Alaska whitewater, Kenai River Kenai Peninsula county, Kenai Lake to Skilak Lake section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS II-III     18 miles   Please note that distances from Anchorage hotels, etc are aerial, ''as the crow flies''..... It will take at least 2 or more hours to drive from Anchorage to Kenai Lake.  Check for traffic delays due to construction by calling 511. I live on the Kenai Peninsula and make the drive to Anchorage frequently... Says Julie Pollock If you've been whitewater rafting and kayaking outside this state you might find the rivers here a bit more challenging,     so if you're visiting here do keep in mind that many of the rivers here are not very forgiving. The wonderful Kenai Peninsula Borough scenery and the playfulness of the water attract people from near and far. The starting location is a short drive from Anchorage, there's a road map further down the page with more info on that. A good workout and just being out on the river for a while have people coming from far and near. The Kenai Lake to Skilak Lake section of Kenai River in Kenai Peninsula Borough is 18 miles long and has been rated as a class II-III section by American Whitewater. You might have to settle for a hotel a bit away from the river if you want   to stay the night, but you'd better reserve in advance because these hotels fill up quick. If you have the time you can make this a two day trip, so pack your sleeping bag. Whether you're whitewater rafting or kayaking this is an area with not too many other rivers for that. This is one of a small number of paddling sections in this river system, there are a few others too. Briefly about the general area: Schooner Bend is a pleasant spot to take a look at while in the region; Kenai River is a place with many visitors from Cooper Landing. On a magnificent day at Kenai River you can take a hike along the Russian Lakes Trail, and since you're here you can take a hike along the Schooner Bend Trail. Kenai River, Kenai Lake to Skilak Lake road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Kenai River.   Whitewater Near Kenai River: Kenai River, Kenai Peninsula Borough, 11 miles away       Class II-III - 18 miles long (Kenai Lake to Skilak Lake) Whitewater Outfitter - Alaska Downstream, Anchorage Borough, 26 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Whitewater Outfitter - Alaska Whitewater, Anchorage Borough, 29 miles away       Whitewater outfitter   Ski Areas Near Kenai River: Hilltop, Alaska , 27 miles away, 294 foot drop, 3 lifts, 10 runs Alpenglow At Arctic Valley, Alaska , 32 miles away, 1400 foot drop, 4 lifts, 25 runs Alyeska, Alaska , 60 miles away, 2500 foot drop, 9 lifts, 68 runs   Hotels Near Kenai River: Gwins Lodge, Cooper Landing , 2 miles away Dimond Center Hotel, Anchorage , 23 miles away Comfort Suites Anchorage International Airport, Anchorage , 23 miles away Courtyard Anchorage Airport, Anchorage , 23 miles away Microtel Inn & Suites By Wyndham Anchorage Airport, Anchorage , 23 miles away   Campgrounds Near Kenai River: Upper Russian Lake Cabin - Chugach National Forest, Anchorage, 1 miles away Kenai Riverside Campground and RV Park, Cooper Landing, 7 miles away Trout Lake Cabin - Chugach National Forest, Anchorage, 16 miles away   Trails Near Kenai River: Schooner Bend Trail, Kenai Peninsula , 2 miles away Russian Lakes Trail, Kenai Peninsula , 4 miles away Bean Creek Trail, Kenai Peninsula , 7 miles away Fuller Lake Trail, Kenai Peninsula , 8 miles away Stetson Creek Trail, Kenai Peninsula , 12 miles away   Public Lands Near Kenai River: Katmai National Park & Preserve, King Salmon - AK , 26 miles away Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward - AK , 38 miles away