| When considering a rugged but beautiful place to go | | | | it. |
| for a thrilling holiday, the US state of Alaska is surely at | | | | As well as the pink salmon, coho and chino fish which |
| the top of every adventure seeker's list. | | | | live in the park's waters, the Kenai National Wildlife |
| Stunning mountains, acres of national parks and the | | | | Refuge is home to a number of interesting animals |
| chance to see a huge variety of wild animals make | | | | which cannot be spotted in many other places and |
| this state a true thrill-seekers paradise and an ideal | | | | prove a huge draw for tourists on adventure tours. |
| place to jet off to for an adventure holiday. | | | | These include brown and black bears, caribou, moose |
| Alaska has a number of huge national parks but one | | | | and sheep, all of which wander freely around the vast |
| of the most famous is the Kenai National Wildlife | | | | park. |
| Refuge. At nearly two million acres in size, the refuge | | | | Several rare and exciting birds live in the park and if |
| is vast and offers all kinds of outdoor activities to | | | | visitors are lucky, they could catch a glimpse of a |
| make an Alaska adventure truly unforgettable. | | | | bald-headed eagle flying back to its nest to feed its |
| The backdrop of the national park is breathtaking and | | | | young. Some species in the park are so rare that they |
| perfect for those who love hiking to the top of peaks | | | | are deemed to be endangered and are therefore |
| or going climbing, knowing their reward is a spectacular | | | | protected by Alaskan law. |
| view from the summit. | | | | What else can I do in the park? |
| The park was originally opened as the Kenai Moose | | | | As well as appealing to wildlife fans, those who enjoy |
| Range back in 1941 but in 1980, it was designated a | | | | thrill-seeking laugh-a-minute breaks may find they |
| national park area. | | | | never run out of things to do in the refuge. |
| So what makes it perfect for an adventure tour? | | | | From walking and hiking to fishing on the lakes and |
| One of the most interesting things about the national | | | | rivers or tackling the waterways in a canoe or kayak, |
| park - and a feature which attracts thousands of | | | | the park is filled with areas to explore and outdoor |
| visitors each year - is the Harding Ice Field, which is | | | | activities to take part in. |
| more than 800 square miles in size. | | | | Visitors can take a trip down the 82-mile long Kenai |
| Up until 10,000 years ago, the entire Kenai peninsula | | | | River and marvel at the park's peaks from a different |
| was covered in glacial ice and the field is one of the | | | | angle. When they have tired of rowing down the |
| last remaining spots that continues to be frozen over. | | | | choppy waters, they could head to the banks and try |
| As well as the beautiful ice field, Alaska tour visitors to | | | | their hand at catching one of the famous king salmon |
| the park can head to the shores of the Skilak Lake, | | | | that swim in it. |
| which is 15 miles long and as much as four miles wide. | | | | The world's largest ever king salmon is though to have |
| While on the shores of the lake, visitors could catch | | | | been caught on the Kenai River and it weighed an |
| sight of Frying Pan Island, which is situated in the middle | | | | impressive 97 pounds four ounces. |
| of the body of water. | | | | After catching a fish or two, adventure-seeking visitors |
| Famous for its crystal clear waters, the 528 feet deep | | | | could fancy a relax on the banks of the water and |
| lake is a must-see in the Kenai National Wildlife | | | | should they stay there for some time, they could be |
| Refuge. | | | | lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a beautiful white |
| As might be expected in this part of the world, the | | | | Beluga whale. |
| national park is an area known for its fishing and many | | | | The mammals are known to swim up the river to feed |
| keen sportsmen visit the park every year to fish in | | | | on its fish but are rarely seen by the public. |
| both the lake and the Kenai River, which flows through | | | | |