GETTING HERE

If you are coming to Alaska from the Lower 48 by airplane, you will need to schedule your flight into Anchorage International Airport. If you can spare the time, spend a couple of days in Anchorage either before your fishing trip or afterwards. As you can see from the pictures on the left, it is a thriving metropolis, and it is uniquely Alaskan. You will enjoy it immensely.

From Anchorage you can either rent a car and drive to Soldotna, or you can take a commuter plane from Anchorage to Kenai. It is just a short 10 miles from the Kenai Airport to Soldotna. Taxis are available in Kenai , as are several rental car agencies. If you can spare the time, we strongly recommend that you drive from Anchorage to Soldotna. It is a shame to come to Alaska and not see some of its glorious country from the ground.

The drive from Anchorage Airport to Soldotna is a beautiful 147 miles, with numerous viewpoints, and things to see. Below is a map of the route you would travel.

The Sterling Highway takes you out of Anchorage along the north shore of Turnagain Arm to the town of Girdwood. If you are lucky, you will have great views of Turnagain Arm, and perhaps see the famous tidal bore there. Watch for mountain sheep along the cliffs on the North side of the roadway. From Girdwood, the road swings around the head of Turnagain Arm, and turns sharply southwest through gorgeous mountain country, crossing a watershed divide into the Kenai River basin. You'll pass the turnoff to Hope, then the turnoff to Seward (both well worth seeing if you can afford the time), and soon will pass through the little towns of Moose Pass and Coopers Landing. You will drive along gorgeous Kenai Lake, and cross the headwater of the Kenai River where it leaves Kenai Lake. From there, it is a short, beautiful drive to Sterling, and then on to Soldotna. You'll be very glad you took this drive--unless you arrive late and try to drive it in the dark. In that case, fly instead. Driving at night is a good way to see a moose up close and personal--like right through the front window of your rental car.

If you cannot afford the time to drive, or you arrive close to nighttime, catch a flight to Kenai using Era Aviation. They fly this hop many times each day.