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.
The K’beq’ Cultural Heritage Interpretive Site is open from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in June, July and August.
A tour group learns about a traditional Dena’ina home at K’beq’ alongside the Kenai River near Cooper Landing.
The Darien-Lindgren cabin is on display at K’beq’.
Visitors learn traditional uses for local plants during a tour of K’beq’.
Contact – Location – Hours
Mile 52.6 of the Sterling Highway, near Cooper Landing
907-335-7652
The K’beq’ Cultural Heritage Interpretive Site is open from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in June, July and August.
