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Alaska Department of Natural Resources

Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Kenai River

Kenai Region

Captain Cook State Recreation Area
Swanson River Landing

Swanson River Landing

Facilities

★ ADA Facility - No
★ Daily Parking Fee - ($5)
★ Toilets
★ Picnic sites

Useful Information

View Map

Activities

★ Canoeing
★ Fishing
★ Picnicking

Both the Swan Lake and Swanson River Routes are a systems of small lakes, wetlands, and rivers connected by portages varying from a few hundred feet to over a mile. The landscape is rolling hill country (most hills are not over 200-300 feet) covered in white spruce and birch with striking vistas of the Kenai Mountains to the east. Portages vary considerably from dry, hilly areas to muskeg. Most wet portages have been improved with boardwalks for passage, but some still require improvements.This canoe route begins in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and ends at the Captain Cook State Recreation Site.

Address:
38.5 Kenai Spur Highway

Driving Directions:
From Anchorage, travel on the Seward Highway and exit west onto the Sterling Highway. Travel westward to mile 83.5 of the Sterling Highway and turn north onto Swanson River Road by the Sterling Elementary School. Continue on Swanson River Road for 17 miles to the junctions of Swan Lake Road. Turn east on Swan Lake Road to travel to one of the three trail head entrances to the canoe routes.

Mission Statement

"The Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation provides outdoor recreation opportunities and conserves and interprets natural, cultural, and historic resources for the use, enjoyment, and welfare of the people."

Accessibility Notice

Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Atwood Building
550 West 7th Avenue
Suite 1380
Anchorage, AK 99501
DNR Public Information Center:
(907) 269-8400
DPOR Director's Office:
(907) 269-8700