National Park – 90 km (55.9 mi)
    • Hope, AK – 70 km (43.5 mi)