Ski Hill Multi-use Trail

The feel

This wide, ADA-compliant refuge trail winds through boreal forest on an 8-foot path between the Sterling Highway and Ski Hill Road in Soldotna. It is the only headquarters trail open to dogs and bicycles, and it sees over 100 users a day.

The two directions from the visitor center have different characters. North toward town is the more engineered side, with views on a clear day. South is more undulating and follows the natural contours. The slopes are not flat, but flatter resting spots are spaced between them.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 3.4 miles total. A wide, ADA-compliant path through boreal forest, with slopes broken up by flatter resting spots.

Time

About 1.5 hours out and back.

Crowds and best time

The trail sees over 100 users a day.

Parking

Trailheads and parking are at the north and south ends and at the Kenai Refuge Visitor Center in the middle.

Dogs

Open to dogs; always leash your pet.

Kids

Rated easy.

Season and access

Maintained in winter and accessible year-round.

Mingo says

The trail is maintained in winter, so it works in any season. Start at the visitor center and pick your side from there.

Before you go

• Leash your dog and bag the waste, as the B.A.R.K. Ranger program asks.
• The Kenai Refuge Visitor Center is at 33398-A Ski Hill Road in Soldotna, open Sunday to Saturday 9am to 5pm.
• Look for the bronze bull moose statue to find the visitor center.
• Share the path with bikes.

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