20 New Year’s Resolutions That Everyone On The Kenai Should Embrace In 2017

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2017 is coming in hot and we are excited to ring in the New Year in the most magnificent place in the world – The Kenai, Alaska’s Playground. As the New Year unfolds, we anxiously await the opportunity to get outdoors and embrace all the natural wonders that our enchanting backyard has to offer. These 20 resolutions are good reminders that the most important things in life are those in which can not be bought. So soak up the beauty that life has to offer and remember to never take a single day for granted.

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1 – Express appreciation on a daily basis.

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2 – Even in the toughest situations, seek to focus on the positive.

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3 – Always forgive yourself and others.

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4 – Never stop improving; always try to be the best version of yourself for you and those around you.

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5 – Surround yourself with people that bring out the best in you.

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6 – Spend as much time with Mother Nature as possible.

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7 – Take time every week to unplug and be present.

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8 – Get involved with your local community and open your heart to new friends.

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9 – Go easy on yourself and remember that you are human.

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10 – Visit a place you’ve never been before.

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11 – Find peace with being alone.

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12 – Face your fears head on.

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13 – Chase as many sunrises and sunsets as possible.

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14 – Get outside every single day.

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15 – Seek out untouched wilderness areas and be a trail blazer.

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16 – Laugh every day, don’t take yourself too seriously and love with no limitations.

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17 – Life is short; get busy living.

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18 – When you’re feeling low, let nature be your healing guide.

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19 – Fuel your wanderlust fire.

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20 – Work hard, be kind, stay humble.

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Wishing all of our friends, fans and neighbors a safe and happy New Year! Let’s make 2017 the best one yet on The Kenai, Alaska’s Playground!

Dreaming Of A White Christmas? These 25 Stunning Photos Of The Kenai Will Fill Your Heart With Joy!

PC: Dan Logan, Flickr

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas and you aren’t as lucky as we are (since we get to actually live in this magical place!) we thought we’d spoil you with an abundance of snowy, wintery eye-candy. The Kenai, Alaska’s Playground is exceptionally special this time of year. Every direction you look will transport you directly into a winter wonderland paradise. From towering mountain views, to peaceful river beds and busy city streets – the magic of the holiday season is simply undeniable on the Kenai Peninsula. Just see for yourself… 🙂

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1 – A picture perfect day gives way to the beautifully colored turquoise waters of the Kenai River at the Russian River confluence.

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2 – Docked boats in Seward, Alaska look stunning against a snowy mountain backdrop.

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3 – Riding the chair lift at Alyeska Resort up into the clouds and above the snowy mountain peaks.

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4 – The upper Kenai River looks perfectly peaceful this time of year when all the anglers are hibernating for the winter.

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5 – A musher takes his sled dog team across an open sea of snow on the Kenai Peninsula.

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6 – Even rest stops on The Kenai, Alaska’s Playground get transformed into a winter wonderland paradise this time of year.

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7 – Driving on the Seward Highway can be dangerous any time of year, but during the winter months the magical snowy views make the trip totally worth the while.

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8 – As the Kenai River freezes and thaws with changing winter temps, the fascinating views get elevated to a whole new level.

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9 – A single tree lit up with Christmas lights turns this whole area near Summit Lake into a peaceful holiday paradise.

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10 – On that same note, it’s impossible to deny that a Summit Lake Lodge cabin getaway is a picturesque experience this time of year. WOW!

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11 – Solitude amongst the clouds can be found on the Lost Lake Trail near Seward.

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12 – Frost heaves, crisp temps and cloudy skies make for a fierce winter photo-op on The Kenai.

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13 – A group of seals take a break from swimming by resting on floating ice chunks off the Homer Spit in Kachemak Bay.

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14 – The view from Slaughter Ridge above Kenai Lake takes the rewards of winter hiking on The Kenai to a whole new level.

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15 – The Alaska Railroad knows how to ring in the holiday season in style, there is no denying that. WOW!

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16 – Spotting an alpenglow is always a treat, but it’s exceptionally special when it happens while driving through the pass.

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17 – Catching air in a magical mountain town such as Cooper Landing is an extreme way to celebrate the cheerfulness of the holiday season.

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18 – Leave the big city of Anchorage and head towards The Kenai, Alaska’s Playground for a one way ticket to a winter wonderland paradise.

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19 – The aerial views overlooking Resurrection Bay are like something straight out of a dream this time of year.

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20 – So you think all the bears are hibernating? Think again! This guy is showing off his best snow dancing skills for one lucky photographer to enjoy.

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21 – Alyeska Resort looks like it belongs right on the front of a post card. This place sure knows how to make the snowy months look good!

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22 – When you think about winter on The Kenai, this is the exact image that should come to your mind each and every time. Peaceful, serene and breathtakingly beautiful.

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23 – The soft and serene views overlooking a wintery Kelly Lake are enough to fill your heart full of love and happiness.

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24 – Another one of the historic Alaska Railroad because we just can’t get enough of those brilliant blue and yellow Alaska colors against a snow mountainous backdrop.

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25 – Sixmile River Valley looking south towards the charming little town of Hope is a snowy, wintery dream this time of year.

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Wishing all of our friends, fans and neighbors on The Kenai, Alaska’s Playground a safe and happy holiday season!

25 Surefire Ways To Have A Holly, Jolly Christmas On The Kenai

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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas on The Kenai, Alaska’s Playground! If the chilly days and heavy snowfall has you itching to get out of the house, don’t fret – we’ve got you covered! This epic list will keep you covered from outdoor adventures, to sweet indulgences, to scrumptious local restaurants, to fun community events and just about everything in between. No you won’t have a single excuse not to have a holly, jolly Christmas on The Kenai!

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1 – Surround yourself with those that you love the most.

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2 – Give to those in need and make your heart smile a little extra.

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3 – Drive through some new neighborhoods and soak in all the sparkling Christmas lights.

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4 – But first, stop by a local coffee shop for a caffeine and hot chocolate fix. Peppermint mochas anyone?

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5 – Grab your special someone and enjoy a walk by the river while soaking in a magical winter, wonderland view.

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6 – Find a sledding hill and let the kiddo’s burn off all that sugar from the candy, cookie and fudge overload.

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7 – Go wildlife viewing and show your visitors just how epic your backyard truly is.

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8 – Rent a hotel room for the night and enjoy some quiet time away from all the stresses of everyday life.

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9 – Or take a weekend trip to a cozy B&B and enjoy a splendid change of scenery, without having to travel far.

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10 – Take a snowy walk on the beach with your four legged companions.

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11 – Get involved with festive community events and enjoy fun for the whole family.

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12 – Cheat on your diet before the New Year rolls around! Visit some of The Kenai’s best bakeries and candy shops and indulge a little, won’tcha. Apple fritter anyone? We’ll take two!

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13 – Got Christmas shopping to do? Shop local! Visit some of The Kenai’s most creative boutiques, seafood processors, automotive outfits and more. Support local businesses because it just feels good!

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14 – Bundle up and enjoy a snowshoeing adventure into the peaceful backcountry.

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15 – Or fuel your need for speed with a downhill skiing or snowboarding excursion at Alyeska Resort.

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16 – Take a mini road trip and enjoy some of The Kenai’s most charming mountain towns that are straight out of a storybook.

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17 – Go horseback riding, bring the kids to pet the horses or enjoy a one horse open sleigh ride that’ll transport you straight into winter wonderland.

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18 – Or load up the sled and take the dogs for a long run on the snowy trails.

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19 – It’s not Christmas on The Kenai until you’ve sat on Santa’s lap and met some of his elves!

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20 – A white Christmas and a Northern Lights show? We should be so lucky! This is one that is definitely worth losing some sleep over!

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21 – Head up to the Caribou Hills and enjoy a snow machining adventure with epic panoramic views.

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22 – Visit your favorite local restaurants and ask for the ‘seasonal specialty’. Your taste buds just might get a major dose of flavorful nostalgia!

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23 – Unplugging is good for the soul! Rent a public use cabin in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and enjoy a night in the woods without any distractions. A hot fire and a yummy s’mores tastes better in the wintertime, we promise!

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24 – Throw the drift boat in the water and enjoy wetting some frosty lines without all the summertime congestion.

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25 – Or find a local lake, load up with Christmas yummies, pop the ice shanty up and enjoy a day of festive ice fishing.

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Wishing all of our friends, family and fans of The Kenai, Alaska’s Playground a safe and joyous holiday season!

13 Frozen Lakes On The Kenai That Are Ultimate Winter Recreation Destinations

Photo Credit: Dan Logan, Flickr

Wintertime on The Kenai, Alaska’s Playground is known as being the regions ‘best kept secret’. In a land that is so highly raved about and visited during the summer months, wintertime stands out for many special reasons. This season offers a delicate balance of breathtaking beauty and outdoor activities without the hustle and bustle of high volume tourism traffic. One of our go-to destinations during the winter months is a good frozen lake with sparkling fresh powder lining the sides in serene fashion.

Photo Credit: Dan Logan, Flickr

These lakes offer a variety of outdoor activities including cross country skiing, ice fishing, sledding, snowmachining, snow shoeing, ice skating and so much more. Read on to see a handful of great lake options that are guaranteed to take your winter wonderland adventures up a notch!

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1 – Scout Lake. Located just outside of Soldotna, this wonderful neighborhood lake offers excellent opportunities to ice fish for landlocked cohos. You’ll love the convenient road access and the proximity to town.

Photo Credit: Alaska.org

2 – Juneau Lake. Snowshoe or cross country ski to the Juneau Lake Cabin on the south end of the Resurrection Pass Trail and find yourself submerged in a peaceful paradise with only the sounds of nature in the distance. Ice fishing for burbot is also excellent here around January.

Photo Credit: A Trail Called ‘Life’

3 – Tern Lake. The turnoff on the Sterling Highway when you can turn right to go to Seward or left to go to Anchorage offers a great place to go ice skating with the family once the lake freezes. The mountain views that surround you will completely refresh and revive your soul.

Photo Credit: Dan Logan

4 – Carter Lake. This moderately traveled trail nearest to the town of Moose Pass is an excellent place to enjoy snowshoeing and cross country skiing. You’ll fall in love with the beauty of the backcountry here, there is no doubt about that!

Photo Credit: The Alaska Star

5 – Watson Lake. This is a small campground located on the Kenai Peninsula located at mile marker 71 off the Sterling Highway. This is a great place to take a winter walk in the woods, go ice fishing or snowshoeing.

Photo Credit: Per Verdonk, Flickr

6 – Skilak Lake. Getting to the Kenai River can be a bit challenging during the winter months, but it can be done! Where there is a will, there is a way! Extreme outdoorsmen and woman can be found venturing across this frozen wonderland during the winter months and the sights in the distance are absolutely EPIC. Not the mention, the fishing this time of year is some of the best!

Photo Credit: Expedition Broker

7 – Longmere Lake. Located at Mile Marker 88.9 off the Sterling Highway, this stocked lake makes it a perfect winter wonderland ice fishing destination for the whole family.

Photo Credit: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Flickr

8 – Fish Lake. Drive down Swanson River Road and find yourself in an outdoor recreation mecca land. Whether you are hunting, ice fishing, ice skating or anything in between – you are sure to be spoiled with beautiful sights and peaceful sounds of nature.

Photo Credit: Courtney Stanley

9 – Kenai Lake. One of the most magical destinations in Cooper Landing is by far Kenai Lake. During the winter months this special place is an excellent spot for wildlife viewing, photography and so much more.

Photo Credit: Frank Kovalchek, Flickr

10 – Arc Lake. Located just outside of city limits in Soldotna, this is an excellent place to bring the family and enjoy a day of ice skating, ice hockey, ice fishing or just let the dogs run around and take a walk around the lake.

Photo Credit: Courtney Stanley

11 – Crescent Lake. If extremely remote and secluded is what you’re after, you’ll love this lake. Stay in a public use cabin after spending the day snowmachining through the mountains to reach this magical destination.

Photo Credit: Dan Logan, Flickr

12 – Spirit Lake. Located off of the Kenai Spur Highways and Strawberry Road in Kenai, this lake is great for ice fishing. Reel in species such as arctic char, coho and rainbow trout. This is great fun for the whole family!

Photo Credit: Bureau of Land Management, Flickr

13 – Engineer Lake. Tucked in the foothills north of Skilak Lake, this hideaway destination a great place to escape the rat race and revive your soul. Stay in a public use cabin and enjoy some of the best wildlife viewing on the Kenai Peninsula.

Photo Credit: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Flickr

Need more recommendations? Be sure to let us know if we can help you plan your adventure… we are always here to help you have fun on The Kenai!

Visit The Grandiose Turnagain Pass To Fall In Love With Winter Wonderland On The Kenai

Credit: Skimo Life

This designated recreation area in the 6,908,540 acre Chugach National Forest is one of the Kenai Peninsula’s most prized outdoor winter destination spots. The unlimited amount of activities coupled with the towering mountain views is like something straight off the front of a postcard.

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There is no doubt that upon arrival you’ll have to pinch yourself in disbelief of where you actually are.

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It’s truly that incredible. The natural beauty that you’ll find here has a way of shooting right into your soul and making you fall in love with Alaska’s Playground on a whole new, overwhelmingly powerful level.

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The Turngain Pass is located just over an hour south of Anchorage off the Seward Highway, or about that same distance north of Kenai Peninsula towns such as Seward and Soldotna.

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On a sunny, clear day the drive to get to Turnagain Pass in the wintertime is like a vacation in itself – absolutely enchanting every step of the way! But it can get very slick due to inclimate weather conditions, so be sure to drive with extreme caution.

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If you are someone who wants needs to fuel your need for speed during the snowy winter months, the Turnagain Pass is exactly where you need to be. Adrenaline junkies will feel right at home in this massive, wildly remote paradise.

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To see exactly what we’re talking about, check out the YouTube video below to see just how epic the riding is in this stunningly beautiful territory.

On the other side of the pass where motors aren’t allowed, you can enjoy getting deep into the backcountry via snowshoe, cross country skis or snowboard.

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The endless mountain views coupled with the pristine silence that surrounds you is positively breathtaking. We are willing to bet that you will never, ever want to leave. This is real, raw, rugged Alaska at it’s finest – and it’s right here on The Kenai, Alaska’s Playground!

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For an awesome up close and personal look into the magic that is skiing in Turnagain Pass, check out the awesome YouTube video below and prepare to ‘get a good feeling’ that will leave you itching to get outside and play in the powder!

If you’re lucky and find yourself enjoying Turnagain Pass on a clear winter night, you might even have a shot at seeing the bright lights of the Aurora Borealis dance above you.

Credit: Alaska Dispatch News

To see just how mesmerizing it can be, check out the epic footage below featured on YouTube by Alaska Dispatch News. This will give you the chills, it’s truly that beautiful.

Now that you’ve completely fallen in love (just like we have) with the strikingly appealing Turnagain Pass, let’s all start doing our snow dances and hope that we get a flurry filled winter season.

Credit: The Adventures of Amber

If you need any more tips or travel recommendations this winter, never hesitate to reach out to us – we are happy to help you have fun on The Kenai!