Kenai River Trail (Skilak)

The feel

This is a 5.4 mile one way trail in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, split into upper and lower sections. The grade is moderate and the surface is native, with views of the Kenai River canyon, Skilak Lake and the Kenai Mountains.

About 5 miles of the trail, all but roughly half a mile, runs through the 2019 Swan Lake Fire burn.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Native surface, moderate grade, 5.4 miles one way in upper and lower sections, with canyon, lake and mountain views.

Hazards

About 5 miles of the trail runs through the 2019 Swan Lake Fire burn.

Season and access

Jun-Oct.

Mingo says

Ride it from Jun-Oct. Expect a burned landscape for nearly the whole route.

Before you go

• Budget for 5.4 miles each way, since the trail is split into upper and lower sections.
• Plan for a moderate grade on a native surface.
• Expect views of the Kenai River canyon, Skilak Lake and the Kenai Mountains.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.