captain cook state recreation area

The area is near an industrial zone. Lots of drilling apparatus, pipes, etc. Generally run down and not attractive.

The drive to the Captain Cook State Recreation Area is about 25 miles north of Kenai on the North Kenai Spur Highway to Milestone 36. On our drive, we saw amazing views of the rugged coastline mixed with forest. The beaches, campgrounds, forests and streams throughout Captain Cook State Recreation Area are maintained by the State of Alaska, and offer unique viewing platforms and wildlife habitats. The new tide brings up agates and other interesting rocks from the active volcanoes (like Mt. Spurr, and Mt. Redoubt), that blew-up around the Cook Inlet in the early 1990s. You call also see the city of Anchorage faintly in the distance on a clear day. We especially loved Discovery Beach at low tide, to scour for agates, the smooth and translucent pebbles glistening in the sun. I found plenty of colorful agates around the high tide line. Because they are lighter stone, they are pushed higher up onto the beach. This was a pebble beach so sturdy shoes were a must. At Discovery Beach, we also enjoyed watching the ATV's cruise the beach, the sea birds, and looking for Cook Inlet Beluga Whales in the distance with our monocle. They say sometimes you can spot a pod of beluga whales dining on the salmon rush, as they head upstream throughout the Cook Inlet.Also in the Recreation Area is Swanson River, a winding river that flows out to the Cook Inlet (ocean). This river flowing to the ocean was breathtaking, and one of the most beautiful scenes I have ever experienced. Along the way, the blueberries were ripe for the picking. I also liked the views and plants, such as Devil's Club with their sharp leaves and stalks and large red berries, around Stormy Lake, a large lake for boats and swimming (brrrr) in the Recreation Area. I would like to come back here next time to canoe down the Swanson River with some good insect repellant. Your Alaska State Parks pass, either day or other long term pass is what you need to access this area.