Russian River Anglers Trail

The feel

This is a single-track riverside path with numbered access points for anglers, running through dense forest along the lower Russian River toward the Kenai River confluence. Salmon, eagles and bears are here in season.

Black and brown bears fish the rivers, rest on the banks and travel along the trails and boardwalks. The area draws over 150,000 visitors each year to the campground, ferry, boat launch, falls and trails, so expect company. Bugs can be intense at the beginning of the summer.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, easy, 1.4 to 1.9 miles with 118 ft of gain. A river-side trail with numbered access points, starting near the Russian River Campground and ending at the Kenai-Russian River confluence.

Time

About 1 hour out and back.

Crowds and best time

Busy. Best June through October, when salmon swim upstream and bears gather.

Parking

Russian River Trailhead parking is $14 per vehicle for 12 hours. Overflow is $5 for 12 hours or $10 for 24 hours. The campground has 130 day-use parking spaces.

Fees and passes

$14 per vehicle at the Russian River Trailhead. Anglers need a State of Alaska fishing license.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome but must be leashed at all times.

Kids

Easy grade, but keep children close because of bears.

Hazards

Bears. Stay on the trail, make noise, do not run from bears, and carry accessible bear spray. Keep backpacks and coolers within 3 feet of you.

Season and access

June through October. The campground is open with full service May through September. The trail can also be reached from the Kenai River by a short ferry ride.

Mingo says

Time your visit for the salmon run, when anglers and bears share the bank. Give every bear space.

Before you go

• Carry bear spray where you can reach it.
• Pay $14 per vehicle at the Russian River Trailhead.
• Check the fishing rules: the Kenai-Russian confluence is closed to all fishing May 1 through July 14, then fly fishing only July 15 through August 20.
• Call the Seward Ranger District at (907) 288-3178.

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