Keen Eye Nature Trail

The feel

The trail starts at the Kenai refuge visitor center and runs through boreal forest and wetland to Headquarters Lake on an easy, wide gravel path that becomes wood chips halfway through. A log cabin Environmental Education Center at the start has activities for kids, and trail stops carry a StoryWalk story book.

Common loons, arctic terns, bald eagles and trumpeter swans use the lake from spring through fall, and more than 30 bird species have been seen in the area. A viewing deck gives you a place to scan for waterfowl.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back from the Visitor Center to Headquarters Lake, with about 100 ft of gain. A wide gravel path that turns to wood chips halfway through, with a viewing deck at the lake. A .25 mile section is wheelchair accessible with assistance.

Time

About 0.5 hour.

Fees and passes

Free. No entrance or day-use parking fee.

Dogs

No dogs or bicycles on this trail.

Kids

Rated easy, with activities for kids at the Environmental Education Center and a StoryWalk along the trail.

Season and access

The Visitor Center, 33398-A Ski Hill Road in Soldotna, is open Sunday to Saturday 9am to 5pm. In winter the trails are open to skiing and snowshoeing.

Mingo says

Walk it slowly in June and July with your ears tuned for bird song. Stop at the viewing deck to scan the water.

Before you go

• Call the Visitor Center at 907-260-2820 for current hours and programs.
• From Sterling Highway milepost 96.1, turn east on Funny River Road, then immediately right on Ski Hill Road.
• Leave dogs at home. The Ski Hill multi-use trail is the only refuge trail in the area that allows leashed dogs.

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