World-Renowned Waters

Anglers come from around the globe to fish the famous Kenai and Russian Rivers.

Kenai River Launch Facilities for Kenai Lake, Kenai River and Skilak Lake

Quartz Creek:

Kenai Lake/River State Boat Ramp:

Sportsman's Landing:

Jim's Landing:

The boat ramp is at the confluence of Quartz Creek and Kenai Lake in the campground. The launch/parking facility is free.

Located at the outlet of Kenai Lake. Here to Skilak Lake is drift-only (no motorized boats). Boaters may need to row/paddle through slack water the first two miles. Pay the launch fee at the self-serve kiosk and either park there, or shuttle a vehicle downriver to take-out. Fee-based shuttle services are available.

At the ferry crossing to the Russian River. It's a great ramp for floaters wanting to miss the slack water section of the river. This is a fee-based ramp; look for pay station at entrance to parking lot.

This is the last ramp on the Upper Kenai. Take out here unless you plan to run the rapids! Parking is limited but stalls are deep enough to accommodate vehicles pulling trailers. Overflow parking is just a short walk away, on the north side of the Sterling Hwy.

Upper Skilak Boat Ramp:

This area offers a boat launch, parking, and camping facilities at the upper end of the Skilak Loop Road. Camping is fee-based. It's a common take-out for floaters who run the canyon (outboard motor recommended for the necessary six mile lake crossing). Please note that Skilak Lake is prone to sudden and dangerous winds. Plan your crossing during calmer morning hours if possible.

2023 Plan Ahead Campground Closures

Russian River Campground: August 15th, 2023

Closed to all users for road improvements.

Russian River Falls Access: August 15th, 2022 to June 1st, 2023

Trail access closed to all users from Russian River Campground.

Follow USFS for updates: www.fs.usda.gov/main/ chugach/home

Forgot Your Lifejacket?

Several launches offer life jackets to borrow for free, through the "Kids Don't Float" program. Remember, adults should wear life jackets, too! These cold waters have rendered expert swimmers incapable of staying afloat.

Boat Safety & Etiquette

The Kenai River averages about 70,000 boaters a year. For your safety and smoother put-ins and take-outs for all, please adhere to the following:

• Load and unload your boat, (staging of gear & supplies) away from the launch area.

• All boaters need to wear a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) on the river.

• If you are fishing, wear eye protection (sunglasses) and a hat to deflect errant hooks.

• Do not clean fish in boat loading areas.

• Pick up your trash!