2 Best Hotels in Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, The Kenai Peninsula and Southcentral Alaska

Getting off the road and the beaten track is the most authentic way to experience Alaska, and Kenai Backcountry Lodge is about as true as it gets, with access only by boat across Skilak Lake. Once there, you will stay in a log cabin, taking all your meals (included in the price) at the main lodge. All cabins are equipped with running water, bathrooms, and electricity. The company stresses a low-impact, environmentally friendly ethos, and is fully run off solar and hydropower. The trip cost includes two nights at Backcountry, one night at the Riverside Lodge in Cooper Landing, transportation, and all guided activities such as hiking, kayaking, a Kenai River canyon raft trip, motorboat tours, and wildlife viewing. With all the moose, caribou, wolves, bears, eagles, and spawning salmon, chances are you'll see more animals than people during your stay.

The refuge's public-use cabins are in remote areas accessible only by air or boat. If you're willing to overcome these hurdles, you'll find tranquility and true wilderness, and you won't have to worry about your tent springing a leak.