Hiking and Biking Trails

Chugach National Forest
Outdoor explorers of the adventurous variety should visit the trails of Chugach National Forest, one of the oldest national forests in the United States. Approximately 200 miles of Chugach forest trails exist on the Kenai Peninsula, accessible with in 1.5 hours from Kenai; the trails are open to hikers and bicyclist.

Explore these popular Chugach Forest Trails:

• Russian Lakes Trail
  Trailhead located one mile down Russian River Campground Road, at milepost 52 of the Sterling Hwy. This moderate trail leads to lower Russian Lake and Russian River Falls.
  
  
• Resurrection Trail
  Trailhead located at Milepost 53 of the Sterling Hwy. This moderate trail noted as "a serious challenge for bikers" is a 38-mile stretch from its trailhead on the Sterling Highway to the town of Hope.
  
  
• Tsalteshi Trails
  Bikers who'd like to stay closer to town should explore Tsalteshi trails located behind Skyview High School in Soldotna. The trails offer three routes, a total of 15 kilometers, of varying difficulty. These trails are maintained by the Tsalteshi Trail Association (907) 262-6257.

The Open Road
The paved roads intersecting Kenai Peninsula communities ramble through farming fields and peaceful birch, aspen, and spruce forests, providing bicyclist with safe and scenic biking locations. Robinson Loop Road, between Sterling and Soldotna, and Mackey Lake Road which begins at milepost 92.7 of the Sterling Highway, run through sprawling residential neighborhoods. In addition; a wide paved bike path now connects the Sterling Highway with Bridge access Road, providing bikers with easy access to Kenai from Soldotna.

Berry Picking

Nothing beats the flavor of Alaskan wild berries, and here on the Kenai Peninsula they grow in abundance. Watch for them as you explore area trails. Along the path you will find lingonberries, high bush cranberries, watermelon berries, and rose hips. In some harder to reach locations you may even find the coveted bog blueberries.

For detailed information on wilderness trails, visit the Kenai Visitors & Cultural Center's retail section for a copy of Kenai Pathways: A Guide to the Outstanding Wildland Trails of Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. The Center can also provide you with a copy of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge publication, Refuge Reflections, which contains Refuge hiking information.