From the lovely, icy green waters of Kenai Lake, nestled in the Kenai Mountains, this extraordinary river tumbles over rocks and through rapids from one lake to another, winding its way down from the mountains and into the slat water of Cook Inlet.

Though visitors can go white-water rafting and canoeing, the big lure of the Kenai River is salmon fishing. One of the largest races of king salmon on the planet swims through these waters. Four of five Pacific salmon species return every year to spawn.

The Upper Kenai River is more serene and more scenic. Circled by mountains, the upper river offers a radically different experience from fishing in the lowlands. It is strictly a drift fishery, with guides rowing down the river in drift boats.

Nearly 400 fishing guides ply the Kenai River. Some guides are more conservation minded and ethical than others. One of the most highly respected guiding services is Alaska Wildland Adventures.