The Kenai Refuge consists of the western slopes of the Kenai Mountains and forested lowlands bordering Cook Inlet. The lowlands are composed of spruce and birch forests intermingled with hundreds of lakes. The Kenai Mountains with their glaciers rise to more than 6,000 feet presenting a barrier on the southeastern boundary of the refuge. The refuge is a miniature Alaska with all native Alaskan habitat types represented - tundra, mountains, wetlands, and forests. Kenai Refuge was established by President Roosevelt to preserve and maintain the large population of moose on the Kenai Peninsula. In addition, the refuge is host to Dall sheep, mountain goat, caribou, coyote, wolf, grizzly bear, black bear, lynx, wolverine, beaver, small mammals, and birds. Kenai Refuge provides undisturbed spawning for many Cook Inlet salmon.

Fishing in the refuge is excellent. Hikers and canoeists will delight in the more than 200 miles of established trails and routes including the Swanson River Canoe Trail. Adventuresome visitors can fly to remote lakes, take horse pack trips into roadless areas, or float a whitewater river.

• Take a hike through the lowlands and keep an eye out for Dall sheep near the lakes.
• Hike part of the 200 miles of established trails and routes, including the Swanson River Canoe Trail.
• Canoe the Swan Lake Route which covers 30 lakes and 33 miles of stream, offering ample wildlife viewing opportunities.