State Parks near Kasilof

The town of Kasilof is located fifteen miles south of Soldotna along the Sterling Highway on the Kenai Peninsula. It is a popular summer recreational destination. Camping, wildlife viewing, scenic views, and fishing at the Kasilof River and at Johnson Lake are some of the reasons why.

History

People have lived on the Kenai Peninsula for over 8,000 years. The land and waters provide plentiful fish, especially salmon, and game, for people past and present. It is believed that Eskimo people were the initial inhabitants, and later Dena'ina, whose descendents live throughout the region today. Russian traders built Fort George near the mouth of the Kasilof River in 1786. Descendants of the Natives and Russians number about 1,000 people in the area today. Americans came to the peninsula after the U.S. purchased Alaska in 1867. The area's population stayed relatively small until the post-World War II years.

Wildlife in the Area

Moose, black and brown bear, lynx, squirrels, hares and other creatures are plentiful in all of these areas. Enjoy and respect them for this is their home. Please help them by not feeding them and keeping a clean camp.

Crooked Creek State Recreation Site is a short walk from the confluence of Crooked Creek and the Kasilof River. There are 80 campsites and 36 day use parking sites. Crooked Creek SRS is most popular in May and June for king salmon fishing from the bank of the Kasilof River. Additional fisheries include a small steelhead run in the spring and fall, and Dolly Varden, sockeye and silver salmon in the summer.

Johnson Lake State Recreation Area is a nice, wooded, 332 acre area surrounding Johnson Lake. Camping, fishing for rainbow trout, canoeing and walking are popular activities. There are 48 campsites, 16 day use parking sites, and a group picnic area (groups of over 12 people require reservations).

Kasilof River State Recreation Site is located in a wooded setting along the Kasilof River, adjacent to the Sterling Highway bridge. Kasilof River SRS is a popular put-in and take-out spot for drift fishing on the Kasilof River. Bank angling for most species is available both up and down stream from the camping area. There are 25 day use parking sites and a boat launch.

Be careful of:

◇ Bears. Keep your camp clean.
◇ Not trespassing on neighboring private property.
◇ Swimming in the cold water. It can be dangerous and there is no lifeguard on duty.

Please Protect Our Parks
Park rules are set to allow every visitor to enjoy Alaska's State Parks and to protect our parks for future generations. Compliance with regulations is an expression of your concern for others and your parks.

Protect natural features by leaving them for the next person to enjoy. Cutting green trees, damaging tree bark, and destroying vegetation are prohibited. Removing bark from trees can kill them.

Discharge of firearms, fireworks, and explosives is prohibited in all areas.

Motor vehicles are restricted to roads and parking lots to avoid destruction of vegetation and wildlife habitat.

All fires must be confined to fireplaces provided.

Pets must be leashed and under control at all times.

Emergency Contacts:
State Park Rangers: 262-5581
State Troopers: 262-4453 or 911
To report a fire: 262-5528 or 911

For more information:
Alaska State Parks, Kenai Area Office
P.O. Box 1247
Soldotna, AK 99669
(907)262-5581

Alaska State Park Information
550 W 7th Ave., Suite 1260
Anchorage, AK 99501-3557
(907)269-8400