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Kenai refuge announces snowmachine opening

Published 10:30 pm Wednesday, January 7, 2026

By Chloe Anderson

A snowmachine rider takes advantage of 2 feet of fresh snow on a field down Murwood Avenue in Soldotna, Alaska, on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
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A snowmachine rider takes advantage of 2 feet of fresh snow on a field down Murwood Avenue in Soldotna, Alaska, on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

A snowmachine rider takes advantage of 2 feet of fresh snow on a field down Murwood Avenue in Soldotna, Alaska, on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
A map shows areas open to snowmachine use as of Jan. 5, 2026. Photo courtesy of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge has opened all of the areas normally allowing snowmachine use, according to a Jan. 5 press release. This includes Watson Lake and the Hidden, Kelly, Petersen and Engineer lakes in the Skilak Wildlife Recreation area.

The park’s headquarters on Ski Hill Road, Swan Lake, Swanson River Canoe Systems and all areas above treeline, with the exception of the Caribou Hills, are always closed to snowmachine access.

Snowmachine riders are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and use caution around windblown areas with insufficient amounts of snow. Users should also be vigilant around wildlife and near water crossings.

The refuge will allow snowmachine access until April 30, or close it earlier if snow cover is inadequate. For more information, visit www.fws.gov/refuge/kenai, call the refuge at 907-743-9145 or visit the headquarters on Ski Hill Road in Soldotna.

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