Centennial Park Loop

The feel

This is an easy dirt and boardwalk loop along the Kenai River through Centennial Park, with eagles overhead and salmon anglers working the bank. The trail is well-marked and wide, so it is easy for most people to use.

Along the way you pass the Homestead Museum, with its old homestead cabins and boats. If the museum is closed, you can still read the plaques or listen to the motion-sensored speakers that run in the warmer months.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop, 2.2 miles, with 111 ft of gain on dirt and boardwalk along the Kenai River. Rated easy.

Time

About 1 hour.

Crowds and best time

Busiest in summer, especially near the campground where anglers reach the river, and a little quieter in other seasons.

Parking

Park at the Visitor Center and walk the boardwalk to the trail, which adds 1/4 mile, or park at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex.

Fees and passes

There is a parking fee at Centennial Park. Day use or seasonal permits are available at (907) 262-3151.

Kids

Rated easy, with a wide, well-marked trail.

Bathrooms and water

Centennial Campground has 11 restrooms.

Season and access

Open in winter too, when a community member volunteers to clear snow off the walking path.

Mingo says

Come in summer if you want to see anglers at work along the bank. Come in winter for a cleared path and groomed ski and fat bike loops in the campground.

Before you go

• Bring money for the Centennial Park parking fee, or call (907) 262-3151 about day use and seasonal permits.
• The Homestead Museum is free and open mid May to mid September, Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• In winter, if the museum gate is locked, park at the Soldotna Visitor Center and walk over.

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