Whether you have the whole family in tow, or just need a day or two on the Kenai Peninsula that doesn’t involve a piscatorial pursuit, a good number of our guests ask us the question, “what else is there to do around here other than fishing?” While die-hard anglers cannot imagine a day in Alaska without a fishing rod in hand, others enjoy a short break from the pressures of chasing scaly creatures around. If you happen to be one of these people, here are some cool activities for you to check out right here on the Kenai Peninsula, and all are within an easy drive of our home base in Soldotna:
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Horseback riding
Check out Alaska Horseman Trail Adventures out of Cooper Landing. The setting is awesome, and they have a great reputation for hosting rides for both beginners and more-advanced riders. https://www.alaskahorsemen.com/
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Whitewater Rafting Six Mile Creek
Rafters and kayakers say this little creek hidden in the mountains near Hope, AK is perhaps the most underrated rafting location on the planet. It’s definitely an INTENSE experience with class 4 and even class 5 rapids, but if you’re a thrill seeker or up for an unforgettable experience then don’t hesitate to do it! https://www.novalaska.com/tour-list/six-mile-creek-rafting
*if you’re more into a peaceful non-whitewater float, let us know and we can hook you up with that too.
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Hiking the Chugach Mountains
The Chugach Mountains offers some of the most incredible hiking in the world, and there’s a whole list of trails available from easy to very difficult. Some trails take you to a waterfall, others to a scenic vista, and others take you to a beautiful mountain lake that will be hard to leave J Some of our favorites hikes are Crescent Lake, Fuller Lake, and Russian River Falls. Feel free to ask us for more detailed info about any of the hikes available in our area.
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The Homer Spit
The Homer Spit is a very unique land formation jetting into gorgeous Kachemak Bay, and it’s also decorated by a very unique culture that includes everything from artsy/hippy types to your good ole fashioned salty fisherman. When it comes to gift shops, dining, and sight seeing, you’d be hard pressed to top what Homer has to offer. You might also enjoy the art shops, museums, winery, etc.
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Halibut Cove
A short boat ride from Homer, directly across Kachemak Bay is the very small town of Halibut Cove. Take the ride on the Danny J, make a reservation at The Saltry Restaurant, and enjoy a relaxing, scenic, and cultural experience that you won’t forget. https://www.thesaltry.com/danny-j-ferry
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Exit Glacier
Just outside of the town of Seward, Exit Glacier is part of the massive Harding Icefield. It’s one of the most accessible valley glaciers in Alaska, and you can choose to make your hike short or long as you explore this part of the Kenai Fjords National Park. https://www.alaska.org/detail/visit-exit-glacier
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Iditaride
When you think about Alaska, dogsledding might be one of the first things that comes to mind. One of Alaska’s most famous and successful dogsledding families have created a business so we all can experience what it’s like to be pulled by a dog team, even in the summer! If this is on your bucket list, give it a try while you’re in the Seward area. https://ididaride.com
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Kenai Fjords Tours
This ocean cruise is perhaps our most popular non-fishing activity that our guests choose to experience, and for good reason. Kenai Fjords National park hosts a combination of dramatic landscapes and abundant sea life, and your crew will educate you on all the ecology that you’ll have the fortune of witnessing. https://www.alaskacollection.com/day-tours/kenai-fjords-tours/
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Alaska SeaLife Center
An aquarium mixed with a marine research station mixed with a marine animal rehabilitation facility is the best way to describe this landmark found at mile 0 of the Seward Highway in downtown Seward, AK. It’s a great place to bring kids and adults alike for a fun and educational time. https://www.alaskasealife.org/
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Bear Viewing
A quick flight across Cook Inlet can find you right in the middle of bear country. This isn’t a zoo, but the bears can be found predictably on the beaches digging for clams at Chinitna Bay, or foraging for salmon at Big River Lake & Crescent Lake during the summer and fall months. We normally book fishing trips in these areas because you’re still likely to see bears while fishing, but some prefer to make it a bear viewing only mission. Let us know if you’re interested in this trip and we’ll be happy to hook you up.
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Orthodox Church visits
Alaska’s history may not be as extensive as some other places in the country, but the Kenai Peninsula has a strong Russian influence, and the combination of the unique architechture of their churches along with the breathtaking views from them make it well worth your time to check these places out. The most notable are found in Ninilchik and Kenai.
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Breweries
The Kenai Peninsula is becoming a hot spot for microbrews in recent years, and is now dotted with several small breweries selling brews for beer lovers. Some also have great food as well! Check out Kenai River Brewing Company, St. Elias Brewing, Kassik’s Brewery, Homer Brewing Company, and Cooper Landing Brewing Company. Remember to bring a designated driver!
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Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters
Just down the road from our home-base here in Soldotna is the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters building. This building has been updated recently and has an array of educational displays that will help you better understand the flora, fauna, and ecosystem in our area. There’s also a short hike to Headquarters Lake if you’re so inclined… but bring mosquito spray! https://www.fws.gov/refuge/kenai/
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Beach Combing
Alaska and sandy beaches aren’t necessarily synonymous in most people’s minds, but the Kenai Peninsula has some fabulous beaches to explore! Look for agates, enjoy the amazing views, and keep an eye out for marine life offshore while exploring some of these locations. Try checking out Bishop’s Creek Beach in Nikiski, the Kenai City Beach, Clam Gulch Beach, Whiskey Gulch just outside of Anchor Point, and the beaches of the Homer Spit.
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If you have any other questions about these fun activities or any other Alaskan adventures, please feel free to contact us anytime.
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email: akfishology@gmail.com
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