K’beq’ Cultural Heritage Interprative Site

Tucked beneath a canopy of trees along the upper stretches of the Kenai River is the K’beq’ Cultural Heritage Interpretive Site.

K’beq’, meaning “footprints,” gives visitors a glimpse into traditional Dena’ina customs and culture. We operate this site in partnership with the Chugach National Forest.

K’beq’ sits at a Dena’ina place known as Sqilantnu, meaning “ridge place river.” Our ancestors spent the summer months preserving and storing the salmon that came to them, which they harvested with weirs and spears.

In the fall, they hunted caribou and sheep in the surrounding mountains. They gathered berries and other plants to be used as food and medicine, and wood products for boats, tools and shelter. While trapping and hunting continued through the winter, Dena’ina people focused on social life and potlatching.

The spring brought a run of eulachon to the river, and waterfowl returning to the area.

K’beq’ Cultural Heritage Interpretive Site features:
• A boardwalk that wraps around a prehistoric Dena’ina house foundation
• Interpretive signs highlighting traditional culture and knowledge
• The historic Darien-Lindgren cabin
• Gift shop

Tribal members and staff host interpretive walks and cultural presentations throughout the summer.

The entrance to K’beq’ is located at Mile 52.6 of the Sterling Highway, across from the Russian River Campground entrance near Cooper Landing.

K’beq’ is open to the public from June to September. Hours for the 2024 season are 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thursday-Monday. Admission is free.

For a schedule and upcoming cultural presentations, call 907-395-7985.