Captain Cook State Recreation Area is virtually undiscovered by most visitors to the Kenai Peninsula. It offers a peaceful setting of forests, lakes, streams and saltwater beaches. The recreation area can be reached by driving 25 miles north of Kenai on the North Kenai Road to milepost 36.

This state recreation area is named for Captain James Cook, the famous English mariner, who in 1778 explored what is now known as Cook Inlet. At that time, the area was occupied by the Tanaina People, who harvested seasonal runs of salmon and other wild foods. Remains of Tanaina house pits are evidence of the Peoples' earlier presence. In recent years the beach area has been used for commercial fishing with beach set-nets.

Captain Cook State Recreation Area offers a variety of recreation activities, from canoeing and boating on Stormy Lake to beach combing on Cook Inlet's tide-swept shores, bird watching, berry picking, and wildlife observation. The beaches are popular with agate hunters.

Anglers may enjoy fishing for rainbow trout and silver salmon in Swanson River as well as rainbows and arctic char in Stormy Lake. Current fishing regulations will give complete information on seasons and limits. Winter visitors enjoy ice fishing on Stormy Lake.

Wildlife you may see during your visit includes moose, bear, coyote, wolves, Beluga whales, harbor seals, beaver, muskrat, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, trumpeter swans, arctic and common loons, golden-eye ducks, mergansers, thrushes, warblers, and jays.