Visitor Info

Outdoor Adventure

West Side Cook Inlet

Only a short 30-minute flight from Kenai, the West Side of Cook Inlet is easily accessed by wheel and float plane. Here, the landscape, wildlife, and outdoor opportunities offer a dramatic departure from road-accessed areas in Alaska and a true sense of wilderness habitat greets the visitor.

Towering volcanic mountains sometimes referred to as "Cook Inlet's Ring of Fire" form an immediate backdrop to the tidal marshes, streams and pristine salt-water bays which comprise the coastline.

Of particular interest to wildlife viewers, photographers, and fishermen is the section of coastline which forms the eastern boundary of Lake Clark National Park. From the northern shore of Chinitna Bay to the spectacular scenery of Tuxedni Bay, west side will keep all visitors fully engaged. Here, a dense population of coastal brown bear provides popular viewing and photography opportunities for amateurs and professionals, with no permit needed. Puffins, bald eagles, harbor seals and nesting trumpeter swans are only some of the other wildlife attractions inhabiting this area and an ancient Jurassic fossil bed adds another dimension of interest. Sea kayaking, short hiking trails, canoeing, tent camping and beach combing make up the other non-impact services available.

For the avid angler or beginner, sportfishing for salmon, char and halibut offers unequaled opportunities. With uncrowded streams readily accessible by ATV or boat, fishing for ocean-bright silver salmon with fly or spin gear attracts fishermen world-wide. Charter services for deep-sea halibut find excellent fishing only a few miles offshore in uncongested water in full view of majestic Mt. Iliamna.

 

Independent adventurers can enjoy do-it-yourself house-keeping cabin rentals, or take advantage of fully guided trips, which offer personalized forays into the wildlife-abundant coastline, less than 65 miles from Kenai.