Outdoor Activities on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska

Wildlife Viewing/Photography

The Kenai Peninsula supports a healthy population of brown and black bears. Both brown and black bears have been seen on the property. Brown bears are more likely to be seen during the salmon season. Black bears have been seen during the early spring when they leave their dens.

 

A fly out fishing trip to Wolverine Creek on the West Side of Cook Inlet offers a unique and almost guaranteed opportunity to watch and photograph wild Alaska Brown Bears in their natural habitat. The abundance of sockeye that gather where Wolverine Creek flows into Big River Lake attracts both anglers and bears.

In addition to bears, our property is habitat for marten, fox, beaver, freshwater otters, and moose. The Kenai watershed is home to over 200 species of birds including golden and bald eagles. A nesting pair of bald eagles is a yearly resident often perched in the cottonwood tree right above the guest cabin.

Homer

Homer is often described at a quaint drinking village with a fishing problem. Nestled on the shore of Kachemak Bay, Homer offers breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. Long known as the “halibut capital of the world”, you would be remiss if you do not plan a fishing trip. You can fish for halibut, rockfish, lingcod, and of course, salmon. In Homer, visit the shops, restaurants, and the myriad of art shops and galleries. Take a walk along the harbor dock and you may see the commercial fishing boats seen on “The Deadliest Catch” such as the “Alliance”. Of course, a trip to Homer would not be complete without a stop at the Salty Dawg Saloon on the Spit. If your timing is right, you may end up rubbing elbows with the captains and crews of the commercial fishing industry, just in from the Bering Sea.

 

Halibut Cove

Visit Halibut Cove, an artist community, 5 miles from Homer harbor. Enjoy the boat trip and take a leisurely tour of the artist galleries. Enjoy the special art culture established since the 1930’s.

 

Ninilchik

On your way to Homer, your trip is not complete without stopping at Ninilchik near mile marker 134. The first sight you will see is the Old Russian Orthodox Church, built in 1900. The church and the historic cemetery are perched on a hill overlooking the fishing village of Ninilchik. From the beach, look across Cook Inlet and see from left to right, Mount Augustine, Mount Iliamna, Mount Redoubt, and Mount Spur.

Clam Gulch

Don't limit your fishing opportunities to fin fish. Consider digging some clams at Clam Gulch during low tides. The tide must be a minus tide to be successful, so make sure to check the tide tables before venturing out. You will need rubber boots or waders, a shovel and bucket. Look for dimples in the sand and dig next to the dimple so you don't crack the shell of the clam. Then put your hand in the hole and feel around for the clam. Pinch it and pull it out of the hole and place it in your bucket. It's fairly easy to limit out on clams within one hour.

Seward and Resurrection Bay

Known as the “Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park”, Seward is a picturesque town located 126 miles south of Anchorage. Once in Seward, discover the usually bustling and picturesque harbor. Visit the historic downtown district with many quaint shops and art galleries. Take one of many wildlife and glacier day cruises. View whales, Stellar sea lions, porpoises, otters, and thousands of seabirds and massive glaciers. Kenai Fjords Tours can be found at www.KenaiFjords.com/scoc. Visit Alaska’s only public aquarium and ocean wildlife rescue center. The many exhibits at the Alaska SeaLife Center immerse visitors in Alaskan marine ecosystems and provide opportunities to watch animals in naturalistic habitats as well as research settings Alaska SeaLife Center.