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Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

June 16, 2019 - June 22, 2019

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Purple lupin and lush shrubs fill the foreground with tall snow covered peaks in the background.

Project work will occur on Skilak Lookout Trail (2 miles), located within the Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area. Work will include routine brushing of the trail corridor as well as 1-2 enhancement/construction projects. Projects may include 1) constructing short trail re-routes, switchbacks or climbing turns, 2) construction of rock or timber stairs and/or 3) construction and/or rehabilitation of erosion control or drainage structures.

Register

Host

Fish and Wildlife Service

Accommodations

Car Camping Tent Sites

Hiking/Access

Day hiking up to 3 miles each day

Project Rating

Strenuous

Minimum Volunteer Age

16

Maximum Group Size

12

Area and Attractions

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is often called Alaska in miniature, but "miniature" being almost 2 million acres in size. The Refuge goes from tidal flats in Cook Inlet, to lowland spruce/birch forests with hundreds of lakes (and a nationally-recognized canoe system), to mountains, alpine tundra, glaciers and icefields which all provide habitat for moose, caribou, brown and black bear, mountain goats, Dall sheep, lynx, wolves, coyotes, furbearers, and thousands of shorebirds and waterfowl. Within the Refuge is the Congressionally-designated "Kenai Wilderness," 1.3 million acres in size, which is subdivided into the Dave Spencer Unit (Canoe System), Mystery Hills Unit, and the Andy Simons Unit. Spectacular scenic vistas include ice fields, glacially fed lakes, rivers and lowland lakes. The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is just one of more than 500 units of the national refuge system but it stands out as a very special place among special places! The hunting and fishing traditions that helped create the Refuge in 1941 still flourish, but so do enhanced opportunities for hiking, camping, canoeing, and wildlife watching. The scenic wonders of the Kenai Mountains, the glaciers of the Harding Ice Field and the turquoise-colored waters of the Kenai River make for an ideal place for a Volunteer Vacation doing trail work.

Accommodations Description

Campsites within a “walk-in” tent loop in Upper Skilak Campground will be used for base camp and are available for overnight stays the day before or after the project if needed to help facilitate logistics. A short trail provides quick and easy access to 10 campsites with tables, grills, and bear proof food storage lockers. Parking areas, toilets, water and dumpsters are located nearby. Participants wanting to occupy a vehicle campsite may need to pay the current $10.00 nightly fee. Showers will be available at the end of the week. Volunteers should bring their own tent, sleeping bag/sleeping pad, cup/bowl/mug/eating utensils, and personal gear.

Travel

Airport pickup provided from Kenai Municipal Airport. Airport pickup and dropoff times will be sent to registrants when the trip is confirmed.

Location

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
33398 Ski Hill Road, Soldotna, AK 99669 United States
  • Purple lupin and lush shrubs fill the foreground with tall snow covered peaks in the background.