Discovering Captain Cook State Recreation Area
Nestled in the furthest northwest corner of the Kenai Peninsula sits the Captain Cook State Recreation Area, a large slice of park land located just 14 miles north of Kenai. The park encompasses an area that equals 3,460 acres which is covered with forests, lakes, streams, and beautiful beaches that abut the Cook Inlet.
The Captain Cook State Recreation Area was named after Captain James Cook, the famous British mariner who explored the area in 1778. His findings and archaeological evidence indicates that the Tanaina people used the lush forests, beaches and lakes as an area to gather salmon and wild food. The park was authorized by the State of Alaska park system in 1971, which makes it one of the oldest parks in Alaska.
There are two main freshwater attractions in the park; the 400 acre Stormy Lake and the Swanson River, which offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy scenic views from the comfort of a canoe or kayak.
Stormy Lake is quite impressive. There is a boat ramp in the northeast end of the lake, which also gives you a full length view of the water and surrounding forest. Midway across the lake on the south side is a campsite that is accessible only by boat. Similarly, on the north side of the midway point is a picnic area that offers people the chance to take in the views. Anglers can fish for arctic char or rainbow trout during the summer season.
Swanson River runs from south to north on the northeast side of the park. It passes by the Discovery Campground before dumping into the Cook Inlet. A canoe and kayak ramp is located upriver and affords visitors the opportunity to take in the scenery and wildlife as it meanders through the lush greenery. The river is also the site of summertime fishing for rainbow trout and silver salmon (coho salmon) during the summer and late summer months.
Wildlife at the Captain Cook State Recreation Area includes moose, bear, wolves, coyotes, bald eagles, warblers, common loons, muskrats, and jays. If you’re lucky and pay close attention to the waters of the Cook Inlet, you’ll get a glimpse of beluga whales or harbor seals as they feed on salmon and other fish near the mouths of the streams and Swanson River.
The massive beach along the Cook Inlet is where you can find a variety of ornamental stones, including the ever sought after agate, jade, and sea glass, among others. It’s also the perfect place to a brisk summer breeze on a sunny day.
Discovery Campground is a wooded campground with 53 campsites within a short walking distance of the beach and the banks of the Swanson River. There is no RV size limit, and guests are able to stay for up to 14 days. Similarly, the nearby Discovery Picnic Area gives visitors a vantage point of the Cook Inlet and seashore.
Because of its location on the Kenai Peninsula, the Captain Cook State Recreation Area is one of the undiscovered gems in the area. With only one way in via the Kenai Spur Highway, and with it being a detour off of the Sterling Highway (AK-1), many people don’t think to drive to the area. With abundant nature, plus a convenient drive through Kenai, it’s well worth the trip for travelers and residents alike.
The drive from Kenai takes you through Nikiski and is flanked on both sides by beautiful trees and the occasional peak at lakes and the Cook Inlet. Stop at Coffee Express on your way out of Kenai to fuel up with coffee before hitting the road.
The Captain Cook State Recreation Area is well worth the visit. Although it’s a short drive off of the beaten path, the park is a hidden gem away from the more popular destinations on the Kenai Peninsula. For those of us that love Kenai like we do, the park is the perfect natural hideaway to get in touch with nature and enjoy a crowd-free day outdoors.