Northwest Kenai Locations:

Mouth of the Kenai River
Public Boat Ramp

alt
Kenai River public boat ramp.
©Helen O’Harra

A huge colony of gulls stages just across the river to the west. Watch for loons in the river near the launch. The dense forest rimming the harbor area also protects cow moose and their calves in early summer. Caribou wander the nearby flats most often in spring and early summer. The freshwater pond on the south side of the access road and the wetland on the north side of the Port of Kenai road host many species of shorebirds. Arctic terns feed on coho salmon in the channels bordering the extensive marsh. Harbor seals regularly periscope just off the boat ramp, while beluga whales sometimes appear in the channels during rising tides.

Economic Connection

The ramp area offers a glimpse of recreation and commerce at the Kenai harbor. It’s home to the 600-boat commercial fleet and salmon processing plants that drive the local fishing industry.

Conservation Connection

The Conservation Fund purchased 25 acres of wetland north of the boat ramp road to convey to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game for wildlife habitat.

Viewing Tip

Stay in the car along the ponds; birds will ignore the vehicle but take flight at people afoot. Best shorebird viewing occurs after low tide as birds are pushed up the beach along the river and into the marsh with the rising tide. During spring and fall, watch for rare shorebirds such as ruff, and rare gulls such as Sabine’s gulls.

Helpful Hints

The parking area can become congested during the peak of fishing season in July, with commercial and personal use fishermen launching boats. Try again on the next tide cycle.

Getting There

In Kenai, drive south on the Bridge Access Road from milepost 10.8 of the Kenai Spur Highway. The entrance to the public boat ramp and harbor is about 1.6 miles to the south on the right (west) side of the highway.