Captain Cook State Recreation Area is virtually undiscovered by most visitors to the Kenai Peninsula. It offers a peaceful setting of forests, lakes, streams and saltwater beaches. The recreation area can be reached by driving 25 miles north of Kenai on the North Kenai Road to milepost 36.This state recreation area is named for Captain James Cook, the famous English mariner, who in 1778 explored what is now known as Cook Inlet. At that time, the area was occupied by Tanaina Indians who harvested seasonal runs of salmon and other wild foods. Remains of Tanaina house pits are evidence of the Indians' earlier presence. In recent years the beach area has been used for commercial fishing with beach set-nets.