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Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, AK – Volunteer Vacation 2024

June 23 @ 5:00 pm - June 29 @ 10:00 am

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From ice fields and glaciers to tundra, forests, and coastal wetlands, the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge preserves almost 2,000,000 acres of Alaskan biodiversity. Become immersed in what is often called “Alaska in miniature” while supporting trail longevity!

Volunteers will spend time working on Skilak Lookout Trail, with work all along the first mile of the trailhead. Volunteers replace a 20+ year old boardwalk, and work together on small reroutes along the trail. Skilak Lookout Trail is 2.1 miles round trip with the first mile of the trail having a gradual climb of 250 feet. Trail conditions vary depending on the season. Volunteers will need to drive or carpool to the worksite. Volunteers will drive to the trail head from either Upper Skilak Campground or Hidden Lake Campground on a gravel road maintained 5 miles to the trail head.

During this trip, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge’s average high temperature is 58°, and average low temperature is 44°.

There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.

AHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Dena’ina Ełnena, and Dënéndeh peoples past and present. We honor the land itself, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations, their deep and sacred connection to these lands, and those who continue to steward these lands today. We offer this land acknowledgement as the first of many steps to stand as an ally and amplify Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to join us through continued efforts to support Indigenous communities and learn more about the history of the lands on which we live, work and recreate.

Click here for a PDF of trip details.

Host

US Fish & Wildlife Service

Accommodations

Car Camping Tent Sites

Hiking/Access

Volunteers will need to drive or carpool to the worksite. Volunteers will drive to the trail head from either Upper Skilak Campground or Hidden Lake Campground on a gravel road maintained 5 miles to the trail head. Volunteers will hike up to 3 miles per day on a gradual incline of 250 feet.

Project Rating

Moderate

Minimum Volunteer Age

16

Maximum Group Size

12

Area and Attractions

Kenai NWR has over 200 miles of trails, camping, hiking and world-class fishing. Located in downtown Seward and on the edge of Resurrection Bay, visit Alaska Sealife Center, the only public aquarium and ocean wildlife center in Alaska. Drive over to Kenai Fjords National Park or Chugach State Park, both located less than three hours away. Further explore Alaska’s beauty with visits to Chugach National Forest, Caines Head/Resurrection Bay State Parks, and Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.

Accommodations Description

Volunteers will have access to campgrounds where they will sleep in their own tents. Showers are not provided but vault toilets are available. Volunteers will need to bring their personal camping gear, bedding, towels, and toiletries. Appropriate tent flies, rain gear, and warm sleeping bags are recommended.

Travel

Kenai Municipal Airport in Kenai, Alaska is the closest major airport. Airport pick up and drop off is available for volunteers and will be arranged upon confirmation of the trip.

Location

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
33398 Ski Hill Road, Soldotna, AK 99669 United States + Google Map
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