The best walks and hikes in the Kenai Mountains

Spacious location far away from the hustle and bustle of Homer

I think the map Komoot is built on has Race Point in the wrong place - maybe someone can double-check me on that. Anyway, it should be right about here; there's a huge rock that runners use as a turnaround point during the famous Mount Marathon race. If you continue past that rock, the terrain gets really sketchy, really quickly. Unless you really, REALLY understand what you're getting into, I recommend going to and from this point using what's called the hiker's trail or hiker's route — a much gentler ascent/descent than the grueling race course, from which unsuspecting hikers often have to be rescued.

Despite the name, this is the northern access route for reaching Lost Lake. It's steeper than the southern route, so many thru-hikers prefer to start on this side, get the steep ascent out of the way, then enjoy a (somewhat) mellower descent on the other side.

Despite the difference in name, this is the northern access point for Lost Lake. This side is steeper than the southern route, so for many it's a hike-a-bike after a certain point.

This route to Lost Lake starts more or less in the middle of a small neighborhood. Don't worry, though — you'll quickly feel like you're out in the middle of nowhere. The elevation gain from here to Lost Lake is more gentle than if you come from the other direction; so this trail is a favorite of anyone who wants a gentler out-and-back, or as the exit route for thru-hikers who want a descent that's (relatively) easy on the knees.

The hike to Russian River Falls on the Kenai Peninsula takes you through Alaska's impressive nature on a well-developed and mostly flat path. The approximately 2-mile trail starts at the Russian River Campground and runs through dense forests that offer you a view of the native flora and fauna. The hike is relatively easy, making it ideal for relaxed exploration. At the end of the trail, two observation platforms await you, perfectly placed to experience the impressive waterfalls up close. This place comes alive especially during salmon season in summer. Thousands of salmon fight their way upstream here, and with a little luck you can even watch bears fishing - a unique spectacle of nature that will stay with you for a long time. Other wildlife, such as eagles and the occasional fox, also take advantage of the abundance of fish and make the scenery even more impressive. The chance of seeing animals is particularly high early in the morning or towards the evening. The Russian River Falls Trail is more than just a hike; It gives you the feeling of diving deep into Alaska's wild nature and offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventurers.

Once upon a time, you could see Portage Glacier from this viewpoint. Now it has receded behind a corner of the mountains, so from here you can only see the lake left behind by the glacier, and every so often a few icebergs might still float by. Still, the lake itself is wildly beautiful and the small visitor center nearby is interesting to visit... if it's open. More information here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/chugach/recarea/?recid=71946

Portage Lake is a popular destination near Anchorage, attracting visitors with its scenic allure. Once a site for icebergs, the lake's appearance has evolved due to glacier shifts. Though less frequent, glacier ice chunks still float by.