2014 Map of Kenai C-3 NW

About this map

Nikiski serves as the primary settlement hub in this portion of the northern Kenai Peninsula, situated near a landscape defined by an intricate network of wetlands and namesake lakes. The Swanson River meanders through the eastern section of the quadrangle, drawing from and feeding into numerous water bodies such as Shadura Lake and Killdeer Lake. This area reflects the mid-20th-century expansion of infrastructure into the Alaskan wilderness, evidenced by the presence of Marathon Road which provides access through the southwestern reaches. The terrain is characterized by a high density of small lakes, including Ermine Lake, Akula Lake, and Lake Ootka, illustrating the glacial geomorphology of the region. These water systems, including Beaver Cr and Bishop Cr, form a complex drainage pattern that has historically influenced the distribution of local homesteads and industrial access points.