Soldotna is a town in southern Alaska on the Kenai Peninsula’s central-western tip. Along the Kenai River, which drains into the Cook Inlet near Kenai, the city limits stretch over 7 square miles. The town of Soldotna is situated on the western outskirts of the vast Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Bears, moose, caribou, sheep, and other fish and bird species live in this approximately two million-acre protected area.
Interesting Fact
Following WWII, the US government relocated several townships near Cook Inlet to the lower Kenai River, opening the land under the Homestead Act. When it came to picking land and filing for property, veterans of the United States armed forces were given a 90-day head start over non-veterans. The Sterling Highway right-of-way from Cooper Landing to Kenai was also cleared of trees that year. The modern-day Soldotna site was chosen for the highway’s Kenai River bridge crossing.
The Sterling Highway was built to bring the Soldotna area closer to the rest of the world. Visitors flocked to the area to fish and to have a fantastic trip in Soldotna.
Why Visit Soldotna?
One of the most exciting reasons for visiting Soldotna is its location. The Kenai River passes through Soldotna, and you’re only minutes from Kenai. By vehicle, ancient sites like Homer are less than an hour away. There is also a long variety of outdoor activities, including festivals, suitable for the entire family.
Expect a diverse choice of dining options, including anything from fine dining to major fast-food chains. There are various lodging options, including Alaska fishing cabins, small motels, and even campers. Grocery stores are especially convenient in this area because many lodges have kitchenettes.
Soldotna is the ideal location for gathering all of the information you’ll need to plan your Alaska holiday. Year-round activities include snowshoeing and snowmobiling, as well as winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. Many visitors come for festivals, wildlife viewing, canoeing, guided and self-guided hiking excursions, shopping, museums, and exhibits during the summer months.
Soldotna is conveniently located near the Russian River, Skilak Lake, the Kasilof River, local creeks, and fly-out fishing choices for those considering a fishing trip to Alaska. The position allows for quick access to the best fishing, outdoor sports, and family enjoyment on the Kenai Peninsula. It’s also smart enough to be comfortable while still being wild enough to allow for animal observation.
Fishing
Soldotna has everything you need to make your vacation a once-in-a-lifetime trip from the most basic equipment to a full-fledged guiding service. Whether you’re after Kings, Silvers, Sockeye, Steelhead, Trout, Halibut, or Rockfish, the locals will undoubtedly assist you in finding and catching the big ones. Les Anderson of Soldotna set a world record for King salmon with a 97-pound catch in 1985. One of Soldotna’s most prominent attractions is the world-famous Kenai River.
Conclusion
The stunning scenery of Soldotna provides numerous opportunities for fully experiencing Alaska. Whether you’ve come to set a new King Salmon record or spend time with your entire family exploring the wild last frontier, you’ve come to the right place. Come to Soldotna today and receive a warm welcome that you and your family will remember.

