Soldotna is a small little town near Kenai and sits right on the border of the Kenai National Wildlife refuge. It’s worth taking a travel to.
Where to Stay
Hotels and Lodges
Aspen Hotel Soldotna
326 Binkley Cir, Soldotna, AK 99669
1-907-260-7736
Normally I don’t like to include chain hotels but Soldotna is pretty small so whatever is there is there for the taking. I do think its nice that this hotel comes with breakfast and a pool.
Best Western King Salmon Inn
35546A Kenai Spur Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669
1-907-262-5857
Super simple hotel on the roadside with a Restaurant.
Alaska Lake + Lodge at Longmere
38780 Longmere Way, Soldotna, AK 99669(907) 252-6179
Rental Resorts offering Fully equipped kitchens and suites. Located right off Langmere Lake.
Kenai River Lodge
393 Riverside Dr, Soldotna, AK 99669
1-907-262-4292
Soldotna is so close to Kenai, that you will find names interspersed but this lodge is indeed in Soldotna. This place has 28 rooms with 6 different styles. You can fish off a platform and hang out under the Gazebo. A family owned place complete with a bar.
Orca Lodge
44240 Oehler Rd, Soldotna, AK 99669
1-907-262-5649
A riverfront fishing lodge right on the banks of the Kenai River. You can expect to stay in a cabin with an Alaskan feel and have access to over 500 ft of river to fish from. This place has partnered with local fishing guides.
Inns, Cabins and B&BS:
Alaska Angler’s Inn
44715 Sterling Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669
1-907-420-0500
Located near Kenai River, this family owned lodge is attached to a restaurant and bar.
Soldotna Inn
35041 Kenai Spur Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669
1-907-262-9169
Located in the heart of Soldotna, AK and within walking distance to the Kenai River. Clean, simple, rooms and attached to a restaurant and lounge.
There are a multitude of B&B’s around this area. Check out Air BNB/VRBO for listing or a simple google search.
RV and Camping
Swift Water Park675 Swiftwater Park Road
40 campsites with picnic tables and fire pits. First come first serve. Boat launch and forests bordering the Kenai River.
Klondike RV Park & Cabins48665 Funny River Rd, Soldotna, AK 99669(907) 262-6035
35 RV sites with electric water and sewer. No tents allowed here. They also offer 2 cottages to rent. Fishing is just a short walk away.
King Salmon RV Park35546A Kenai Spur Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669(907) 262-5857
This place offers 39 hook up sites with electric, water and sewer. Pets welcome. Located at the heart of Soldotna with laundry and shower services located next door.
Edgewater Lodge and RV Resort
48798 Funny River Road. Soldotna, AK 99669
(907) 262-7733
60 Sites and 15 lodge rooms with shower facilities, laundry, fish cleaning table, on the river and close to downtown.
Centennial Campground
358 Centennial Park Rd, Soldotna, AK 99669
(907) 262-5299
A wild wooded park in the middle of the city originally built in the 1980s with 176 designated, first come first serve camping spaces. Some spaces are along the river and come with picnic tables and firepits. There are restrooms and fish cleaning stations. A great place to camp.
What to See and Do
What to See and Do
Soldotna lies in the Kenai Peninsula so you can expect to do a lot of things outside. The Kenai River is especially known for fishing so if you are trying to go fishing in Alaska, this is one of the places I would visit. Not only is the river BEAUTIFUL but Soldotna lives right next to the Kenai National Wildlife preserve so there are lots of things to do in Winter and Summer that take place in this beautiful area of Alaska.
Check out the Soldotna Visitors Center –
you can find free wildlife exhibits including the World record Kenai River King Salmon
Go visit the Soldotna Historical Society Museum –
I always think it’s a great idea to check these places out when visiting a new town to really capture the beauty of the town you’re visiting. You can expect to find Homesteading cabins, boats and school house displays here.
Take a walk down the Kenai River Classic Fish Walk (near the visitor’s center). This is a great place to see the river or cast a line.
Check out the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge – you can find wildlife displays, watch a film on Alaskan wildlife, see historical cabins and check out some walks to headquarter lake.
Head down some of these roads to look for wildlife: Funny River Road, Mackey Lake Road, Echo Lake Road and Community College Drive
Go fishing/hang out at A.R.C lake
Go to a music Concert – In June – August on Wednesday nights, there is music in the Soldotna Creek park.
If You are in Soldotna area in May – make your way to the Kenai River Festival
Also check out the Soldotna Progress Days which happens the fourth weekend in July. It’s a full weekend of family-friendly fun including a parade, vendors for arts and crafts, and lots of great food to try! Car races, crafts and local art is also highlighted here.
Then of course the standard things:
Flight Seeing Tours (A lot of these include bear viewing, glaciers and fly in fishing)
Fly in fishing, Bear viewing, and hunting trips and of course custom trips are available.
Flight seeing, bear viewing, Photography Tours, Custom flights
Fly out fishing and bear viewing tours
Photo Tours
Wildlife, glaciers, bears and some dog sledding.
ATV Tours
ATV tour!! – Located a little outside Soldotna near Sterling.
Book a Fishing Charter/ Guide
Soldotna Alaska Fishing Guide & Charter –
Alaska Fishing Guide – Mark Glassmaker
Chadwick’s Fishing Guide Service
Take a River Tour –
Prospector John’s Rafting Trips
What to Eat
Don Jose’s Mexican Restaurant8032, 44109 Sterling Hwy b, Soldotna, AK 99669
(907) 262-5700
Great service, and great mexican food. Great varieties to choose from.
Acapulco Mexican Restaurant
43543 Sterling Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669
(907) 260-5666
Outdoor seating or indoor seating near the fireplace, this restaurant has great Mexican food with nice and friendly service. The prices are reasonable and the place is very clean.
Señor Panchos
44096 Sterling Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669
(907) 260-7777
Great place to watch sports, sitting at the bar was a good experience. There is a salsa bar and an area to get your own drinks as well. The chips they served were delicious.
Taco
35635 Kenai Spur Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669
(907) 414-5998
A cute little drive through Mexican place with amazing burritos and tacos! Try the Taco bowl. Huge portions, great price.
Buckets Sports Grill
43960 Sterling Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669
(907) 262-7220
Great Burgers and wings. Cute little environment.
The Catch Restaurant and Bar
44715 Sterling Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669
(907) 420-0508
A great diner with lots of options. Great breakfast menu, with large portions. Dining staff are nice and helpful.
Froso’s Family Dining
35433 Kenai Spur Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669
(907) 262-5306
So diverse – they have Mexican, American, sushi, and Italian, stone pizza, sandwiches, and more!
Ginger’s Restaurant
44332 Sterling Hwy #54, Soldotna, AK 99669
(907) 260-8003
Great Dining food option with delicious options.
St. Elias Brewing Company434 Sharkathmi Ave, Soldotna, AK 99669
(907) 260-7837
Outdoor seating, Delicious food and beer. Give it a try. The inside is where the vibes are at.
Black Jaxx Barbeque
103 Smith Way, Soldotna, AK 99669
(907) 262-2255
Great Portions of Amazing BBQ. This place is drive through only but you can eat outside. Pulled pork, ribs and brisket. Mouthwatering.
Mykel’s Restaurant
35041 Kenai Spur Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669
(907) 262-4305
Located in the Soldotna Inn, this place has some nice food in it. You can expect to find seafood and steak!
Siam Noodles and Food
44278 Sterling Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669
(901) 557-8825
The Dinner is delicious and the green tea tastes great. Good food and service.
Where to Hike/Camp
Of course Soldotna is super close to Kenai National Wildlife preserve so that is one of the first places to check out however here are a few trails in the area too.
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge loop
This 2.6 mile loop takes around an hour to walk. You can use it in the winter or summer, dogs aren’t allowed on this one L
Tsalteshi Ski Trails
4 different trails in the same area for your enjoyment! Great for large groups. The entire trail is 11 miles.
A great place to camp and walk with the family if you are staying close to town.
Of course As I travel and experience all these places, I update when I find more. Keep checking back!