Russian River, Kenai: Address, Russian River Reviews: 4.5/5
Russian River
Russian River
4.5
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One of the most popular fishing streams in the Kenai Peninsula area.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
127 reviews
Excellent
86
Very good
33
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Tom C
South Jordan, UT280 contributions
Friends
We were between salmon runs so the fishing was spotty at best. But we still saw bald eagles and bears up close and personal. My first experience combat fishing.
Written October 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jimmy and Tammy
Dallas, TX91 contributions
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.
Pauline T
20 contributions
Couples
If you are looking for some beautiful true Alaska hiking and bear viewing then this area is a must! Lots of trails and fly fishing opportunities.
Written September 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Trout seeker
Oklahoma28 contributions
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.
Donna
Columbus, OH15 contributions
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.
Bill manning
3 contributions
The hike up to Russian falls was incredible, we saw all the salmon in the streams and pools, we saw the bears catching the salmon and teaching there cubs to fish
Written August 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
64falcon260
San Francisco, CA138 contributions
Family
The trail to the falls is nice but not outstanding in any way. The fishing for salmon and trout is good but not great. The falls are very nice.
Written August 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Doug
Brooklyn, NY41 contributions
Friends
Gorgeous park and river, even for the non-fisherman. There are tons of trails to choose for hikers with opportunities to see wildlife and the annual salmon runs up close. Also a fisherman's haven.
Written July 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
IndySig
Indianapolis, IN3,717 contributions
Couples
We loved watching the action along the Russian River. You truly have to see it to believe it. Fishermen standing so close on the shore and everyone is reeling them in. Plus, it just fun to watch the Russian River Ferry go back and forth.
Written June 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AKCougar
Anchorage, Alaska10 contributions
Solo
I have lived in Alaska nearly 40 yrs and this by far is my favorite area, not only for the Fishing but for camping and seeing Eagles and walking the river with The Bears. I would recommend this place as just a hike and tour walk if nothing else but am sure it will bring out the Awe as well
Written June 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jason K
Chicago, IL133 contributions
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.
Dominique P
5 contributions
Where do I drive to in order to start the short hike to the river?
Happiness239116
Kenai, AK
Milepost 52 of the Sterling Highway.
Debbie B
Harrison Township, MI2 contributions
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.
mhulkman
Carson City, NV25 contributions
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.
travellingfar00
Brisbane, Australia44 contributions
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
mhulkman
Carson City, NV25 contributions
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.
LizJacobs
Boynton Beach, FL78 contributions
How do we get here from the princess lodge?? Does anyone offer tours?
leppylin
Golden Grove, Australia56 contributions
Hi, I use a walking stick to help mobility.. just wondering if this walk is an option??
Rick D
Niceville, FL16 contributions
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.
Leigh G
Milton, WV40 contributions
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.
Gary A
Elk Grove, CA15 contributions
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.
Joe C
Troy, MI
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Russian River
- Hotels near Russian River:
- (4.65 mi) Alaska Heavenly Lodge
- (5.27 mi) Drifter's Lodge
- (4.26 mi) Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge
- (3.25 mi) Kenai Riverside Lodge
- (1.83 mi) Gwin's Lodge and Roadhouse
- Restaurants near Russian River:
- (1.81 mi) Gwin's Lodge
- (4.26 mi) Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge
- (3.08 mi) Two Brother's Roadhouse
- (6.38 mi) Kingfisher Roadhouse
- (8.28 mi) Sunrise Inn Cafe & Bar