Swan Lake Canoe Trail System
  Looking to get away from it all? Want to escape from everyone, and contemplate your existence
out in the middle of nowhere. Would
you rather not stray too far from the beaten path or pay a pilot to drop you off
beyond reach? One of the best
little adventures we’ve found was exploring the Swan Lake Canoe Trails.
There are a whole series of lakes on the Kenai peninsula that have been
connected by small waterways and hiking trails.
 In
Sterling, Alaska look for signs pointing north up Swanson River road. You
may need to take a quick trip into Soldotna first to rent a canoe. We found a pretty good deal at the Sports Den on the Sterling
Highway just past the Kenai Spur. Head
back to Sterling and turn left up Swanson River Road. This is a dirt road that travels through the lakes for about
ten miles. You will see a big brown
sign pointing to the right indicating you are in the heart of the lake system.
Turn Right here on Swan Road.
Now  your options for adventure extend in all directions.
One of the best written guide books for the entire trail system,
including detailed satellite photograph maps is The Kenai Canoe Trails by
Daniel L. Quick. This is the book
we use. If you want to spend a
significant amount of time exploring, I highly recommend picking up a copy of
this book. There are maps available
at the trail heads, but don't count on them being there. There will be a
long drive back to get a book if there are no more maps. You need these
maps to be able to find your way along the trial. They indicate which side
of each lake you will find the next portage. If you prefer topo maps,
contact the U.S.
Geologic Survey and request "Kenai C-2" map.
Try to pack as light as possible for this adventure.
You will be carrying a 75 lbs. canoe as well as your gear and will
probably opt for making two trips on each portage (one to take the gear, the
other to carry the boat). You will
thank yourself for having less, rather than more weight.
I also highly recommend rubber boots.
I wear hip waders and Claimjumper wears rubber barn boots.
While launching and portaging the boat you will encounter a fair amount of mud
and water. Keeping your feet dry
prevents them from getting cold and blistered.
Happy feet serve you well!
We had two days for a quick trip through the lakes.
We decided instead of rushing  through the shortest loop, we would just go
in as many lakes as we had time to see, camp, and then head back the same way we
came the next day. We parked at the west entrance.
Be sure to sign in to let the park ranger know when to send out the
search party. A short
portage down to the waters edge of Canoe Lake #1 and you are on your way.
 We
were joined by Mike, Justin and Darryl for this adventure. For
five people we used two canoes, with the boat having the
fewest passengers carrying the most gear. We followed the book's maps
through seven lakes that day, and camped on South Spruce Lake. The book
marks the locations of sites suitable for tent camping. Finding these
sights can be difficult as they are not right on the water. We would have
to jump out of the boat and search for the camping spots.
 The area is gorgeous and so
peaceful. The water is chilly, but not cold enough to keep the guys from
going in for a refreshing swim. The campsite had plenty of room to pitch
two tens, plus make a campfire. Finding dry wood can be difficult, but
there is plenty of dead stuff available.
For more information,
contact the Refuge
Manager for the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
Last Visited: August 1999
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