The best walks and hikes around Ridgeway
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Hiking around Ridgeway offers a selection of trails through natural landscapes, often featuring wildlife and park environments. The region provides opportunities for outdoor exploration with varied terrain suitable for different activity levels. These routes are characterized by their natural settings, including areas within wildlife refuges and local parks.
Best hiking trails around Ridgeway
- The most popular hiking route is Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, a 3.4 miles (5.5 km) trail that takes 1 hour 29 minutes to complete. This routeโฆ
Last updated: May 13, 2026
4.2
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27
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5.52km
01:29
70m
60m
Explore the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge on an easy hike that covers 3.4 miles (5.5 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 220 feet (67 metres). You can expect toโฆ
1
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3.59km
00:56
30m
20m
Embark on the Mountain Goat, Bear and Wolverine Loop for an easy hike through varied terrain within the Tsalteshi Ski Trails. This pleasant route covers 2.2 miles (3.6 km) withโฆ
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5.0
(1)
10
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3.73km
00:58
20m
20m
Discover the Centennial Park Trail, an easy hiking loop in Soldotna, Alaska, perfect for a relaxed outdoor experience. You will cover 2.3 miles (3.7 km) with a gentle elevation gainโฆ
1.61km
00:26
20m
20m
Embark on an easy hike along the Keen-Eye Nature Trail, a pleasant route that guides you through a wooded environment. This trail covers 1.0 miles (1.6 km) with a gentleโฆ
2
hikers
3.09km
00:48
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This loop takes you around the circumference of Centennial Park Campground. All told it offers about a mile of frontage along the beautiful, blue-green waters of the Kenai River, including fishing and fish-cleaning stations.
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The lake not far from Soldotna is not very big with a length of 1.45km. But the calm he radiates is fabulous. Many rare birds can be seen on the observation deck. Very important: take binoculars.
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The Keen-Eye Nature Trail starting from the headquarters of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge near Soldotna, is 0.75 miles long through a wooded area with a side trail leading down to Headquarters Lake. There are three basic options on these refuge trails. First and easiest is the 0.3 mile (one way), "accessible with assistance," portion of Keen-Eye Nature Trail, an easy trail and boardwalk leading to a viewing deck on the shoreline of Headquarters Lake. Second, you can hike the 0.8 mile Keen-Eye loop, and third, there's the 2 mile Centennial Trail Loop through a wooded area with further opportunity to view wildlife in the area. All the trails together add up to an about 3 miles loop. Trail and nature information is available at the refuge visitor center.
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Small peaceful lake in the forest near the headquarters of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge near Soldotna. To access this lake walk a .75 mile roundtrip along the Keen-Eye Nature trail which starts near the headquarters for the refuge. A monocular on the viewing platform gives a good view of waterfowl on the lake and other birds including eagles perched on the trees surrounding the lake.
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The 100m long gravel path leads the fastest from the Visitor Center to the Keen-Eye Natural Trail and thus to the lake.
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In a few hairpin bends leads this 250m long way down to the lake through a wooded area, which ends in a kind of marsh and moorland. About wooden walkways to reach the observation deck, where well sprayed with mosquito repellent, which can observe native and migratory birds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Ridgeway?
The Ridgeway area offers a selection of 5 hiking routes for you to explore. These trails are generally easy, making them accessible for most hikers.
What is the difficulty level of hikes in the Ridgeway area?
All 5 of the hiking routes listed for the Ridgeway area are classified as easy. This means they are suitable for a wide range of fitness levels and offer a relaxed outdoor experience.
Are there any family-friendly hiking options in Ridgeway?
Yes, the trails around Ridgeway are predominantly easy, making them excellent choices for families. Routes like the Centennial Park Trail and the Keen-Eye Nature Trail are particularly well-suited for outings with children, offering manageable distances and gentle terrain.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see on Ridgeway hikes?
The trails in the Ridgeway area offer opportunities to experience diverse natural settings. You can explore areas like the Headquarters Lake, which provides scenic waterside views, and enjoy the natural beauty along paths such as the Keen-Eye Natural Trail and the Lynx Trail.
Are there any circular walks available?
Yes, there are circular options available. For instance, the Centennial Park loop from Soldotna is a great choice for a round trip, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Ridgeway?
The Ridgeway area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the accessibility of the trails and the peaceful natural surroundings, making it a pleasant destination for easy outdoor adventures.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails?
While specific regulations can vary, many trails in natural areas are dog-friendly, especially if dogs are kept on a leash. It's always best to check local signage or park rules for specific trails like the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
What is the typical length of hikes in the Ridgeway area?
The hikes in the Ridgeway area vary in length, generally ranging from shorter nature walks to moderate distances. For example, the Keen-Eye Nature Trail is about 1.6 km (1 mile), while the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge route is approximately 5.5 km (3.4 miles).
Are there any historical or cultural landmarks to see near the trails?
Yes, beyond natural beauty, you can find cultural points of interest. For example, the Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary Russian Orthodox Church is a notable landmark that can be explored in the wider Ridgeway area, offering a glimpse into local history and architecture.
What kind of wildlife can I spot while hiking?
The diverse habitats in the broader region, including areas like the Mountain Goat, Bear and Wolverine Loop, suggest opportunities for wildlife viewing. Depending on the season and trail, you might spot various animals, so keeping an eye out for local fauna is always a good idea.
Is there parking available at the trailheads?
While specific parking details for each trailhead are not always listed, most popular hiking areas, especially those within parks or designated trail systems, typically offer parking facilities. It's advisable to check local park information or trail guides for specific parking instructions before your visit.
Most popular routes around Ridgeway
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