Although the varied fishing opportunities that are available here is the
reason why most people visit the Kenai Peninsula, there are many other
things to see and do while in the area. You will probably want to stop by the Soldotna Visitor Information Center
to see the largest Chinook salmon ever caught on rod and reel, it weighed
in at a whopping 97 1/4 pounds and holds the worlds record.
Just up the hill from the Visitors Center is the Kenai National
Wildlife
Refuge Headquarters and Visitor Center, where you can view a very nice
display on managing and protecting wildlife and habitat. Short educational
movies are shown during the summer months. The Joyce Carver Memorial
Library also shows Alaska videos during the summer.If you prefer to take a scenic drive, follow the Swanson River Road and the
Skilak loop Road. Enjoy the inspiring view from the mountain top to the
deep valleys, lakes and rivers that can be seen. Chances are that you may
see moose, birds and other wildlife. Another scenic drive takes you through the city of Kenai and continuing
clear to the end of the road where you will arrive at Captain Cook State Park.
You will be awed by the spectacular view of the
mountains looking across
Cook Inlet. |
|
You may even get a chance
to see a
pod of Beluga whales. Take a picnic, relax, beachcomb and enjoy the view.
On the way back through Kenai be sure and stop at the new Visitor's Center
and at old "Fort Kenay", which is the second oldest settlement in Alaska.
Visit one of Alaska's oldest Russian Orthodox Churches and nearby museum.
If you want to try your hand at clam digging the Peninsula has nearly a 50
mile stretch of coastline beach, all you need is a license, clam shovel and a bucket.
Smokin Joe will even set you up and tell you how. For the outdoor enthusiast there are nearly 200 miles of established trails
and routes. They vary from level to steep and strenuous.
Photographic opportunities abound on the Peninsula, all you need is a good
camera and a little bit of imagination to come up with shots most people
can only dream about. Soldotna has a nice challenging nine hole golf course. The golf course in
Kenai is even more challenging, consisting of 18 holes with variation in
tees and greens. With so much to offer it is no wonder that visitors who come here want to
return time after time to take the memories home with them to savor until
the next trip. |