Anglers from across the world escape to the Kenai Peninsula every summer for a once-in-a-lifetime fishing expedition because the Kenai River is famous for its mammoth king salmon, feisty silver salmon, tasty sockeye salmon, and beautiful trophy rainbow trout. Most visitors to the Last Frontier have been dreaming for months about reeling in a boatload of delicious salmon, so they’re often surprised that the breathtaking Alaskan landscape is one of the highlights of the trip. Luckily for prospective anglers, the Kenai River Drifter’s Lodge is ideally situated on the banks of one of the world’s premier fishing locales at the foothills of giant misty mountains. We highly recommend embarking on a half-day recess from your world-class fishing trip with a scenic Kenai River rafting adventure. During your guided excursion, you’ll witness genuinely stunning wildlife, snow-capped mountains, and unique biomes.
Seven-Mile Scenic Float
The seven-mile scenic float is a two-hour Kenai River adventure ideal for rafters of all ages. This relaxing journey is led by a charismatic and knowledgeable guide who will gladly provide in-depth commentary about the region’s unique history. The expedition begins in the teal blue Kenai River headwaters, floats through Cooper Landing, and ends at the famous Russian River. Expect occasional exhilarating rapids, wildlife sightings, and picturesque mountain skyscapes. Our scenic float trips provide the chance to view moose, brown bears, black bears, foxes, beavers, bald eagles, Dall’s sheep, and mountain goats.
12-Mile Drift Tour
The first half of the 12-mile drift tour is identical to the scenic float detailed above. This three-hour drift tour, however, continues into the immaculate Kenai National Wildlife Refuge near massive Skilak Lake. The Kenai widens after crossing the Russian River, providing majestic mountain and cliffside vistas around nearly every turn. The drift tours are available during the sockeye salmon run; therefore, wild animals of all shapes and sizes are drawn into the Kenai River and the surrounding backchannels. Brown and black bears frequent these waters to feed, while friendly moose, foxes, and beavers often say “hello” from afar.
Kenai River Canyon Trip
The Kenai River Canyon trip is a 5-6 hour rafting journey that includes an awe-inspiring two-mile hike. You’ll encounter exciting Class III rapids on this 19-mile rafting adventure which floats into one of the most picturesque bodies of water in Alaska: Skilak Lake. This breathtaking lake is fed by a giant glacier and features sweeping views of nearby snow-capped mountains, lush forestry, and majestic fauna. You’ll raft through some of the most secluded sections of the Kenai River, into Skilak Lake, and explore the splendor of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge on foot.
Some stretches of the rafting trip feature vaulting cliffs, creating faster runs and exciting rapids. The group will disembark for a two-mile hike through a swampy creek and a charred forest on the way to Skilak Lake Road, where moose, bears, foxes, and, occasionally, wolves are spotted. Kenai River Drifter’s Lodge also offers Class V whitewater excursions on Six Mile Creek for experienced rafters looking for an exhilarating challenge in the vast Kenai Peninsula wilderness.