Moose Pass, Alaska ~ The
Soul of the Kenai Mountains
by: Moose Pass Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
View of Trail Lake
Photo courtesy of Paul Wiest
(Moose Pass, Alaska)
Along Alaska's Highway 9, and surrounded by
breathtaking panorama of the Kenai Mountains in the Chugach National
Forest, you will find the picturesque little town of Moose Pass.
Located on the eastern side of Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, Moose Pass is
tucked away in the towering, rugged mountains along the shoreline of
Upper Trail Lake at Mile 29 of the Seward Highway, a National Scenic
Byway. The original Iditarod Trail, used for transporting gold and
supplies, was blazed through this valley in 1910. The abundance of
moose in the area prompted the town's name.
 
Moose Pass welcomes all visitors to enjoy the bounty
and beauty of summer when the sun hardly rests and the days are long and
glorious. Favorite pastimes include: fishing for trout, grayling or
Dolly Varden; hiking the extensive and numerous hiking trails that
surround our community to view birds, wildlife and flowers; cycling or
skating along Trail Lake on our bike path; or taking a scenic
flight-seeing trip taking off from Trail Lake waters in a float-plane
and flying over the local peaks & valleys to view glaciers, waterfalls
and abundant wildlife. A berry picking excursion, horseback riding or
tour of the local salmon hatchery are other options. However, you may
just want to stretch out on the lakeshore, kick up your feet, and marvel
at the unparalleled beauty of the Moose Pass mountain landscape.
Being located on the mountainous eastern side of the
Kenai Peninsula and only 95 miles south of Anchorage, Moose Pass is in
the midst of the endless attractions and activities that bring visitors
to this region of Alaska. Virtually every activity people come to
Alaska to see and do can be found right here on the Kenai Peninsula.
Moose Pass, a friendly and unique little town, will make your Alaskan
stay a comfortable one. Lodging options abound, ranging from
campgrounds and RV Parks to motels and B&B's. Several restaurants, gift
shops and our local grocery store provide dining and shopping
opportunities. The library, museum and post office offer important
services for our out-of-town guests. We also have a flying service and
float plane ratings school, and even a working water-wheel & stone with
the slogan: "Moose Pass is a friendly town. If you have an axe to
grind, do it here".
 
Head 26 miles south toward Seward on one of the most
beautiful drives you will ever take, and experience magnificent Exit
Glacier and Harding Ice Field up close. While in the Seward area, you
may want to take a day cruise through Resurrection Bay and the Kenai
Fjords National Park to view whales, orcas, sea otters, sea lions,
puffin, and a menagerie of other birds and wildlife. You may also
consider taking an ocean halibut or salmon fishing charter, or visiting
the renowned Alaska Sea Life Center. The learning never stops at this
world-class marine research and development facility which is open to
the public and filled with fascinating live exhibits.
Map courtesy of Trail Lake Lodge |
Head 16 beautiful miles west to the Cooper
Landing area, and enjoy activities such as Kenai or Russian
river salmon & trout fishing either chartered or on your own,
horseback riding, or a Kenai River interpretive rafting trip.
If the excitement of Class V rapids is more your
style, head 40 miles north to the headwaters of Six Mile Creek
for an exciting river rafting adventure.
We celebrate the beginning of the summer with
the annual Moose Pass Summer Solstice Festival, held around the
3rd weekend in June. This annual event not only welcomes summer
and the longest day of the year, but is the largest fund raiser
for the operation of the town's Community Center, Volunteer Fire
Department and EMS team. The festival is filled with gift and
craft booths, games, food court, auction and a variety of music
occurring throughout the 2-day festival. |
Visitors are also welcome every day of the winter
season. While the nights are longer and the days are cooler, the roads
are quieter and the coffee is hotter. Winter is an excellent time to
view firsthand the phenomenon of the Northern Lights as they dance
breathtakingly through the sky over a sleeping landscape covered in
sparkling snow.
Strap on your skis, ice skates or snowshoes, or jump
on a snowmobile or dog sled and take a tour through our winter
wonderland. When your trek is nearly completed and the daylight is
fading, know that you'll always be able to find a warm fire to curl up
by in Moose Pass.
During the middle of December, we hold the annual
lighting of the community Christmas tree, followed by a pot luck dinner,
singing of traditional carols, and a festive celebration of the season
for all ages.
Whether it be during the bustle of summer or the
serenity of winter, come let Moose Pass, the Soul of the Kenai Range, be
the gateway to your Alaskan adventure!
 
Information and photos submitted
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