Complete Guide to Soldotna, Alaska
Fishing The Kenai River
Most people overlook Soldotna as it lands between Cooper Landing and Homer and it’s farther away from the mountains, but this town still has plenty of charm. Located in the heart of the Kenai Peninsula, Soldotna is the perfect in between town to explore all of the peninsula!
WHERE TO EAT
I was pleasantly surprised by the restaurants this little town has to offer. Over the 6 months I spent there I was able to try just about every restaurant in the area! Here are the top restaurants in Soldotna, Alaska.
Addie Camp- If you’re looking for fresh cuisine in Alaska look no further. What makes Addie camp so special is the hydroponic farm that supplies the restaurant to ensure they have the freshest ingredients. You can trust their salad or anything with greens because they come from their hydroponic farm right on site and they take the time to carefully curate a menu that exemplifies Alaskan cuisine. Not only do they have incredible food but part of their restaurant extends into an old Alaskan train car that once served on the railroad! They’ve done an amazing job at restoring part of Alaska’s history and creating a unique and creative ambiance.
Brew 602- This cozy coffee shop is owned by the same owners as Addie Camp and is also located inside a train car! You can sample quality coffee in an authentic setting. They also serve delicious sweet or savory waffles to pair with your latte (and gluten free options!).
Brew 602
Lucy’s Market- This was one of my staples while living on the Kenai Peninsula. They bake the most delicious sourdough bread and well as some of the best sweets. Fresh soups, salads and sandwiches are menu highlights I recommend. Their fresh hummus is a must try and whether you’re looking for something sweet or savory, they have it all. My Favorites: the breakfast cookie, chocolate sourdough bread (or really ANY sourdough bread), homemade hummus & Quinoa salad.
The Goods + Sustainable Grocery Store- Now I know this is technically a grocery store, but they also have a cozy little cafe inside. What I love about this cafe is their commitment to quality fresh ingredients. They are dedicated to connecting the community with Alaskan farmers and it shows in all the fresh ingredients they use and have available in their store for purchase!
Odie’s Deli- Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this little deli. These sandwiches are packed with fresh ingredients and truly made with love. One sandwich could easily feed 2 people so keep that in mind. It’s the perfect place to grab your sandwich for a long hike!
True Blue- If you want the best drive-thru coffee hut, this one is your spot! Right off the Sterling Highway, this coffee hut by far serves the best coffee (and trust me I’ve tried all the spots; my coworkers also agreed this one is the best!). They also serve some of Lucy’s Market goods like the breakfast cookie to accompany your coffee.
Everything Bagels- Now this is no NY bagel, but what made this place special to me was the wild Alaskan Salmon lox they carry. Whether you want to put it on a bagel, or grab their fresh salad for lunch, I loved throwing their lox on whatever I was feeling that day. Their greens are also supplied by the hydroponic farm at Addie Camp, making it a deliciously fresh salad!
Señor Panchos- Alaska is the last place I thought I’d ever want to be eating Mexican food but surprisingly, the place actually has amazing Mexican food (American-Mexican that is). You will find that this place is almost always packed so if you’re visiting during the busy summer, keep in mind you might not get a seat if you go at prime dinner time!
Kenai River Brewing- Better than your typical bar food, this brewery knows how to serve a quality burger. Enjoy local crafted beer with a delicious sandwich or poutine!
WHAT TO DO
Fishing- Soldotna is known for its world-class salmon fishing. The Kenai River, which runs through town, is home to some of the best salmon runs in the world and has a gorgeous turquoise blue color. Visitors can book a guided fishing trip or fish right off the docks at the visitor’s center! Here is a great resource to find a local fishing guide in Soldotna to give you the best salmon fishing experience! My favorite part of living in Soldotna was the easy access to the Kenai river right in town on one of the multitudes of fishing platforms.
Fishing in Soldotna on the Kenai River
Beachcombing Kenai Beach- I know this is technically in Kenai, but this beach has incredible views of Mount Redoubt and the entire mountain range that surrounds it. With the frequent tide changes, the beach changes drastically and you can even sometimes see Beluga whales during their migration!
Watching sunsets- Alaska sunsets are truly the most unique I have ever seen. In the summertime the sky changes so drastically during the course of the day. My two favorite places to watch a sunset are Kenai Beach and Bridge Access Road. There’s a pull out with a viewing deck on this road that allows you to view the sunset over a grass field which on the rare occasion has roaming caribou!
Farmers Markets- There are 2 different markets during the week, one on Wednesday and the other on Saturday. On Wednesday, the market showcases more live music, crafts and food trucks. On Saturday, the small but mighty farmers market in Soldotna has incredible products made by locals. From harvested nutrient dense chaga mushrooms, pickled onions, and best organic greens, you can find good quality produce here!
Wednesday Market info is here
Saturday Market info is here
Hiking- Although there isn’t much hiking right in town, I love the location of Soldotna because it provides access to trails all over the Kenai peninsula. The closest hiking is Skilak Lake and Cooper Landing, but only 1-2 hours away is great hiking in Homer, Seward, Hope, Whittier and Girwood!
Hiking Skilak Lake & Slaughter Ridge
Visit the Soldotna Historical Museum- If you're interested in learning about the history of the area, a visit to the Soldotna Historical Society Museum is a must. The museum features exhibits on the native Dena'ina people, the early pioneers of Soldotna, and the town's fishing industry. It's a great way to get a sense of the rich cultural heritage of the region.
HOW TO GET THERE
There is a small local airport in Kenai which is a convenient and inexpensive way to reach Soldotna by plane but I highly suggest renting a car in Anchorage so you can experience the beauty and magnitude of the Seward and Sterling highway. You can also take a bus and can find tickets here but it’s important to note that Soldotna is not easy to get around without a car.
WHERE TO STAY
Lodging can be very pricey during the summer months ESPECIALLY in July because that is prime salmon fishing season. If you are having a hard time finding lodging, Sterling and Kasilof are other towns nearby that are great options.
When I lived in Soldotna, I rented a cabin through a company called Kozy rentals. They mostly offer short-term stays and can be very pricey in July, but I loved the access to the river, proximity to town and seclusion. It also made for an excellent spot for wildlife viewing as I saw moose (just about every morning on my drive into town), caribou, owls and porcupine!
I also lived in this cabin while living in Soldotna. I liked that it was a closer to Cooper Landing and that side of the Kenai Peninsula. My landlord also had extra fishing supplies for when I had visitors in town!
Overall, Soldotna is a great home base if you are wanting to explore the Kenai Peninsula. I really enjoyed my time living here and would recommend anyone to stop and explore this area for a few days!
