|
This boat launch opens a door into the lush bottom
land of the Kenai River Canyon. Birds and mammals are abundant in this
riparian area along the Upper Kenai.
Arctic tern
Harlequin duck
NOTABLE
SPECIES
Harlequin duck
Bald eagle
Arctic tern
Belted kingfisher
Alder flycatcher
American dipper
Yellow warbler
Northern waterthrush
Wilson’s warbler
Lincoln's sparrow |
|
 FIELD NOTES
This recreation
site offers good access to the Kenai River between the Russian
River and Skilak Lake. Scan the trees for bald eagles and belted
kingfishers, and watch for Arctic terns and gulls as they swoop
for food. Harlequin ducks and other waterfowl paddle along the
edges. American dippers work the shallows, while fox, song and
white-crowned sparrows and other songbirds forage through the
alders and willows that line the river banks. Moose appear at the
river edge early and late in the day. Brown and black bears, as
well as bald eagles, can sometimes be spotted. Alder flycatchers
and northern waterthrushes have been reported in the slough along
Jean Creek on Skilak Lake Loop Road, about 30 yards past the Jim’s
Landing entrance.
HABITAT
Wetland and
riparian habitats are found here. A very strong main channel is
rimmed by backwaters that change with rising or falling water
levels. A mature forest dominated by white spruce lines the banks.
RECREATION CONNECTION
The landing was
originally established by miners to access claims across the
river. It’s now a very busy boat launch for fishermen and guides
working the upper Kenai River.
VIEWING TIP
In
the early spring isolated pools on the Kenai River floodplain
often contain juvenile coho and Chinook salmon.
HELPFUL HINTS
Parking areas
close to the river can be full during the height of fishing
season. Stay behind the fence that protects the riverbank
revegetation in the area. Cold, fast water leading to a narrow
Class III river canyon is for experienced non-motorized boaters
only.
GETTING THERE
Highway milepost 58,
take Skilak Lake Loop Road south. Jim’s Landing is a few yards
ahead on the left (south).
|
|
