Everyone living here on the Kenai Peninsula knows the Kenai River is an unrivaled resource for the local community. The thought of landing a record king salmon or a monster trout lures folks from around the country and, indeed, the entire world. Fishing on the river has always been popular, and the opportunities for harvesting the unparalleled fishery resources in the river are numerous and varied.

Editor?s note: This Refuge Notebook article originally ran in July, 2005. The author thought it was a good time to republish, as the tourist season is now in full swing. He asks that readers give some thought to what these visitors are experiencing, whether family or strangers. He also cautions us to not lose sight of the forest that is Alaska.