If you’re looking for a place to get away from it all, but still enjoy the amenities you’re used to, look no further! Soldotna is the heart of the Kenai Peninsula, located at the strategic junction of the Sterling Highway and the Kenai Spur Highway. With Soldotna as your base when you visit, you can enjoy the best of Alaska, from world class fishing and spectacular accommodations.
Enjoy the great outdoors, learn to flyout fish, and get to watch a bear or saddle up and enjoy a horseback ride. Canoe and hiking trips, winter recreation, shopping, and gourmet dining are all at your fingertips! Something for everyone isn’t just an expression in Soldotna, it’s a way of life - where residents base their livelihood on a vast, diversified resource that brings new people to the city every day.
Soldotna established itself as a service center for the Kenai Peninsula and the world famous Kenai River runs right through the center of town, giving Soldotna its nickname, “A River City.” An important landmark of Soldotna, The Kenai River is an important landmark and economic mainstay for the city, as well as being crucial to the survival of the surrounding wetlands. It’s home to migratory birds and waterfowl as well as wildlife from moose to bears and caribou.
When you come visit, be sure to bring your fishing gear, because this place was voted the Number One Fishing Hotspot in North America by Field & Stream Magazine. Famous for its trophy size king salmon and home to the “World Record King Salmon,” so when you come be prepared to fight for that prize fish!
We know you’ll love it in Soldotna, there’s nothing like it around the state, just ask the people who already live here. They’ll greet you with a handshake and a welcome neighbor grin, and most likely an offer to show you around. Next thing you know you’ll be giving Esther Chambers a call, asking about properties for sale!
To learn more visit: https://visitsoldotna.com/chamber/relocation/ourCommunity.htm
Athabascan hunters and gatherers came from west of the Alaska Range, knew immediately that the richness of the natural resources of Cook Inlet and the Kenai Peninsula, becoming the only people of their tribe to adapt to the lifestyle of a coastal environment. By the 1700’s, the Russian fur traders had settled along the shore of the Cook Inlet and Gulf of Alaska, founding several communities to harvest sea otters. By the turn of the 19th century, miners came looking for gold and founded other communities and fishermen settled near the Cook Inlet.
World War II veterans were among the first Soldotna settlers, opened for
homestead filing in 1947. At the time, getting to Soldotna was hard, some flew
in, some took a barge, then hiked 11 miles inland.
Soldotna took its name from the creek than ran through the community and got
its first post office in 1949 and formed its Greater Soldotna Chamber of
Commerce in 1959.
Soldotna Fishing!
Kenai River and many other rivers and streams in our area
(there are several areas equipped with handicapped access fish walks)
Not to worry if your not the best fisherman we hire experts who show you the
hot spots, increasing your chances of a large catch!
Soldotna provides you with everything you need to make your trip a memorable, from shopping for the most basic gear to a full-service guides on where to fish, can result in a one-in-lifetime experience.
Most that visit are in search of King Salmon, Red Salmon, Silver Salmon, Pink Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Lake Trout, Dolly Varden and several other species of fish.
Find out more visit: https://visitsoldotna.com/fishing/indexFishing.asp
A mere 140 miles via the highway from Anchorage, Soldotna is the hub of the
Kenai Peninsula and borders the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
This refuge is home to many outstanding wildlife such as moose, caribou, brown
and black bear, wolves, dall sheep, mountain goats, eagles, swans, ducks,
geese, birds, fish, and many others.Don't be surprised if you spot moose
wandering right into town and viewing our beautiful skies you're most likely to
spot a bald eagle.
Enjoy outdoor activities from camping to photography, flightseeing over
beautiful icefields to raft trips. Spend a day at the local golf course or one
of Soldotna’s parks. No matter what you like to do, you’ll find it at Soldotna!
For a list of activities and attractions, visit: https://visitsoldotna.com/activities/indexActivities.asp
Our Mission: To create and operate a diverse parks and recreation
program which provides superior recreation, leisure and community services to
enrich the quality of life and promote public well being for residents and
visitors alike.
Parks in Soldotna are the centerpiece to its recreation. With two river access
parks, two campgrounds with river access and seven parks in the neighborhoods,
there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Area Park List
https://www.ci.soldotna.ak.us/parks.html
For a complete listing of parks and amenities, visit: https://www.ci.soldotna.ak.us/parks.html
Be prepared to be invited to join in the festivities at Soldotna’s events, no matter when you go. You’ll be greeted by friendly residents who’ll ask you how long you can stay!
For a list of events in Soldotna, visit: https://directory.soldotnachamber.com/events/calendar
For information on local links and contact information, please visit my Soldotna
Relocation Page
For information on local links and contact information, please visit my Soldotna School Page