Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

Canyon from Toe of Exit Glacier to the Outwash Plain

The canyon from the toe of Exit Glacier to where Exit Creek opens into the Outwash Plain is susceptible to sudden outburst flood events. These events produce sudden surges of water, ice and rock. For your safety please stick to designated park trails.

Use Caution in and around Pedersen Lagoon

On August 7, 2024, a landslide triggered tsunami washed over portions of Pedersen Lagoon near Aialik Bay (59.8842N, -149.7309W). We recommend caution for those visiting the area in and around Pedersen Lagoon. Click more for additional information.

Winter Weather Advisory issued December 29 at 8:57PM AKST until December 30 at 5:00AM AKST by NWS Anchorage AK

December 29th, 8:57 PM — 5:00 AM

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Visibility as low as one half mile at times. Total snow accumulations up to 2 inches. North winds gusting 35 to 50 mph. * WHERE...Seward. * WHEN...Until 5 AM AKST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Expect periods of light snow through late tonight or very early Tuesday morning. While the snow intensity will be light, the snow will be light and fluffy and easily blown around. Winds will diminish through the overnight hours.

Gale Warning issued December 29 at 3:19PM AKST until December 30 at 5:00AM AKST by NWS Anchorage AK

December 29th, 3:19 PM — 4:30 AM

Coastal Waters Forecast for the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast up to 100 nm out including Kodiak Island and Cook Inlet. Wind forecasts reflect the predominant speed and direction expected. Sea forecasts represent an average of the highest one-third of the combined wind wave and swell height. .TONIGHT...NE wind 35 kt diminishing to 25 kt after midnight. .TUE...NE wind 15 kt diminishing to 10 kt in the afternoon. .TUE NIGHT...NE wind 10 kt. .WED...N wind 15 kt. .WED NIGHT...NE wind 20 kt. .THU...NE wind 15 kt. .FRI THROUGH SAT...NE wind 20 kt.

Regional Order No. 10-01 - Marijuana - Simple Possession

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited on the Tongass and Chugach National Forests: Possessing, storing or transporting parts of a cannabis plant, whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of such plant; including and not limited to proc

Regional Order No. 10-00-00-04-01 - Occupancy and Use - Alcohol

TONGASS and CHUGACH NATIONAL FORESTS Regional Office Juneau, Alaska Order No. 10-00-00-04-01REGIONAL ORDEROccupancy and Use

Regional Order No. R-10-96-01 - Forest Development Roads and Trails

R-10 SUPPLEMENT 7700-96-1 7730EFFECTIVE 5/17/96 Page 10 of 117731.14 - EXHIBIT 01ORDER NO. R-10-96-01FOREST DEVELOPMENT ROADS AND TRAILSALASKA REGION

10-04-00-26-01 Winter Motorized Vehicle Closure

To prevent resource damage from snowmachine use in areas where inadequate snow conditions exist, some Kenai Peninsula areas of the Chugach National Forest are closed to snowmachine use areas.

10-04-00-24-05 - Developed Recreation Sites, Public Use Cabins Prohibitions

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited within the Chugach National Forest:Cutting any standing tree within 150 feet of a Public Use Cabin, Developed Recreation Site or Administrative Use Site.

10-04-00-17-09 Winter Motorized Vehicle Use

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited on certain lands administered by the Forest Service within the Chugach National Forest:

10-04-04-12-08 Copper River Delta Winter Motor Vehicle Closure

The use of snowmachines (snowmobiles and all motorized over snow vehicles, including off highway vehicles) and the landing of, or the dropping or picking up of any materials, supplies, or persons by means of, helicopters that are utilized for t winter recreational activities is prohibited in the

10-04-00-05-01 - Winter Motor Vehicle Closure Prince William Sound

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 (a), the following acts are prohibited on the Chugach National Forest:Certain motor vehicle use except for subsistence uses from December 1 through April 30 of each year:

10-04-00-04-03 - Motor Vehicle Closure Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Acquired Lands

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a) the operation of motor vehicles is prohibited in the following areas:

Overview

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge spans nearly 2 million acres on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula and is the most-visited refuge in Alaska. Known to the Dena'ina people as 'Yaghanen' (the good land), it's often called 'Alaska in miniature' due to its remarkable biodiversity spanning ice fields, glaciers, tundra, boreal forests, and coastal wetlands. Originally established in 1941 as the Kenai National Moose Range, it now protects moose, brown and black bears, wolves, lynx, Dall sheep, mountain goats, trumpeter swans, and a small caribou herd. The refuge includes over 1.35 million acres of designated Kenai Wilderness. The world-renowned Kenai River originates here, famous for Chinook, sockeye, and coho salmon, plus Dolly Varden and rainbow trout. The refuge is open year-round with 14 rustic public use cabins (reservable via Recreation.gov), campgrounds including Lower Skilak, and two exceptional canoe trail systems—the Swanson River and Swan Lake Canoe Trails, among only three such wilderness canoe systems in the US. The refuge allows hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, hiking, and in designated areas, aircraft, snowmobiles, and ATVs per specific regulations. Wildfire activity has historically prompted temporary closures in certain areas. Visit the excellent visitor center in Soldotna at Ski Hill Road (MP 96.1 Sterling Highway) for current conditions, maps, and permits before heading into the backcountry.

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