🏆🏆🏆🏆 Kenai Peninsula Jewel — 3,500 acres of forests, lakes, and rivers with world-class salmon and halibut fishing
Captain Cook State Recreation Area spans 3,500 acres of spruce and birch forest, lakes, and Stormy Lake on the Kenai Peninsula north of Kenai. The park offers outstanding fishing (salmon, rainbow trout, Dolly Varden), camping, swimming at Stormy Lake, and miles of trails through boreal forest. Discovery Campground along the beach provides Cook Inlet views with Mt. Redoubt volcano across the water — an active volcano that last erupted in 2009.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Kenai Peninsula, AK (north of Kenai) |
| Size | 3,500 acres |
| Entry Fee | $5 parking / $15 camping |
| Fishing | Salmon, rainbow trout, Dolly Varden |
| View | Mt. Redoubt volcano across Cook Inlet |
Frequently Asked Questions
What salmon species are available?
King (chinook) salmon in June–July, sockeye (red) salmon July–August, and silver (coho) salmon August–September. Check Alaska DFG for current regulations and emergency orders.
Who was Captain Cook?
Captain James Cook explored the Kenai Peninsula coastline in 1778, seeking the Northwest Passage. Cook Inlet — the body of water west of the SRA — bears his name. He never found the passage but documented Alaska’s geography for European mapmakers.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Captain Cook State Recreation Area (a short drive away) and Scout Lake State Recreation Site (within about an hour’s drive).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Alaska state parks online at alaskastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🐟 Visit Captain Cook SRA
3,500 acres on the Kenai — world-class salmon fishing with volcano views.
About Stormy Lake at Captain Cook SRA
Stormy Lake is a popular recreation area within Captain Cook State Recreation Area on the Kenai Peninsula. The lake offers excellent fishing and camping in a birch-spruce forest setting overlooking Cook Inlet. On clear days, the volcanic peaks of the Alaska Range — including Iliamna and Redoubt — are visible across the inlet.
Things to Do
Fishing for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and landlocked salmon, camping, canoeing, swimming (summer), cross-country skiing (winter), and enjoying Cook Inlet views with volcanic peaks on the horizon.
Insider Tips
Kenai Peninsula gem: Stormy Lake within Captain Cook SRA offers excellent fishing and camping on the western Kenai Peninsula. Pro tip: The lake produces excellent rainbow trout and landlocked salmon — troll slowly along the drop-offs. Bear safety: The Kenai Peninsula has one of the densest brown bear populations in Alaska — cook and store food away from tents.
Best Time to Visit
June-July: Peak fishing season and wildflower bloom. August: Silver salmon runs. Winter: Ice fishing and snowmachining. September: Fall colors and fewer crowds.
Wildlife & Nature
Captain Cook SRA — 3,466 acres on the shores of Cook Inlet — named for Captain James Cook who explored the inlet in 1778. The area’s boreal forest, beach, and lakes support moose, brown bears, and bald eagles. Beluga whales are visible in Cook Inlet.
Nearby Attractions
Kenai — 15 miles south. Cook Inlet — at the park. Kenai NWR — nearby.
Park Location
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