Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge For the official source of information about Kenai NWR go to kenai.fws.gov/. For more info about the USFWS: www.fws.gov or www.fws.gov/home/socialmedia

As of 10/2021, the Visitor Center is temporarily closed to the public, but you can reach staff with Refuge questions/trip planning at 907-260-2820 daily from 10am-4pm. Trails in the Visitor Center area are always open 24/7. Headquarters/Administrative Building is also closed but staff are available Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm and the main Refuge Office number is 907-262-7021.

Good morning from the autumn woods. USWFS personnel will begin ignition today at the Spirit lake unit on the Kenai NWR. ...
09/29/2026

Good morning from the autumn woods.

USWFS personnel will begin ignition today at the Spirit lake unit on the Kenai NWR. The project area is approximately 6 miles east of the Kenai Municipal Airport. Piles consisting of hand piled spruce will be ignited. We are expecting 1-3 days of active ignition. Expect to see smoke from these efforts to remove these fuels before the winter arrives.

Recently, Connections Homeschool joined Ranger Riley for a guided B.A.R.K. Ranger walk on the refuge’s Ski Hill Multi-us...
09/18/2026

Recently, Connections Homeschool joined Ranger Riley for a guided B.A.R.K. Ranger walk on the refuge’s Ski Hill Multi-use Trail. During the walk, our four-legged visitors learned how they can help protect wildlife, habitats, and other visitors while enjoying the outdoors with their humans!

The Multi-use Trail is the only trail near the Refuge Headquarters and Visitor Center where dogs are permitted, making it a great place to practice being a responsible B.A.R.K. Ranger!

Want to bring your "pack" to become B.A.R.K. Rangers? Ranger-led walks are geared toward groups, so homeschool groups, scouts, clubs, and other organizations are especially encouraged to sign up by calling (907) 621-6143 to schedule a program!

If you’d rather explore on your own, stop by the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (Wednesday to Saturday 10am-4pm) to pick up a B.A.R.K. Ranger Activity Book! The activity book teaches you what B.A.R.K. stands for, provides helpful information about being a responsible pet owner on public lands, and gives you and your pup something fun to work through together.

Can’t get an activity book? No problem! You can still participate by learning the B.A.R.K. Ranger rules and contacting Ranger Michelle. To become a B.A.R.K. Ranger (and get a dog tag), you’ll need to text Ranger Michelle at (907) 251-5642 with:

🦴What B.A.R.K. stands for
🦴 A photo of your dog somewhere on the Kenai refuge (where dogs are allowed) following BARK Ranger rules

B.A.R.K. stands for:
🐾 Bag your pet’s waste
🐾 Always leash your pet
🐾 Respect wildlife
🐾 Know where you can go

And if you want to become a B.A.R.K. Ranger very soon, come join us for Fall Fun Day on Saturday, September 26! Ranger Riley will be leading a B.A.R.K. Ranger walk at 3:00 PM. Bring your pup, your leash, and your best ranger attitude!

Think your dog has what it takes to BARK? We’d love to welcome them to the pack! 🐾

09/16/2026

🐿️ Ever wonder what the red squirrels in your neighborhood are up to? From gathering mushrooms and spruce cones for winter to jumping from tree-to-tree using their tails for balance, squirrels (which are in the rodent family) have some fascinating ways of surviving here in Alaska. 🐿️

Our Little PEEPS (Pre-school Environmental Education ProgramS) for this month (tomorrow, Thursday, September 14) is focused on the red squirrels that live on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. PEEPS is geared to our little learners ages 2-5 and is an hour of story time, active games, and a craft. Come to the session that fits your family best: 9am or 10:30am at the Environmental Education Center on Ski Hill Road, Soldotna.

🎥C. Canterbury/ KNWR
9 second video: A red squirrel moves quickly across fallen branches and logs beside a calm body of water. The squirrel pauses briefly before continuing along the branches. Trees, grasses, and their reflections are visible in the water in the background.

NOTE 9/18: The contractors are ahead on this project and may be switching to the North Side tomorrow through Monday. Th...
09/14/2026

NOTE 9/18: The contractors are ahead on this project and may be switching to the North Side tomorrow through Monday. There will be a time period that the Multi-Use Trail will be closed--it's happening fast so please be patient. :)

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Refuge Update: Temporary Road Closure and Detour for Visitor Center and Headquarters Access -- Ski Hill Road in Soldotna

The south entrance of Ski Hill Road will be temporarily closed from September 15 to September 24 for planned resurfacing; all vehicle and pedestrian traffic should utilize the north entrance of Ski Hill Road via Funny River Road.

A second phase of construction will occur between September 25 and October 8 with a temporary closure of the north entrance and road section; all traffic will then detour through the south entrance.

Active construction in the area is currently planned between 8 am and 6 pm, Monday-Friday. Access to the Kenai Refuge Visitor Center and Headquarters during normal business hours will remain open throughout the project.
📷KNWR

Happy Grandparents Day 2026! The Refuge celebrated yesterday with a special digital photography walk (we had such beauti...
09/13/2026

Happy Grandparents Day 2026! The Refuge celebrated yesterday with a special digital photography walk (we had such beautiful weather) and an arts and crafts treasure box project with the pictures taken and collected leaves. What is the unique name you call your grandparents? Thanks to Nana, Poppi, Grandma, Ma, Poppy, Grandma, Grandpa, Granda and Amma for sharing this special day with us and your grandchild (ren).

President Jimmy Carter signed the legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day, with the first official national observance held in 1979.

📷 R.Smith & M.Ostrowski/USFWS

09/09/2026

Every sibling wrestling match needs a referee.

These two brown bear cubs had plenty of room to play in the water here while their mama kept an eye on them from afar. Playtime helps young bears develop their muscles, balance, and social skills.

We're guessing Mom has seen this matchup before!

🎥 video: One minute and thirty six second-no sound- Two brown bear cubs playfully wrestle and splash in a calm river while their mother swims nearby. The water is surrounded by grasses, shrubs, and spruce trees beneath a clear blue sky.
J. Parks/KNWR

As today is National Wildlife Day, take a look at some wildlife you wouldn't immediately think of! Don’t let the pretty ...
09/04/2026

As today is National Wildlife Day, take a look at some wildlife you wouldn't immediately think of!

Don’t let the pretty sparkle fool you…

You might think the tiny drops on a sundew's leaves are just dew, but they're actually a sticky trap. This clever plant uses the sticky substance to catch small insects. When an insect gets stuck, the sundew's leaves, which are covered in tiny tentacles, slowly wrap around it. Then, the plant starts to digest its tasty meal.

Although not as flashy as an eagle or as big as a moose, this little carnivorous plant is just as important to the ecosystem!

At Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, we believe in giving every part of the natural ecosystem a chance to thrive. This means protecting the homes of all sorts of creatures, from the tiniest plants to the biggest animals.

On this National Wildlife Day, why not take a moment to really look at the wildlife that's right around you? You might be amazed at the things you discover.

Can you spot the unsuspecting fly? 🪰


📷: A. Roth/ KNWR

Last week was National Park Week, and although we are not a National Park; we still got to celebrate National Junior Ran...
09/02/2026

Last week was National Park Week, and although we are not a National Park; we still got to celebrate National Junior Ranger Day last weekend!

A small group of youth stopped by the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center to check out our new Junior Ranger book, packed with activities designed for kids (but fun for nature-lovers of all ages!). We are still in the piloting phase so you are welcome to come and help test the book out and provide feedback. Once you’ve completed the activities, you’ll have the chance to officially become a Junior Ranger by taking the Junior Ranger pledge!

So grab a book, explore the refuge, learn something new, and get ready to earn your badge. Teddy’s already got his… are you ready to join him?

📷: R. Smith/KNWR

Address

PO Box 2139; 33398 Ski Hill Rd
Soldotna, AK
99669

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+19072602820

Website

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