Alaska - Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

Visiting the Refuge

Hiking

Hiker with dog on Fuller Lake. USFWS. The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge trail system will satisfy hikers of all ages and abilities. Trails vary widely in length and difficulty and take hikers along creeks and rivers, through forests, and to mountain peaks high above the treeline. The majority of the trails are located in the Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area and are road accessible. Most of the trails are day hikes, but camping is permitted along all trails. Visitors hoping to see wildlife have the best chance of doing so while hiking, and many trails lead to lakes suitable for fishing. For more specific information, Kenai Pathways: A Guide to the Outstanding Wildland Trails of the Kenai Peninsula, is available at both the Visitor Center and the Visitor Contact Station.

Day Hiking - What to Bring

Water and high-calorie food
Clothing: sturdy shoes, rain gear, and different layers which you can add or take off as needed. Wool and polar fleece are good choices because they keep you warm when wet.
Map and compass
First aid kit
Waterproof matches
Whistle Pocketknife
Bug repellent
Sunglasses, sunscreen
Camera, binoculars, and field guides

Backcountry Emergencies

Here are some tips to ensure a safe and comfortable hike while out on the trail. Unpredictable weather, bears, injuries, and getting lost can turn a leisurely day on the trail into a potential disaster. To prevent problems, be ready for anything. Bring extra food and water, appropriate clothing, first aid kit, and safety equipment. Use common sense. A cool head in a stressful situation can usually prevent things from turning from bad to worse. Before you set off on your adventure, learn about your proposed route (trail conditions, terrain, etc...) and leave a trip plan with a family member or trusted friend.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can create it, lowering the body's core temperature. Air temperatures between 30 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit and wet clothing both contribute to this condition. Symptoms include shivering, slurred speech, stumbling, drowsiness, exhaustion, and impaired judgement.

To treat hypothermia, change into warm, dry clothes and find an area sheltered from rain and wind. Drink plenty of warm liquids (not alcohol). In advanced stages, stay awake, remove all clothing, and get into a dry sleeping bag with another unclothed person to share body heat.

Prevention is the best way to deal with hypothermia. Bring warm layers of clothing, including rain gear. Be sure to have plenty of water and high calorie foods to eat throughout the day. Pack clothing and sleeping bags in plastic bags to prevent them from getting wet. Finally be familiar with the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and how properly to treat them.

Water

Giardia is a microscopic organism found in lakes and streams which causes giardiasis, an intestinal disease characterized by abdominal cramps, bloating, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue. There are several different ways to treat drinking water to remove the organism, which include using iodine-based water tablets, boiling water for five minutes, or using a properly rated water filter.

Last updated: September 11, 2008