Are you looking for a bucket list-worthy fishing trip that will take your breath away?
Kenai Riverside Lodge, located between Anchorage and Seward, is the perfect place to experience Alaska’s unrivaled beauty and world-famous fishing. Located on the banks of the Kenai River, you are just minutes from some of the best salmon fishing in the world.
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Last fall, I had the opportunity to stay at Kenai Riverside Lodge and experience it for myself. I loved the experience and now want to share this hidden gem with you. If you are a fly-fisher, sockeye salmon angler, or nature lover, you need to add this lodge to your Alaska bucket list.
Kenai River Fishing
Imagine yourself reeling in one of Alaska’s wild salmon or rainbow trout while surrounded by glaciers and snow-capped mountains. It doesn’t get much better than that!
Kenai Riverside Lodge is situated along the stunning turquoise waters of the Kenai River, renowned for its salmon runs, and offers up exciting, action-packed fishing in a wild setting. In addition to Alaskan salmon (May to July), the river is abundant in rainbow trout and Dolly Varden (mid-June to September). Guests can also add-on halibut and arctic grayling.
Fishing has been on my bucket list for many years. I’ve found the best way to experience fishing in any area is with a local guide. At Kenai Riverside Lodge, expert guides are on hand to teach you the best way to fish for Alaska’s wild fish. They know every inch of the river and they take you out to where they are. You will be amazed at how many they can catch!
Guides take guests out to fish from drift boats and Willie Predator powerboats that accommodate up to 4 anglers. All your gear is provided, so you can focus on reeling in that trophy catch.
After a day on the water, your guide will clean your catch and freeze it so you can take it home to share with your family and friends. All-inclusive fishing trips are offered from early June to mid/late September.
Kenai Riverside Lodge
Kenai Riverside Lodge is a small, rustic resort with the perfect set-up for a relaxing getaway. This is a place where you will make great memories and experience Alaska at its finest!
Log Cabins
The lodge provides comfortable lodging in sixteen individual log cabins, delicious meals, and unparalleled service. Each cabin is named after a type of fish or area in Alaska. I was in the Halibut cabin that was situated right beside the river. At night, I opened my windows to hear the sound of the water rushing by.
Each cabin can accommodate four people and has its own private bath, heat, and two extremely comfortable double beds. Outside there is a small deck with Adirondack chairs for you to enjoy the setting. I found myself here often taking in the natural surroundings and enjoying my morning coffee. There is no TV, phone, or internet in the cabins, so you can really relax and just enjoy where you are without outside distractions.
Lodge Amenities
The lodge sits on nine wooded acres and offers trails/nature paths, a community fire pit, a wood-fired sauna, an outdoor deck overlooking the river with rocking chairs, and an activity area with sand volleyball, horseshoes, and ping pong tables.
I really enjoyed sitting out alongside the river in the mornings to just take it all in. It was so peaceful. At night, sitting around the fire and talking with other guests was a highlight. It’s always fun to meet new people on vacation and swap fish tales with fellow anglers.
In addition to fishing, the lodge offers a two-hour guided river rafting/float, hiking, and sightseeing. So even if you don’t fish, there are plenty of things to do here.
The lodge staff is friendly and always willing to provide assistance if/when needed. I’m not sure there is a thing they won’t do to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. This is definitely one place I will never forget and plan on returning to in the future!
On-Site Hiking
On-site, there is a self-guided nature trail perfect for families to go explore together. It’s an easy hike with a scavenger hunt that guests can take part in to learn more about the area.
Gourmet Meals Included
Breakfast and dinner are included in your stay and are served in the Main Lodge. The food here is exceptional! Shown below is a Flat Iron Steak with fingerling potatoes and sauteed kale, pancake breakfast, and pecan cake served during my stay. During my stay, the lodge followed the current COVID restrictions, so each family/cabin dined at an assigned table and was served a plated meal. Before COVID, guests dined communally and meals were served family-style.
Easy Access Location
One of the best parts of staying at Kenai Riverside Lodge is its location. It’s located between Anchorage (2 hours away) and Seward (1 hour away) in Cooper Landing (mile marking 50.1 on the Sterling Highway). It is easy to access by car and is convenient to other fishing opportunities and nearby sites like the Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center and Kenai Fjords National Park. If you aren’t renting a car for your trip, the lodge offers guests a shuttle service from the Anchorage Airport.
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Alaska Wildland Adventures
Kenai Riverside Lodge is one of three lodges owned and operated by Alaska Wildland Adventures. Founded in 1977, Alaska Wildland Adventures specializes in Alaskan adventure travel. The other lodges include Kenai Backcountry Lodge on Skilak Lake and Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge which is the only lodge inside the national park.
In addition to everything offered at the Riverside Lodge, guests can book extended packages and adventure experiences at the other two locations. The Alaska 11-Day Grand Adventure includes a stay at all three lodges and covers the best in the state from glaciers and marine life to Denali and the Alaska Railroad.
Final Thoughts
My Alaska vacation in September 2021 was filled with memorable experiences and sites from Anchorage to Seward. My stay at Kenai Riverside Lodge, although short, was one of the highlights. It was refreshing to be in a location free of outside distractions where I could be in nature and really enjoy it. I wish that I had planned my trip earlier in the season as I was only able to stay here in the final days before closing for the season. (Note: Much in this area closes about Labor Day.)
Fishing the Kenai River should be on every angler’s bucket list. The stunning beauty of the area, combined with the plentiful catch opportunities is an experience like no other.
I highly recommend staying at Kenai Riverside Lodge for your Alaska fishing vacation. The property is beautiful, the accommodations are extremely comfortable, and you won’t find a better location to fish for trophy salmon or rainbow trout.
Learn more about the lodge and book your vacation on the Alaska Wildland Adventures website.
Disclaimer: As part of a media visit, complimentary accommodations and meals were provided in exchange for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own.
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