Kenai Peninsula
From World travel guide
The Kenai Peninsula is south of Anchorage, surrounded by the Cook Inlet to the west and Prince William Sound to the east. It is one of the most visited tourist regions in Alaska, especially popular with anglers lured by its excellent salmon and halibut fishing.
Many of the communities of the peninsula were severely affected by the 1964 earthquake.
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Cities
- Homer -- Jewel's hometown, known for its halibut fishing.
- Hope -- Tiny (pop. 200 or so) town on Turnagain Arm.
- Kenai -- The largest town on the peninsula, 2003 population 7166.
- Kasilof
- Ninilchik -- Home of a lovely Russian Orthodox Church and excellent clamdigging.
- Seldovia -- Small town across Kachemak Bay from Homer.
- Seward -- On Resurrection Bay, home of the Alaska SeaLife Center.
- Soldotna -- King Salmon Capitol of the World
- Sterling
Other Destinations
Get in
The Kenai Peninsula can be reached by car by taking the Seward Highway roughly 40 miles south from Anchorage. Sterling Highway branches west towards Kenai, Seldovia, Ninilchik, and ultimately Homer. These are the only two major roads on the peninsula.
The road system is generally good and four-wheel drive is not needed in the summer.
ERA Aviation offers flights from Anchorage to Kenai or Homer.
It is also possible to take the ferries of the Alaska Marine Highway to and from Homer, Seldovia, and Seward.
Stay safe
Both Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm exhibit extreme tides. The only place in the world with a wider tidal range is the Bay of Fundy. Because of the swift tidal currents and the very soft clay of the tidal flats, it can be extremely dangerous to walk or drive on the tidal flats.
Brown bears and moose are quite common on the peninsula. Both can be aggressive towards humans. Moose are a major hazard on the peninsula's roadways, especially in winter.
