Need a peaceful wilderness escape or a base for Alaskan adventure? Head to Cooper Landing! Nestled where the Kenai and Russian Rivers meet, this scenic village offers world-class fishing, glacier views, and stunning hikes. Whether you crave solitude, salmon runs, or epic float trips, Cooper Landing is a nature lover’s dream.
Cooper Landing, AK Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Hike to Russian River Falls – Trek through spruce forests to watch salmon leap upstream and spot bears in summer.
- For History Buffs: Visit the Cooper Landing Historical Museum – Learn about homesteading, gold prospecting, and life on the Kenai Peninsula.
- For Shoppers: Browse Wildman's Store – This quirky general store offers local crafts, souvenirs, snacks, and a slice of small-town Alaska.
- For Couples: Take a Kenai River float trip – Drift past turquoise waters, towering peaks, and wildlife on a peaceful scenic float or fly-fishing charter.
- For Families: Enjoy a picnic at Quartz Creek Campground – Relax by the lake, fish for trout, and roast marshmallows by the fire.
Best Time to Visit Cooper Landing, AK
The best time to visit Cooper Landing is from June through early September. These months bring long daylight hours, accessible trails, active wildlife, and ideal salmon fishing conditions. Fall color peaks in early September, and July is best for bear sightings near the rivers.
How to Get to Cooper Landing, AK
- If you are traveling by car: Cooper Landing is located on the Sterling Highway (AK-1), about 2 hours from Anchorage and 45 minutes from Soldotna.
- By Air: Fly into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) and rent a car for a scenic drive south through Turnagain Pass.
Where to Stay in Cooper Landing, AK
- Recommended for Families: Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge – Riverside cabins with wood-burning stoves, great views, and family-friendly amenities.
- For Couples: Alaska Heavenly Lodge – A romantic, rustic lodge with cozy log interiors and mountain views.
- For Budget Travelers: Sunrise Inn & Café – Affordable rooms, hearty breakfasts, and a great central location for exploring the area.
Best Things to Do in Cooper Landing, AK
⮕ Hike to Russian River Falls
Russian River Falls is a waterfall located along the Russian River in the Kenai Peninsula, accessible via the moderately-trafficked 5.1-mile round-trip Russian Lakes Trail.
The trail is accessible from the Russian River Campground off the Sterling Highway in Cooper Landing and is recommended for hikers of all ability levels and ages due to its even gravel path and modest elevation changes. At the falls, hikers can view wild sockeye salmon leaping near the waterfall during the peak June and July viewing season. There is also potential for black and brown bear sightings at the falls, so visitors should exercise proper wildlife interaction habits and precautions.
Seward, AK 99664, Phone: 907-224-3374
⮕ Enjoy the scenery from the Skyline Trail
Skyline Trail is a three-mile hiking trail near Cooper Landing, located along the Sterling Highway.
The moderately difficult trail showcases steep elevations, reaching a maximum elevation gain of 1,600 feet, and is a popular day hike excursion between April and October. Scenic views are provided at the trail’s summit and at its popular Saddle stop, located a few hundred feet below the top of the trail. Berry picking and wildlife watching are popular on the trail, and a nearby lake offers swimming access.
A sign-in book is provided at the top of the trail, which provides views as far away as Anchorage on clear days. Visitors should note that bear sightings are possible along the trail and should exercise proper caution when interacting with wildlife.
17946 Sterling Highway Cooper Landing, Alaska 99572, Phone: 907-595-8888
⮕ Go fishing with Kenai River Float-n-Fish
Kenai River Float-n-Fish was opened in 2004 by longtime fishing enthusiasts John and Heather Pearson and offers seasonal guided drift boat fishing and sailing trips along the Upper and Middle Kenai Rivers and Kenai Lake.
In addition to tours, the company has also offered rental riverfront lodging at the Pearsons’ private Upper Kenai River residence since 2015, serving as an alternative to Cooper Landing’s limited lodging options in town. The one-acre property is available for rental June through September, requiring a three-night minimum stay and sleeping up to six guests. Stay-and-fish lodging and tour packages are also available for up to four guests, with one or two days of guided fishing included with cottage stay.
18251 Sterling Hwy, Cooper Landing, Alaska 99572, Phone: 907-595-3505
⮕ Go on an adventure with Five Dogs Fishing
Five Dogs Fishing is owned by career fishing enthusiasts Adam and Danette Snyder and offers guided drift boat fishing excursions along a seven-mile stretch of the Upper Kenai River.
The company specializes in salmon, trout, and char fishing, with catch-and-release policies enforced for trout and char catches. Guided fly and spin fishing tours are available, with tackles and flies provided by the company. All tours exercise ethical, sustainable fishing practices and provide cover umbrellas for inclement weather conditions.
Private boat options are also available for four, six, and eight hour excursions. Special discounted rates are offered for boat passengers who are not interested in fishing during excursions.
PO Box 912, Cooper Landing, AK 99572, Phone: 907-598-3525
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
⮕ Go on a trip with Kenai Riverdog
Kenai Riverdog is a personalized rafting excursion company that offers small group trips along the Kenai Peninsula embarking from Cooper Landing.
The company was opened in 2008 by Kayce James and offers seasonal excursions along the Kenai River in Class 1 rapids areas, allowing for safe, gentle scenic excursions. Tours accommodate groups of up to six participants and are offered between June and September, spanning distances between seven and 12 miles along the river.
Custom floats are also available upon request, including birthday and bachelorette party floats. Visitors with health concerns should inquire about floats before reservation to make sure that trips will be able to be completed safely.
Kenai River, Cooper Landing, AK 99572, Phone: 907-362-3649
⮕ Check out Alaska River Adventures - Day Tours
Alaska River Adventures - Day Tours are a privately-owned tour company that specializes in rafting and drift boat fishing excursions throughout the Kenai Peninsula region.
The company has been in operation for nearly four decades and offers professionally-recognized tour guides dedicated to high-quality customer service and sustainable eco-tourism methods. Half-day and full-day fishing excursions are available along the Upper Kenai River, offering catch-and-release salmon, trout, and char fishing.
Rafting adventures are available for visitors of all ages and offer an in-depth look at the region’s history and wildlife, with opportunities to spot bear and moose. Hiking excursions are also available to sites such as Russian River Falls, and full vacation packages include private log cabin rentals.
35269 King Salmon Dr, Cooper Landing, AK 99572, Phone: 907-595-2000
⮕ Go on a rafting excursion with Alaska Rivers Company
Alaska Rivers Company offers a wide variety of outdoor excursion tours along the Kenai Peninsula, including guided fishing and rafting excursions on the Upper Kenai River.
The company has been in operation for more than four decades and is one of the region’s longest-operating tour guide companies, providing knowledgeable, experienced guides for all trips. River raft trips explore the National Kenai Wildlife Refuge, while fishing trips offer opportunities to catch sockeye and coho salmon and rainbow trout. Spencer Glacier tours also offer exploration of the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop and Placer River, accessible via an exclusive train ride. The company also rents cozy river cabins for overnight stay along the Upper Kenai River near Cooper Landing.
6782 Sterling Hwy #50, Cooper Landing, AK 99572, Phone: 907-595-1226
⮕ Go salmon fishing with Alaska Troutfitters
Alaska Troutfitters was the vision of the late fly fishing legend Curt Trout Muse, who opened the company in 1984 to allow visitors to experience the wonders of the Kenai River firsthand. Today, the company is operated by fishing students of Muse’s and offers professional guided excursions along the Kenai River.
Half-day and full-day trout and salmon fishing excursions are available with Alaska Troutfitters, including hike-in tour options and flyouts for trout and grayling.
The company operates a fully-stocked fly shop which sells a variety of professional-grade fishing equipment, including rods, reels, flies, and accessories. Equipment rentals are also available, along with fishing licenses, apparel, and area river maps. Overnight accommodations are provided at the company’s Alaskan Lodge, which offers homestyle accommodations and an outdoor fire pit and hammock area.
18230 Sterling Hwy, Cooper Landing, AK 99572, Phone: 907-595-1212
⮕ Enjoy horseback riding with Alaska Horsemen Trail Adventures
Alaska Horsemen Trail Adventures was opened in 1997 by Alex Kime and offers vacation excursions for individuals, groups, and organizations at its family-operated guest ranch.
The ranch specializes in horseback riding excursions in the Alaskan wilderness, including backcountry rides and day excursions. One-room cabin rentals are offered for visitors traveling to the area to explore natural attractions such as Chugach National Forest and the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
Pack service is also provided by a team of backcountry experts who can serve as tour guides for outdoor adventures. Group rentals and excursions can be planned for weddings, youth camps, and corporate team-building retreats upon request.
35090 Quartz Creek Rd, Cooper Landing, AK 99572, Phone: 907-595-1806
Where to Eat in Cooper Landing, AK
- Recommended for Families: Sackett’s Kenai Grill – Casual wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and craft brews in a cozy cabin atmosphere.
- For Breakfast or Coffee: Sunrise Inn Café – Friendly roadside stop for homestyle breakfast, cinnamon rolls, and coffee refills.
- For a Scenic Meal: Kingfisher Roadhouse – Upscale comfort food with Kenai Lake views and a local wine and beer list.
If you are interested in local events:
- For Fishing Fans: Kenai River Sockeye Salmon Run (June–July) – Join anglers from around the world during the summer salmon rush.
- For Nature Lovers: Bear Viewing Season (July–August) – Head to the Russian River Falls to safely view bears feeding on migrating fish.
- For Local Flavor: Cooper Landing Community Events – Look for weekend markets, live music at lodges, or local craft sales during summer.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Cooper Landing, AK:
- For Glacier Fans: Exit Glacier & Harding Icefield (30 min to Seward area) – Hike to the glacier or view it from accessible trails in Kenai Fjords National Park.
- For Whale Watching: Seward (30–40 min) – Join a boat tour to see orcas, humpbacks, puffins, and glaciers in Resurrection Bay.
- For Scenic Lakes: Kenai Lake (10–15 min) – Paddle, fish, or picnic along this glacial-blue lake stretching through the valley.
- For Hikers: Skyline Trail (25 min) – Challenging climb with stunning views over the Kenai Mountains and wilderness valleys.
- For Local Culture: Soldotna (45 min) – Explore museums, riverside boardwalks, and a thriving community of anglers and artists.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Cooper Landing located?
- Cooper Landing is located deep in the heart of the beautiful Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, at the confluence of the Kenai River and Kenai Lake.
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Why is Cooper Landing a popular tourist destination?
- It is a popular summer tourist spot for visitors looking to explore the Chugach National Forest or fish for salmon along the Upper and Lower Kenai and Russian Rivers.
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What types of outdoor activities are available in Cooper Landing?
- A variety of wilderness excursion companies offer land, air, and sea tours embarking from the city.
At a Glance:
| Best Time to Visit | Places to Stay | Tips for Visiting |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) – Chilly but scenic, with wildlife emerging and fewer tourists. | Gwin’s Lodge – Rustic cabins close to outdoor adventures. | Spot wildlife along the Kenai River – Look for bears, moose, and eagles as nature awakens. |
| Summer (June-August) – Warmest weather, peak fishing season, and ideal for outdoor activities. | Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge – A beautiful retreat with stunning mountain views. | Go salmon fishing on the Kenai River – Experience some of the best fishing in Alaska. |
| Fall (September-November) – Cool air, fall colors, and fewer crowds. | Drifter’s Lodge – Cozy cabins along the river, perfect for a fall retreat. | Hike the Russian River Falls Trail – Catch a glimpse of salmon jumping upstream. |
| Winter (December-February) – Cold and snowy, great for solitude and winter sports. | Quartz Creek Campground (for adventurous travelers) – Ideal for snow-covered cabin stays. | Try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing – Enjoy the quiet beauty of an Alaskan winter. |
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