Nikiski, AK

Travel Guide

The Arctic Circle is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth. As of 16 February 2015, it runs 66°33′45.6″ north of the Equator.

The region north of this circle is known as the Arctic, and the zone just to the south is called the Northern Temperate Zone. The equivalent polar circle in the Southern Hemisphere is called the Antarctic Circle.

The Arctic Circle is the southernmost latitude in the Northern Hemisphere at which the sun can remain continuously above or below the horizon for 24 hours (at the June solstice and December solstice respectively). North of the Arctic Circle, the sun is above the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year (and therefore visible at midnight) and below the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year (and therefore not visible at noon). On the Arctic Circle those events occur, in principle, exactly once per year, at the June and December solstices, respectively. However, in practice, because of atmospheric refraction and mirages, and because the sun appears as a disk and not a point, part of the midnight sun may be seen on the night of the northern summer solstice up to about 50′ (90 km (56 mi)) south of the Arctic Circle; similarly, on the day of the northern winter solstice, part of the sun may be seen up to about 50′ north of the Arctic Circle. That is true at sea level; those limits increase with elevation above sea level, although in mountainous regions there is often no direct view of the true horizon.

The position of the Arctic Circle is not fixed. It directly depends on the Earth's axial tilt, which fluctuates within a margin of 2° over a 40,000-year period,[2] notably due to tidal forces resulting from the orbit of the Moon. The Arctic Circle is currently drifting northwards at a speed of about 15 m (49 ft) per year; see Circle of latitude for more information.

#snow
The Arctic Circle is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth. As of 16 February 2015, it runs 66°33′45.6″ north of the Equator.

The region north of this circle is known as the Arctic, and the zone just to the south is called the Northern Temperate Zone. The equivalent polar circle in the Southern Hemisphere is called the Antarctic Circle.

The Arctic Circle is the southernmost latitude in the Northern Hemisphere at which the sun can remain continuously above or below the horizon for 24 hours (at the June solstice and December solstice respectively). North of the Arctic Circle, the sun is above the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year (and therefore visible at midnight) and below the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year (and therefore not visible at noon). On the Arctic Circle those events occur, in principle, exactly once per year, at the June and December solstices, respectively. However, in practice, because of atmospheric refraction and mirages, and because the sun appears as a disk and not a point, part of the midnight sun may be seen on the night of the northern summer solstice up to about 50′ (90 km (56 mi)) south of the Arctic Circle; similarly, on the day of the northern winter solstice, part of the sun may be seen up to about 50′ north of the Arctic Circle. That is true at sea level; those limits increase with elevation above sea level, although in mountainous regions there is often no direct view of the true horizon.

The position of the Arctic Circle is not fixed. It directly depends on the Earth's axial tilt, which fluctuates within a margin of 2° over a 40,000-year period,[2] notably due to tidal forces resulting from the orbit of the Moon. The Arctic Circle is currently drifting northwards at a speed of about 15 m (49 ft) per year; see Circle of latitude for more information.

#snow
Nikiski, Alaska.
Evenson Heritage Lodge

Evenson Heritage Lodge

Kenai AK
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Kenai. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a garden. Popular attractions Douglas Lake and Wik Lake are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
Evenson Heritage Lodge
We were in Kenai attending a large family event. Nine of us stayed at the lodge and we had plenty of room to spread out. The beds were very comfortable, the view was magnificent and a couple of moose wandered through the yard as we were leaving the property, a true Alaska experience. I would definitely ...

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2025

Evenson Heritage Lodge
Creekside Cottage near Daniel's Lake

Creekside Cottage near Daniel's Lake

Nikiski AK
Stay at this vacation home in Kenai. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Georgina Lake and Kivi Lake are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (86 reviews)
Great place! We loved it and were very comfortable.Beautiful furnishings and thoughtful amenities!Great full range for foodies!Wish all VRBO's were at this level!

Reviewed on Sep 7, 2025

Creekside Cottage near Daniel's Lake
Best Western King Salmon Inn

Best Western King Salmon Inn

2.5 out of 5
35545 Kenai Spur Hwy Soldotna AK
The price is ¥19,084 per night from Jan 30 to Jan 31
¥19,084
¥20,993 total
Jan 30 - Jan 31
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Soldotna. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Phormation Chiropractic & ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (379 reviews)
Did not eat breakfast

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2025

Best Western King Salmon Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Evenson Heritage Lodge

Evenson Heritage Lodge

Kenai AK
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Kenai. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a garden. Popular attractions Douglas Lake and Wik Lake are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
Evenson Heritage Lodge
We were in Kenai attending a large family event. Nine of us stayed at the lodge and we had plenty of room to spread out. The beds were very comfortable, the view was magnificent and a couple of moose wandered through the yard as we were leaving the property, a true Alaska experience. I would definitely ...

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2025

Evenson Heritage Lodge
Creekside Cottage near Daniel's Lake

Creekside Cottage near Daniel's Lake

Nikiski AK
Stay at this vacation home in Kenai. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Georgina Lake and Kivi Lake are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (86 reviews)
Great place! We loved it and were very comfortable.Beautiful furnishings and thoughtful amenities!Great full range for foodies!Wish all VRBO's were at this level!

Reviewed on Sep 7, 2025

Creekside Cottage near Daniel's Lake
Amazing Kenai River Front Home With Beautiful Views

Amazing Kenai River Front Home With Beautiful Views

Soldotna AK
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Soldotna. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Birch Ridge Golf Course ...
10/10 Exceptional! (101 reviews)
The property was spacious, well furnished, well equipped, and very clean. Host was accomodating and communicated well. Our family was in town to vacation and watch our son play hockey for the Kenai River Brown Bears. Staying at this property added to our experience.

Reviewed on Dec 2, 2025

Amazing Kenai River Front Home With Beautiful Views
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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