Mouth of the Kenai River
Erik Hansen Scout Park

The overlook on the steep bluff at the mouth of the Kenai River provides an extraordinary glimpse of the river’s bird, mammal and fish action—a crossroads for some of the region’s great migrations. In spring, immense flocks of shorebirds and waterfowl shift and shimmer over the marsh in avian clouds. Arctic terns and western sandpipers and other shorebirds gather on the bar off the south bank. In summer 5,000 to 10,000 nesting gulls dot the flats, occasionally preyed on by bald eagles and parasitic jaegers. Salmon converge in the river from June through August, dominated by the huge run of sockeye salmon that peaks in July. Watch for fish splashing and rolling in the ebbing tide. Harbor seals and beluga whales, drawn by the fish, can be tracked from the park’s vantage point.

Cultural Connection

Kenai is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in Alaska. Dena’ina Natives lived in the bluff-top village for centuries. Russian fur traders arrived in the 1740s and established a fort in 1791, leading to the second European settlement in Alaska. If you visit during commercial fishery openings, you may see the drift gill net fleet at work. This fishery dates to the 1940s.

Viewing Tip

Bring binoculars or a spotting scope to pinpoint caribou, moose, seals and whales. The overlook is the best place to watch the gull colony and migratory flocks in motion.

Helpful Hints

Check in at the Kenai Visitor Center at the intersection of the Kenai Spur Highway and Main Street for wildlife viewing information.

Stay back from the bluff, which can be unstable and collapse without warning.

Getting There

In Kenai—from Kenai Spur Highway take Main Street south (towards the river). Turn right on Cook Avenue. The Eric Hansen Scout Park is on the left on Mission Avenue overlooking the river.