Population: 4,376

Soldotna is located on the western Kenai Peninsula, 84 miles north of Homer, 148 miles from Anchorage and 95 miles from Seward via the Sterling Highway.

Visitor Information: Greater Soldotna Chamber of Commerce phone (907) 262-9814.

The town of Soldotna was established in the 1940s because of its strategic location at the Sterling–Kenai Spur Highway junction. Soldotna was incorporated as a first-class city in 1967. It has become the retail, governmental and medical hub of the Peninsula. Soldotna gets very busy with visiting fishermen when the salmon are running in the Kenai River, which flows through town, and in nearby Kasilof River.

All facilities are available, including supermarkets, banks, hotels/motels, bed-and-breakfasts, cabin rentals and lodges, restaurants and fast-food, medical and dental clinics, golf courses, veterinarians, pet supply/dog washes, dog park, playgrounds, shipping services and churches. Two shopping malls are located on the Sterling Highway in town. Outdoor gear is available at several local sporting goods stores.

Find lodging at Diamond M Ranch Resort, Edgewater Lodge & RV Park and Klondike RV Park and Cottages;  restaurants and drive-ins, medical and dental clinics, golf courses, a library, sports center and churches. RV services at Alaska Recreational RV Parts and Essential One, phone (907) 262-2250.  There are 2 city campgrounds,  Diamond M Ranch Resort, Edgewater Lodge & RV Park and Klondike RV Park and Cottages located in and near Soldotna. Go flightseeing with Natron Air.

Attractions:

  • Several public fishwalks have been constructed in the Soldotna area, making the popular Kenai River more accessible to the public.
  • Soldotna’s Homestead Museum features a wildlife display and some of the area’s early homestead cabins.
  • Soldotna’s big summer event is the annual Progress Days, held in July, with a parade, a rodeo, community barbecues, quilt displays, and other events.
  • The annual Kenai River Festival in June focuses on the recreational, economic and educational important of the Kenai River watershed and features free activities and educational displays for children and adults alike.
  • Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center has indoor dioramas containing lifelike mounts of area wildlife in simulated natural settings and an outdoor nature trail.
  • Fish the Kenai River, one of Alaska’s best-known sportfishing rivers.