Russian River / Kenai, Alaska · salmon run
Russian River / Kenai, Alaska salmon run
On the Kenai Peninsula, the Russian River draws one of Alaska's most famous sockeye runs — and unlike the fly-in parks, you can drive right to it. A short trail leads to Russian River Falls, where reds gather and leap below the cascade. The big USFS campground at Cooper Landing, about two hours south of Anchorage, makes a road-accessible base.
Typical run window
Sockeye in two runs — early ~June 11–July 14, late ~July 15–September 7
Species
Sockeye (red) salmon
Where
Russian River Falls, Chugach National Forest (USFS), Cooper Landing
Nearest RV base
Russian River Campground (USFS, 83 sites, paved spurs, road-accessible)
Plan it honestly
Sockeye come in two runs (early and late summer); exact dates vary, so check the Alaska Department of Fish & Game's current report. This is also a busy fishery — give anglers and bears room.
Confirm the run window with the managing agency: USFS — Russian River Campground (Chugach NF) .