Centennial Trail (Refuge HQ)

The feel

Centennial is a 2.2-mile loop and an off-shoot of the Keen-Eye Trail, which departs from the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. It follows a wood chip-lined path with some light hills and varied terrain, and the birding is good.

It is less crowded than the Keen-Eye Trail, which was built to accommodate large groups. The Centennial and Keen Eye system has interpretive signs along the trail and a viewing deck on Headquarters Lake.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop, 2.2 miles, with about 200 ft of gain; a wood chip-lined path with some light hills and varied terrain.

Time

About 1 hour.

Crowds and best time

Less crowded than the Keen-Eye Trail; fall or winter make for a more intimate visit.

Parking

Take Ski Hill Road to the Visitor Center at 33398-A Ski Hill Road in Soldotna, and look for the big bronze bull moose statue.

Fees and passes

Free, with no entrance or day-use parking fee.

Kids

Rated easy.

Hazards

Mind your moose manners.

Season and access

The Visitor Center is open Sunday through Saturday, 9am to 5pm.

Mingo says

Walk slowly in June and July with your ears tuned for bird song. In winter, ski or snowshoe the trail and watch for lynx, coyote and ermine tracks.

Before you go

• At Sterling Highway milepost 96.1, just south of the Kenai River Bridge, turn east on Funny River Road, then immediately right on Ski Hill Road.
• The headquarters is less than one mile up Ski Hill Road, on the left.
• Spend time at the viewing deck to scan for waterfowl.

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