Russian River
Russian River
4.5
About
One of the most popular fishing streams in the Kenai Peninsula area.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
129 reviews
Excellent
88
Very good
33
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Cheryl N
2 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Kayce James with the Kenai River Dog , we were a group of four women to take her raft excursion down the Kenai River. It was a soggy rainy day which didn’t deter us. Kayce brought us extra warm rain gear and boots her main concern seemed to be our comfort.
She was very informative and answered all our questions, told some good stories and even in the rain Alaska does not disappoint it was beautiful. She really good at her job and goes the extra mile.
She was very informative and answered all our questions, told some good stories and even in the rain Alaska does not disappoint it was beautiful. She really good at her job and goes the extra mile.
Written July 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trout seeker
Oklahoma26 contributions
Aug 2020
The Russian River is a gorgeous place to visit. The walk is a very pleasant 3/4 mile walk from the Salmon lot down to the confluence of the Kenai / Russian Rivers. I suggest taking binoculars so you can spot the Mountain goats on the high range just to the west of the Kenai River. The state charges a hefty $12 just to park for a couple of hours. If you do the Russian River Ferry that too is a hefty $12 to park and yet another $12 to ride the ferry. BIG caution though, the restrooms are by far the worst I have entered for any local, state, or federal park. I do mean awful!! Okay back to the Kenai and Russian Rivers, the fishing is fairly good. It has been quite a story to be fishing and then the grizzlies pop out of the brush and are very close. They appeared to not want to harm you but that should never be a reason to not be very cautious. They are king (and queen) in the wild. If you fish, you will like this place. If you like to site see, you will like this place. Keep in mind that the stairs leading down to the main boardwalk are steep and many.
The long walk over to the Russian Falls is nice and very doable for the flatfooted. The falls are nice where you can see lots of salmon. The bears were not there on the hours I visited but know that they are there.
The long walk over to the Russian Falls is nice and very doable for the flatfooted. The falls are nice where you can see lots of salmon. The bears were not there on the hours I visited but know that they are there.
Written August 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donna
Columbus, OH15 contributions
Jul 2020
So we wanted to see some grizzlies. We visited the Russian River Campground and went to the Pink Salmon lot. It was a very easy walk down to the river.
We had to wait a while, but soon enough the bears started coming out. We even saw a sow with 3 cubs. Lots of fisherman in the river even with the covid. Just watch their reaction to help spot the bears.
Then we went to see the Falls. The hike itself isn't anything special. But its a good place to see the salmon jumping! We were just about to leave when a grizzly came out of the woods and started moving around.
I'd suggest this as a cloudy day activitiy.
We had to wait a while, but soon enough the bears started coming out. We even saw a sow with 3 cubs. Lots of fisherman in the river even with the covid. Just watch their reaction to help spot the bears.
Then we went to see the Falls. The hike itself isn't anything special. But its a good place to see the salmon jumping! We were just about to leave when a grizzly came out of the woods and started moving around.
I'd suggest this as a cloudy day activitiy.
Written August 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jimmy and Tammy
Dallas, TX84 contributions
Aug 2020
You'll love it! You'll see it from the road...but I highly recommend you stop and check out the water. Blue, blue, blue. Clean, clear glacier water. You may even see salmon jumping. Be careful. There are moose and bears. There are a few turn off spots to get down to the river. This is a must see while in Alaska.
Written May 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roam_and_Explore
Ohio67 contributions
Sep 2015
If you find yourself on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska you have to stop at one and view the Russian River. The water is so clean, clear, and beautiful. If you like to fish this river is famous for its salmon run. Russian River is also a popular hunting spot for bears. The best time to see bears feasting on salmon is towards the end of the salmon run in August and early September. The bears know the salmon are an easy catch. I saw numerous bears during an early September visit. There is a state park/camping spot right around Cooper's Landing where you can hike, camp, fish, and view bears. Be respectful of the bears and especially the cubs. Keep your distance and know your surrounds.
Written November 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KentuckyGlobetrotter
Lexington, KY278 contributions
The fish don't come in like they used to and the crowds are bigger than ever, but the settings of wild beauty makes this place worth a stop. Listen carefully because if the ferry operator blows the air horn there's a grizzly in the immediate area.
Written July 24, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JV355
Savannah, GA55 contributions
Jun 2013 • Friends
First, it should be noted that the Russian River is nowhere near Kenai, Alaska. The closest town is Cooper Landing, Alaska.
Second, lets talk about FISHING! This river is an amazing place for your combat fishing credentials. There are raised boardwalks on the north side of the river, accessed from the nearby campground and day use area. There are fees for both, so be prepared to pay.
Another option is to take the ferry across the Kenai River, just south of the confluence with the Russian River. The ferry also costs money to park, and for your round-trip. BE SURE TO KEEP YOUR TICKET SAFE, or you might not get a ride back across once you finish fishing.
Sockeye runs are good times, and Silvers can be seen in the late summer as well. Expect some rainbow trout and Dolly Varden Char in the mix once June turns to July.
Some rules to be aware of: You must keep your backpacks within 10 feet, and stringers within 6 feet of you at ALL TIMES. Don't think that packing heat or a can of bear spray will save you from an encounter. Be bear aware at all times, even if a sighting hasn't been reported recently. Most bear interactions are benign, especially when the angler is smart and follows the rules about proximity to your gear.
Also, there are limits to the fish you can keep. Know the difference between limit and possession. For most of the summer you can't come back after you caught your limit and filleted them at your campsite. Possession means the fish must be processed (professionally or otherwise), and prepared in a way that makes them preserved for at least 10 days. This means they have to be frozen solid, canned, or smoked. Don't think that others around you aren't officers...or that we don't have the Troopers and Rangers on speed dial to report lawbreaking.
Fishing is a lot more fun for everyone if you are patient, don't crowd others, and wait your turn. This also means we should all be aware that others might be waiting for their turn. Once you limit, if someone is waiting you should move along to another hole for your C&R.
If you can't handle rules, tons of people, and wild Alaskan animals, avoid fishing this river. If you can, make it a stop on your list!
Second, lets talk about FISHING! This river is an amazing place for your combat fishing credentials. There are raised boardwalks on the north side of the river, accessed from the nearby campground and day use area. There are fees for both, so be prepared to pay.
Another option is to take the ferry across the Kenai River, just south of the confluence with the Russian River. The ferry also costs money to park, and for your round-trip. BE SURE TO KEEP YOUR TICKET SAFE, or you might not get a ride back across once you finish fishing.
Sockeye runs are good times, and Silvers can be seen in the late summer as well. Expect some rainbow trout and Dolly Varden Char in the mix once June turns to July.
Some rules to be aware of: You must keep your backpacks within 10 feet, and stringers within 6 feet of you at ALL TIMES. Don't think that packing heat or a can of bear spray will save you from an encounter. Be bear aware at all times, even if a sighting hasn't been reported recently. Most bear interactions are benign, especially when the angler is smart and follows the rules about proximity to your gear.
Also, there are limits to the fish you can keep. Know the difference between limit and possession. For most of the summer you can't come back after you caught your limit and filleted them at your campsite. Possession means the fish must be processed (professionally or otherwise), and prepared in a way that makes them preserved for at least 10 days. This means they have to be frozen solid, canned, or smoked. Don't think that others around you aren't officers...or that we don't have the Troopers and Rangers on speed dial to report lawbreaking.
Fishing is a lot more fun for everyone if you are patient, don't crowd others, and wait your turn. This also means we should all be aware that others might be waiting for their turn. Once you limit, if someone is waiting you should move along to another hole for your C&R.
If you can't handle rules, tons of people, and wild Alaskan animals, avoid fishing this river. If you can, make it a stop on your list!
Written September 16, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark O
Stockholm, Sweden626 contributions
Jul 2015 • Solo
Opening night of the season I stumble across a local called Red after his beard sorting through tackle in the local fly shop. He asked am I a fisherman and did I know it's the opening night of the season. Glancing outside at the misses I explained my situation and he went outside and convinced her to let me live just once !!!! I still cant stop smiling. We drove in his old Vovo had coffee on the tailgate until the rush of Patagonia clad city folks had charged down the hill at the strike of midnight. We moseyed real slow down the hill around 12.45 no rush. Picked out our spot far from the madding crowd. He had it all along. Moose and bears in the swim and 8 Salmon later I can't remember a better night apart from once on a beach in Greece aged 17 and she was from Stockholm. Its all fishing. Perfect night for a fly fisherman. Enough said so sign up.
Written March 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alo B
Anchorage, Alaska107 contributions
Jul 2014 • Friends
The sole reason we went to alaska was to see bears, in fact I've been to alaska multiple times now and Russian river is the only place almost guaranteed to see bears. Between Denali and Seward no where else seems to have such a dense population of bears within driving reach of Anchorage.
The fishing is awesome, the bear viewing is amazing and the camping is out of this world..
Russian river is possibly my favourite part of all Alaska
This is a must do for all thrill seekers...
The fishing is awesome, the bear viewing is amazing and the camping is out of this world..
Russian river is possibly my favourite part of all Alaska
This is a must do for all thrill seekers...
Written November 15, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark3040
Kenai, AK36 contributions
Jul 2016 • Friends
It is a 45-60 min hike over a very easy trail that is even considered handicapped accessible. If you time it right, you can see the salmon jumping up the nice beautiful falls and may be lucky enough to see some bears feeding on the salmon. I would carry bear spray but there is very little chance of encountering bears on the hike to the falls.
Written January 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Should I bring bear spray? Or are they generally on the other side of the river? I’ll be visiting in early July if that makes a difference.
Written February 4, 2020
Where do I drive to in order to start the short hike to the river?
Written March 31, 2017
I was wondering about the campground that is in Kenai. Near the Russian River. cost, bugs, and safety from bears. We are driving from north of Detroit Mi.
Written November 2, 2016
Hi Debbie, I have not stayed at the campground myself. Are you tent camping or in an RV? Prices for most campgrounds are $15-20 a night for tents and $30-40 for rv's. Obviously youd be safer from bears n bugs in an rv as well. The closer you are to water the worse the bugs will be, especially stagnant or pond water. Mid June to mid August can be brutal in wetter areas. In dryer areas they are not that bad. As for bears, as long as you keep a clean camp, no food, drink, toothpaste, etc inside your tent, keep everything in your car at night or when your away from camp, you should have no problems. More people BY FAR are attacked by moose so do not approach them.
Written November 2, 2016
My husband and I will be visiting the area around Anchorage and Seward in August and the plan is hiking. We would like to avoid hiring a car though. Can any one recommend an overnight/multi-day hiking route (loop) where you start in the same town/place? Or is hiring a car a must? Thanks
Written May 2, 2016
Here is a site with the majority of the hiking trails on the peninsula. Several of the multi day treks have rustic cabins along the way that you can reserve, many for free. Some include a free row boat as well when next to a lake. alaska org kenai peninsula trails.
Written November 2, 2016
How do we get here from the princess lodge?? Does anyone offer tours?
Written March 6, 2016
Hi, I use a walking stick to help mobility.. just wondering if this walk is an option??
Written March 5, 2016
Yes, the trails to the falls is handicap accessible. Gravel trail all the way up to the two viewing platforms The falls are not really falls but more of a gorge with water rushing down. I lived near Anchorage for 8 years, and Copper Landing/Russian River area is still one of my favorite places in the world. In fact, I want my ashes spread there, simply beautiful.
Written February 27, 2017
My husband and I are planning an Alaskan cruise mid May 2016 for our 30th wedding anniversary. We would end in Anchorage and plan to spend a few extra days to see bear. It sounds like Kenai would be the best spot...what are our chances of seeing them that time of year? I've read it's not time for salmon that early.
Written October 12, 2015
I have seen them on the Russian in June and July but have never been there that early. I would think you should be able to find a day tour to help you with this. If you fish you may want to check and see if any of the fishing services are offer fly in trips to areas which might also allow you to see some.
Written October 13, 2015
Joe C
Troy, Michigan
My father and I are staying at the Upper Russian Lake Cabin in early September. Are the mountains to the East/Northeast to steep to climb? Also, if anyone has pictures of the area around Upper Russian Lake Cabin that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Written March 26, 2015
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