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
Alaska Related Links
Kenai River Facts
| Official Name | Kenai River |
| Location | Soldotna, Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, USA |
| Latitude & Longitude | 60.4861° N, 151.0780° W (approx.) |
| Total Area | River length: 82 miles (132 km); Watershed area: 5,660 sq mi (14,660 km²) |
| Established | Natural river; managed under Alaska state water and wildlife regulations |
| Founder | Natural formation; protected by State of Alaska |
| Managed By | Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G) / Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) |
| Region | Kenai Peninsula, Southcentral Alaska |
| Address | Kenai River Public Access Points, Soldotna, AK 99669, USA |
| Zip Code | 99669 |
| Area Code | 907 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Alaska Standard Time (AKST) – UTC−9 Standard / UTC−8 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | Fishing, Salmon Runs, Recreational Boating, Scenic Wilderness, Wildlife Viewing |
| Sections (Areas) | Upper Kenai River - Middle Kenai River (Soldotna) - Lower Kenai River (Kenai & Cook Inlet) |
| Famous Attractions | King Salmon Fishing - Rainbow & Silver Salmon Runs - Kenai River Sportfishing Lodges - Scenic Riverbanks - Wildlife Viewing (Bald Eagles, Bears) |
| Annual Visitors | Approx. 100,000–150,000 anglers and tourists |
| Entry Fee Type | Fishing licenses required for sportfishing; river access mostly free |
| Ticket Price Range | Alaska Fishing License: $25–$150 depending on residency & duration |
| Ticket Options | Fishing Licenses - Guided Fishing Trips - Boat Rentals - Wildlife & Scenic Tours |
| Best Time to Visit | June–July (peak salmon runs); August–September for silver salmon and less crowded experience |
| Nearby Airport | Kenai Municipal Airport (ENA) – 15 miles (24 km); Soldotna Airport (SXQ) – 5 miles (8 km) |
| Transportation | Car access via Sterling Highway (AK-1) - Boat & Canoe Access Points - Guided Fishing Tours |
| Official Website | https://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)
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