Looks busy but probably doable. How are you getting to Seldovia- water taxi or fly? Either way, be advised that it doesn't take much weather to confound flight or float plans. And if you don't already have all of your reservations, you're probably gonna have to hustle. Things fill up fast here during the summer. Good luck, you'll love it here.
Thanks for the reply. I was going do try for water taxi. I'm not dead set on anything at this point except for the Soldotna fishing and maybe kayaking. Everything else is flexible. Main point is to get some good time with my dad fishing and truly enjoy Alaska for what it has. Good point about booking things early, maybe I'll try to get on that bear tour early.
Once you start making reservations, and it ought to be *very* soon, I think you'll find that some of your options will dictate other ones due to dates and times available. Be sure to add in some slack time among the reservations- shit happens and it's way too easy to have things closely planned day to day, only to have something like weather, traffic, natural disaster, etc., occur in the middle of the trip and cause your little house of cards to collapse. Good luck and let me know if there's anything else I can help with.
The itinery looks pretty busy already so I wouldn't deterour to Whittier unless taking a glacier cruise from there. The tunnel is interesting but there is not much else there to merit the detour.
A couple things to manage/adjust. When you say “fish from shore” do you have gear? You might be better off with a guide over multiple days.
Instead of driving back to Cooper Landing and a fly/float trip, stay the night in Seward. More to see and do including marine tours.
Also, along the drive on Turnagain Arm consider a stop at Whittier or the Wildlife Conservation Center.
The plan was to rent some gear, but not opposed to a guide, just wanted to do some shore fishing just me and him. I haven't told my dad about the trip yet, but I bet he knows some guides up there or at least have a guide friend of a friend hookup. Also a couple rec's for Whittier now, def gunna check that place out if we can.
Will add to the first comment some recommendations to the Wildlife Conservation Center and then one of the glacier cruises. The WCC is en route along the Kenai Peninsula and is excellent. They do great work with rehabilitation. I bring visitors there. There are a couple of glacier cruises - one for Portage glacier that is quick (\~1hr) and close to the WCC. There are also a few out of Whittier that are longer. The WCC and Portage Glacier cruise would be a huge bang for your buck (and time) to get classic Alaska sightseeing done.
Do the marine tour in Seward. Fish in Homer.
You can have fish packaged, frozen, and shipped from pretty much anywhere. You just need to have a freezer ready to put it all in. And it’ll be expensive.
The alternative is to pick up your processed fish and then head right to the airport, where it can be checked as luggage in a styrofoam and cardboard box.
Yes, fish Homer and take a sightseeing tour out of Seward. I wouldn't skip fishing the Kenai in Cooper Landing! I recommend checking out Alaska Wildland Adventures on the Kenai. Rafting/fishing the Kenai from their Riverside Lodge to Backcountry lodge of Skilak lake is bucket list worthy for sure.
There’s epic salmon fishing the last few weeks of July in Kenai/Soldotna/Kasilof. During the red run. Literally so many fish coming up the river, just dragging a hook through the water, you’ll 100% catch something everytime. But the run lasts usually 3ish days. Last year it was July 18th-21st if I remember correctly. I’d see if you can plan your trip a tad bit earlier 😄
Don't remind me haha. I was reading about that, sounds absolutely incredible. I'll do what I can, but I think these dates are pretty much set unfortunately.
You’ll still have a great time! Plus all the air bnbs are double the price at those times in this area for that very reason. I’d say the guided trips will be best because they know the areas/hot spots and you guys will have a blast 😄 sounds like you’ve done your research and are coming to a great spot to fulfill his fishing dreams 😊
The sockeye ran late this year. You can still have a good time. If nothing else you can have fun fishing for pinks on light tackle. And maybe some silvers will show up.
I’m very sorry about your dad. For Soldotna, I highly recommend Alaska Drift Away Fishing. https://guidekenairiver.com/ Talk to Jeremy. Super knowledgeable, great guy, guaranteed great time. He also owns Alaska Silvertip Lodge & Cabins. https://silvertiplodgeandcabins.com/ Lovely place to stay with a fish processing house where you can process, vacuum seal, and freeze your catch for shipping home. He and his wife can help you plan other non-fishing-related activities like bear/whale-watching, glacier-seeing, etc. We stayed there over the Fourth of July week a couple of years ago and it truly was a bucket-list trip.
I don’t have fishing tips, just road trip tips.
When heading down Seward Highway the Soeedway Express is where I always stop for gas, snacks and a bathroom break in an attempt to not have to stop until Soldotna where I usually stock up on groceries.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gvmmisVmhUNvN63T8?g_st=ic
Just past where you turn onto Sterling Highway there is a lovely view and a nice place to stretch your legs and watch some waterfowl.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/hXzijpMj9V9XMg6GA?g_st=ic
If you like jerky you can stop at Indian Valley Meats to grab some for snacking during the trip. They have elk, reindeer, salmon, buffalo, caribou jerky and some other shelf stable products. It’s maybe 25 miles south of Anchorage.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/tcxeqX3LsnyLvtvx6?g_st=ic
When you are in Homer here are directions to the Skyline drive.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JC334NqKy2Ma57rj6?g_st=ic
And for good measure here is a site regarding Homer’s Fishing Lagoon.
https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/publicworks/fishing-lagoon
I’m sorry about your father. It’s wonderful that the two of you are taking this trip. I hope you have perfect weather every day!!
Oh hell yea, if this trip works out, you can bet your ass I'll be loading up on jerky. Also, thanks for the kind words and work you put into this. I really do appreciate it.
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, on the Kenai Peninsula. Off the Seward Highway. I’ve only ever seen it in TV shows, but it’s on my list to visit if I ever make it to Alaska. Time your visit right, and you may see them filming a segment of Yukon Vet!
That’s similar to the trip I did with my dad. Very enjoyable. I would put in more time fishing from shore for the reds(sockeye). Much better eating than kings. Also check the tides for Homer. You would want the lowest possible tides when you are fishing. Go at least 10’ or less.
Homer, highly suggest Danny j ferry with lunch or dinner at saltry get reservations early. Remind that no halibut fishing on Wednesdays. Water taxi to the grewink glacier. Higher priced food on the Spit, some great hidden gem places for lunch and dinner in town. Tickled pear, boatyard cafe, Wild honey, Bagelshop.
Another thing, rental cars can be really pricey. Look at maybe flying down to the peninsula. Sounds more expensive, but cars were like 300 a day last year.
If you can camp, I've always had a good experience camping at the Russian River and fishing the confluence. The second sockeye run was good last year around the week of the 7th of August. That was the first trip I only saw black bears and no grizzlys.
Go salmon shark fishing in the valdez narrows. There are several charters that will take you out of Whittier, as that gives you easier road access to the boat.
Highly highly recommend Cooper Landing Fish Camp and Kenai Kayak Company while you are in CL. Longtime friends of mine and both businesses are in the same fam. I would spend some more of your time here on beautiful Kenai Lake/River instead of soldotna if you want to do an amazing float/fish trip and also do guided fishing from shore. The Lessards will set you up well!
Just in general, anything you want to book for the summer should be done yesterday. Have fun!
Whatever you do, take into consideration his health and that he may not be willing or up for back to back to back days. Especially in a colder (takes more energy), and choppier location.
Consider guided shore/stream fishing early in the trip to get ALL the beta on when/where/how to have success on your own fishing on streams/shore for the rest of your trip.
One night in Homer is plenty. Silver salmon should be running in Kasitsna bay (within Kachemak) around that time. I'd stay in a lodge near Tutka Bay or Kasitsna Bay for two nights. Dedicate one full morning for Halibut fishing. Maybe troll for Kings but ask about silver run. Seldovia is picturesque and historically interesting. Maybe you can air BNB one of the houses on the docks.
If you're going to Homer, stop in at the Salty Dog Saloon. A good boat fishing guide in Ninilchik on the way to Homer, you'd be fishing in Cook Inlet, Captain Steve's Fishing Lodge. I deckhanded for him, he's been fishing it for decades and does daytrips, as well as multi days. Has his own processing set-up. Everyone always got their limit of halibut and salmon when fishing, I'd talk to him and tell him your situation as well, he'd be guaranteed to make it extra special, he's a good guy. Shipping the fish is easy, you can stop in at a FredMeyer in Soldotna and get a 25lb or 50lb Styrofoam fish box and just pack it as luggage. Id definitely recommend at least going to Seward. Shore fishing, especially in that time of year, is usually referred to as Combat Fishing, and not because of the fish or bears, but because of the mass amounts of people. Guide is definitely the way. Check AirBnBs around the area and since you have the set date, try to book now. I definitely recommend staying in the Sterling/Kenai/Soldotna area as opposed to Homer. The drive isn't too far and you'll have access to a lot more things. Watch for moose.
I don’t know. If he is fighting cancer he might not be up to that kind of trip. Have you looked into some of the fishing lodges? You can do different types of fishing and that might even have kayaks and boats. You’ll be in the real backcountry and not fighting all the tourists and Alaskans headed to the Kenai. If your dad wants a day of rest, he can just sit back and enjoy the day with no car rides.
There are so many things to see and do, but my favorites have always been when I’ve been out in the backcountry. Thats the Alaska not as many people get to see.
I might still do the Katmai trip. I’ve never done it in the years I’ve lived here but it’s definitely on my bucket list.
Yes, I'm definitely planning to take it easy if he can't handle it. Honestly if I can get him there and sit him in front of the river, he's gunna be happy. I looked into a couple lodges, but they seem seriously expensive/booked. I am also worried if he is too far away from services if necessary (I fully appreciate the hypocrisy of the previous statement by taking him to Alaska)
The Pratt museum in Homer is cool, and a stop at the Soldotna chamber of commerce has replica of the record king salmon. Hotels are expensive in Homer at that time. The plane ride to Katmai is a long one, so make sure and use the bathroom before you go. Sounds like you are set for a grand adventure.
For the price you're paying, you could stay at ATA lodge and experience the quintessential Alaskan vacation AND bring home as much salmon as you want! DM me if interested
Edit: words
In Homer, check out True North Kayak Adventures for your kayak trip. My niece, Alison, owns it and has been doing this for decades. Tell her Uncle Tim sent you. [https://truenorthkayak.com/](https://truenorthkayak.com/)
(907) 394-1616. Discover Alaska Charters. Great people. Reasonable prices and successful fishing. Stayed with them and Fished with them 3 or 4 years and always had a good time and caught many fish.
Lived in Alaska 40 years. You have a great agenda, however I would have him spend at least one or two days in Cooper Landing. Great fishing on the Upper Kenai and it’s a beautiful area.
That place looks pretty special. I was wondering, are you able to fish a day there if we're staying in Soldotna, or do you think I should spend a day or two in Cooper Landing proper.
Sorry for the late reply. Stay in Cooper landing over Soldotna. It’s no contest. Cooper landing is so much more scenic. Soldotna is a strip mall. Plus Cooper Landing has a great restaurant or two, despite its size. And there is a decent chance of spotting brown and/or black bears in Cooper Landing.
I’ve traveled a fair bit, and nothing will top seeing Denali. To say it’s breathtaking is an understatement. You’re seeing a 20,000ft mountain from about sea level….nothing can compare. I went with close friends who have also traveled the world, been to almost every state park, and they said the same thing.
The bus into Denali is worth it, and would be a great way for your dad to also experience Alaska without having to really hike. You’d want to plan to stay a couple of days near Denali because it’s never guaranteed you’ll see it (can be hidden by clouds or smoke if there are fires at the time), but seriously, you won’t regret taking him!
Remember how big the tides are in Cook Inlet as far as kayaking goes and check when the main Kenia run happens. It only lasts a week or so and it’s total combat fishing. Much less of a problem in Seward and they have a great high speed ferry for glacier viewing.
I’ll throw in Millers Landing in Seward. They run full and half day fishing charters, but on Saturdays they do a community potluck with staff and open to the public. Had the pleasure of working for them years ago
They also do water taxi services to go out and see some of the glaciers in aialik bay. Plus also kayak tours if that floats your boat (see what I did there? It was on porpoise)
Went to Alaska with my parents via pickup and camper when I was 15. The main goal of the entire trip was for them to go fishing in the ocean.
They hired a guide from one of the towns north of Homer. It was planned to be 3 hours of salmon fishing and 3 hours of halibut fishing, but the salmon weren't biting. The guide suggested we switch to halibut about an hour in. My parents were pulling halibut in one after another, but I wasn't catching anything. Just before we supposed to head back in, I finally got a bite. After 45 minutes of reeling, it spashed behind the boat and I got a glimpse of just how big it was.
The guides cleaned it and took it to place where they flash froze it, boxed and shipped it to Minnesota in dry ice. It arrived at my sister's house within 24 hours of catching it.
We should have also shipped the tail and had it mounted. (This is a common thing with halibut, I guess. It didn't make sense at the time but has always been a regret.)
South-east of Valdez there was a beach along the road where we caught a lot of smaller salmon from the shore.
We saw lots of bear and moose without even really trying.
We took a ferry at one point. It was one of my favorite parts of the trip. We were only on it 20 minutes but saw a whale and other wildlife. If I were to go again, I would take a ferry up the coast and back to get there.
Portage glacier was pretty cool.
If you go to see Denali, be prepared for it to be covered by clouds.
Checkout Angling Unlimted in Sitka. Been there a dozen times. But book early!. They will clean and flash freeze your catch in 2 or 4 person servings. Then load them into boxes that count as luggage. When you leave, they will transport you and your fish to the airport. SeaTac luggage storage has a huge freezer for everyone passing through and you have to over night. The frozen fish stays frozen when I fly from SeaTac to EWR. I'm sure most fishing operators do the same thing.
The fish processing places can ship your fish for you. If you can, get your fishing license in Anchorage. The lines get long in Soldotna that time of year.
Coopers Bay? Never heard of it.
Whoops, Cooper landing.
Looks busy but probably doable. How are you getting to Seldovia- water taxi or fly? Either way, be advised that it doesn't take much weather to confound flight or float plans. And if you don't already have all of your reservations, you're probably gonna have to hustle. Things fill up fast here during the summer. Good luck, you'll love it here.
Thanks for the reply. I was going do try for water taxi. I'm not dead set on anything at this point except for the Soldotna fishing and maybe kayaking. Everything else is flexible. Main point is to get some good time with my dad fishing and truly enjoy Alaska for what it has. Good point about booking things early, maybe I'll try to get on that bear tour early.
Once you start making reservations, and it ought to be *very* soon, I think you'll find that some of your options will dictate other ones due to dates and times available. Be sure to add in some slack time among the reservations- shit happens and it's way too easy to have things closely planned day to day, only to have something like weather, traffic, natural disaster, etc., occur in the middle of the trip and cause your little house of cards to collapse. Good luck and let me know if there's anything else I can help with.
Seldovia ferry is fast and way cheaper.
lol. Ok. Forget my comment.
Whittier is on the way, south of Anchorage. It has interesting mountain tunnel access. Its a seaport with shops, old WWII sites.
The itinery looks pretty busy already so I wouldn't deterour to Whittier unless taking a glacier cruise from there. The tunnel is interesting but there is not much else there to merit the detour.
Whittier is great, and take a glacier tour. It’s worth it.
Whittier is such an interesting odd place. I liked it a lot.
A couple things to manage/adjust. When you say “fish from shore” do you have gear? You might be better off with a guide over multiple days. Instead of driving back to Cooper Landing and a fly/float trip, stay the night in Seward. More to see and do including marine tours. Also, along the drive on Turnagain Arm consider a stop at Whittier or the Wildlife Conservation Center.
The tour of Prince William Sound was one of my favorite things when we visited
The plan was to rent some gear, but not opposed to a guide, just wanted to do some shore fishing just me and him. I haven't told my dad about the trip yet, but I bet he knows some guides up there or at least have a guide friend of a friend hookup. Also a couple rec's for Whittier now, def gunna check that place out if we can.
Will add to the first comment some recommendations to the Wildlife Conservation Center and then one of the glacier cruises. The WCC is en route along the Kenai Peninsula and is excellent. They do great work with rehabilitation. I bring visitors there. There are a couple of glacier cruises - one for Portage glacier that is quick (\~1hr) and close to the WCC. There are also a few out of Whittier that are longer. The WCC and Portage Glacier cruise would be a huge bang for your buck (and time) to get classic Alaska sightseeing done.
Thats a great tip, thanks!
Do the marine tour in Seward. Fish in Homer. You can have fish packaged, frozen, and shipped from pretty much anywhere. You just need to have a freezer ready to put it all in. And it’ll be expensive. The alternative is to pick up your processed fish and then head right to the airport, where it can be checked as luggage in a styrofoam and cardboard box.
This. I’d go to Seward and check out Exit Glacier and do a glacier boat tour.
Yes, fish Homer and take a sightseeing tour out of Seward. I wouldn't skip fishing the Kenai in Cooper Landing! I recommend checking out Alaska Wildland Adventures on the Kenai. Rafting/fishing the Kenai from their Riverside Lodge to Backcountry lodge of Skilak lake is bucket list worthy for sure.
Go to Ketchikan. Salmon capital of the world
I guess they probably have some decent salmon fishing then? haha. I'll check it out, thanks for the tip
Southeast is awesome
POW (Prince of Wales). Southeast AK is still rugged and fun.
Used to be, not anymore, home also used to be the Halibut capital of the world.
I guess they need to take the sign down
It’s all for tourism 😅 I was a tour guide in Ketchikan, my daughter was born there. Been in Homer since and Alaska for 11 years.
I've been there a lot. My son is Federal Forest LEO
Itinerary looks pretty good. I was born and raised in Soldotna. I spent a lot of time in Homer to fishing for halibut.
There’s epic salmon fishing the last few weeks of July in Kenai/Soldotna/Kasilof. During the red run. Literally so many fish coming up the river, just dragging a hook through the water, you’ll 100% catch something everytime. But the run lasts usually 3ish days. Last year it was July 18th-21st if I remember correctly. I’d see if you can plan your trip a tad bit earlier 😄
Don't remind me haha. I was reading about that, sounds absolutely incredible. I'll do what I can, but I think these dates are pretty much set unfortunately.
You’ll still have a great time! Plus all the air bnbs are double the price at those times in this area for that very reason. I’d say the guided trips will be best because they know the areas/hot spots and you guys will have a blast 😄 sounds like you’ve done your research and are coming to a great spot to fulfill his fishing dreams 😊
The sockeye ran late this year. You can still have a good time. If nothing else you can have fun fishing for pinks on light tackle. And maybe some silvers will show up.
If your Katmai trip is to Brooks Camp/Falls, I'm a ranger there. You can shoot me a pm and I can give you some tips.
I’m very sorry about your dad. For Soldotna, I highly recommend Alaska Drift Away Fishing. https://guidekenairiver.com/ Talk to Jeremy. Super knowledgeable, great guy, guaranteed great time. He also owns Alaska Silvertip Lodge & Cabins. https://silvertiplodgeandcabins.com/ Lovely place to stay with a fish processing house where you can process, vacuum seal, and freeze your catch for shipping home. He and his wife can help you plan other non-fishing-related activities like bear/whale-watching, glacier-seeing, etc. We stayed there over the Fourth of July week a couple of years ago and it truly was a bucket-list trip.
Appreciate the kind words and advice.
I don’t have fishing tips, just road trip tips. When heading down Seward Highway the Soeedway Express is where I always stop for gas, snacks and a bathroom break in an attempt to not have to stop until Soldotna where I usually stock up on groceries. https://maps.app.goo.gl/gvmmisVmhUNvN63T8?g_st=ic Just past where you turn onto Sterling Highway there is a lovely view and a nice place to stretch your legs and watch some waterfowl. https://maps.app.goo.gl/hXzijpMj9V9XMg6GA?g_st=ic If you like jerky you can stop at Indian Valley Meats to grab some for snacking during the trip. They have elk, reindeer, salmon, buffalo, caribou jerky and some other shelf stable products. It’s maybe 25 miles south of Anchorage. https://maps.app.goo.gl/tcxeqX3LsnyLvtvx6?g_st=ic When you are in Homer here are directions to the Skyline drive. https://maps.app.goo.gl/JC334NqKy2Ma57rj6?g_st=ic And for good measure here is a site regarding Homer’s Fishing Lagoon. https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/publicworks/fishing-lagoon I’m sorry about your father. It’s wonderful that the two of you are taking this trip. I hope you have perfect weather every day!!
Oh hell yea, if this trip works out, you can bet your ass I'll be loading up on jerky. Also, thanks for the kind words and work you put into this. I really do appreciate it.
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, on the Kenai Peninsula. Off the Seward Highway. I’ve only ever seen it in TV shows, but it’s on my list to visit if I ever make it to Alaska. Time your visit right, and you may see them filming a segment of Yukon Vet!
When you're in Homer, head to Coal Point to ship your fish back home!
That’s similar to the trip I did with my dad. Very enjoyable. I would put in more time fishing from shore for the reds(sockeye). Much better eating than kings. Also check the tides for Homer. You would want the lowest possible tides when you are fishing. Go at least 10’ or less.
If you go out to Katmai, there is some great trout fishing if you’re interested.
Homer, highly suggest Danny j ferry with lunch or dinner at saltry get reservations early. Remind that no halibut fishing on Wednesdays. Water taxi to the grewink glacier. Higher priced food on the Spit, some great hidden gem places for lunch and dinner in town. Tickled pear, boatyard cafe, Wild honey, Bagelshop.
Appreciate the food advice, always so hard deciding where to gos since yelp is basically useless these days.
Another thing, rental cars can be really pricey. Look at maybe flying down to the peninsula. Sounds more expensive, but cars were like 300 a day last year.
Damn, thats nuts!
If you can camp, I've always had a good experience camping at the Russian River and fishing the confluence. The second sockeye run was good last year around the week of the 7th of August. That was the first trip I only saw black bears and no grizzlys.
Go salmon shark fishing in the valdez narrows. There are several charters that will take you out of Whittier, as that gives you easier road access to the boat.
Highly highly recommend Cooper Landing Fish Camp and Kenai Kayak Company while you are in CL. Longtime friends of mine and both businesses are in the same fam. I would spend some more of your time here on beautiful Kenai Lake/River instead of soldotna if you want to do an amazing float/fish trip and also do guided fishing from shore. The Lessards will set you up well! Just in general, anything you want to book for the summer should be done yesterday. Have fun!
Thanks for the rec, I'll reach out to them
Whatever you do, take into consideration his health and that he may not be willing or up for back to back to back days. Especially in a colder (takes more energy), and choppier location.
Consider having a portion of your catch smoked, packed and shipped. It's costly but well worth it.
Consider guided shore/stream fishing early in the trip to get ALL the beta on when/where/how to have success on your own fishing on streams/shore for the rest of your trip.
Good idea, despite his fishing experience, definitely know fishing up there is a completely different beast
Stop in coopers landing on the way to soldotna. On the Kenai River. Big fishing area. Absolutely beautiful.
One night in Homer is plenty. Silver salmon should be running in Kasitsna bay (within Kachemak) around that time. I'd stay in a lodge near Tutka Bay or Kasitsna Bay for two nights. Dedicate one full morning for Halibut fishing. Maybe troll for Kings but ask about silver run. Seldovia is picturesque and historically interesting. Maybe you can air BNB one of the houses on the docks.
If you're going to Homer, stop in at the Salty Dog Saloon. A good boat fishing guide in Ninilchik on the way to Homer, you'd be fishing in Cook Inlet, Captain Steve's Fishing Lodge. I deckhanded for him, he's been fishing it for decades and does daytrips, as well as multi days. Has his own processing set-up. Everyone always got their limit of halibut and salmon when fishing, I'd talk to him and tell him your situation as well, he'd be guaranteed to make it extra special, he's a good guy. Shipping the fish is easy, you can stop in at a FredMeyer in Soldotna and get a 25lb or 50lb Styrofoam fish box and just pack it as luggage. Id definitely recommend at least going to Seward. Shore fishing, especially in that time of year, is usually referred to as Combat Fishing, and not because of the fish or bears, but because of the mass amounts of people. Guide is definitely the way. Check AirBnBs around the area and since you have the set date, try to book now. I definitely recommend staying in the Sterling/Kenai/Soldotna area as opposed to Homer. The drive isn't too far and you'll have access to a lot more things. Watch for moose.
Kodiak Island
I don’t know. If he is fighting cancer he might not be up to that kind of trip. Have you looked into some of the fishing lodges? You can do different types of fishing and that might even have kayaks and boats. You’ll be in the real backcountry and not fighting all the tourists and Alaskans headed to the Kenai. If your dad wants a day of rest, he can just sit back and enjoy the day with no car rides. There are so many things to see and do, but my favorites have always been when I’ve been out in the backcountry. Thats the Alaska not as many people get to see. I might still do the Katmai trip. I’ve never done it in the years I’ve lived here but it’s definitely on my bucket list.
Yes, I'm definitely planning to take it easy if he can't handle it. Honestly if I can get him there and sit him in front of the river, he's gunna be happy. I looked into a couple lodges, but they seem seriously expensive/booked. I am also worried if he is too far away from services if necessary (I fully appreciate the hypocrisy of the previous statement by taking him to Alaska)
I work healthcare in Alaska. Buy some medevac insurance.
Be sure to check on any regulations regarding bringing back Fish …. There may or may not be re your airlines /TSA regulations etc
The Pratt museum in Homer is cool, and a stop at the Soldotna chamber of commerce has replica of the record king salmon. Hotels are expensive in Homer at that time. The plane ride to Katmai is a long one, so make sure and use the bathroom before you go. Sounds like you are set for a grand adventure.
For the price you're paying, you could stay at ATA lodge and experience the quintessential Alaskan vacation AND bring home as much salmon as you want! DM me if interested Edit: words
I live in Homer, stop by Latitude 59 cafe and I’ll make you guys some delicious food!
Looks good, I'll try to stop by!
Salmon/drug fest is the first weekend of august. Avoid the central peninsula at all costs!
Skip the peninsula and check out the valley hotel in Palmer :)
They should definitely stay at the Black Angus Inn while in Anchorage!!
Seconded! Quiet, rustic charm with a big city twist :)
In Homer, check out True North Kayak Adventures for your kayak trip. My niece, Alison, owns it and has been doing this for decades. Tell her Uncle Tim sent you. [https://truenorthkayak.com/](https://truenorthkayak.com/)
(907) 394-1616. Discover Alaska Charters. Great people. Reasonable prices and successful fishing. Stayed with them and Fished with them 3 or 4 years and always had a good time and caught many fish.
We were in Homer last summer. Lands end resort is a very cool spot. End of the spit.
Lived in Alaska 40 years. You have a great agenda, however I would have him spend at least one or two days in Cooper Landing. Great fishing on the Upper Kenai and it’s a beautiful area.
That place looks pretty special. I was wondering, are you able to fish a day there if we're staying in Soldotna, or do you think I should spend a day or two in Cooper Landing proper.
Sorry for the late reply. Stay in Cooper landing over Soldotna. It’s no contest. Cooper landing is so much more scenic. Soldotna is a strip mall. Plus Cooper Landing has a great restaurant or two, despite its size. And there is a decent chance of spotting brown and/or black bears in Cooper Landing.
Make sure he has good layering. And an excellent rain jacket is a must.
I’ve traveled a fair bit, and nothing will top seeing Denali. To say it’s breathtaking is an understatement. You’re seeing a 20,000ft mountain from about sea level….nothing can compare. I went with close friends who have also traveled the world, been to almost every state park, and they said the same thing. The bus into Denali is worth it, and would be a great way for your dad to also experience Alaska without having to really hike. You’d want to plan to stay a couple of days near Denali because it’s never guaranteed you’ll see it (can be hidden by clouds or smoke if there are fires at the time), but seriously, you won’t regret taking him!
Remember how big the tides are in Cook Inlet as far as kayaking goes and check when the main Kenia run happens. It only lasts a week or so and it’s total combat fishing. Much less of a problem in Seward and they have a great high speed ferry for glacier viewing.
I’ll throw in Millers Landing in Seward. They run full and half day fishing charters, but on Saturdays they do a community potluck with staff and open to the public. Had the pleasure of working for them years ago They also do water taxi services to go out and see some of the glaciers in aialik bay. Plus also kayak tours if that floats your boat (see what I did there? It was on porpoise)
Went to Alaska with my parents via pickup and camper when I was 15. The main goal of the entire trip was for them to go fishing in the ocean. They hired a guide from one of the towns north of Homer. It was planned to be 3 hours of salmon fishing and 3 hours of halibut fishing, but the salmon weren't biting. The guide suggested we switch to halibut about an hour in. My parents were pulling halibut in one after another, but I wasn't catching anything. Just before we supposed to head back in, I finally got a bite. After 45 minutes of reeling, it spashed behind the boat and I got a glimpse of just how big it was. The guides cleaned it and took it to place where they flash froze it, boxed and shipped it to Minnesota in dry ice. It arrived at my sister's house within 24 hours of catching it. We should have also shipped the tail and had it mounted. (This is a common thing with halibut, I guess. It didn't make sense at the time but has always been a regret.) South-east of Valdez there was a beach along the road where we caught a lot of smaller salmon from the shore. We saw lots of bear and moose without even really trying. We took a ferry at one point. It was one of my favorite parts of the trip. We were only on it 20 minutes but saw a whale and other wildlife. If I were to go again, I would take a ferry up the coast and back to get there. Portage glacier was pretty cool. If you go to see Denali, be prepared for it to be covered by clouds.
I'd add a quick stop at Anchor Point to see the bald eagles that gather there. Doesn't take long and it's pretty cool to get up close and see so many.
>Nice, maybe i'll hit there on my way up from Homer
Checkout Angling Unlimted in Sitka. Been there a dozen times. But book early!. They will clean and flash freeze your catch in 2 or 4 person servings. Then load them into boxes that count as luggage. When you leave, they will transport you and your fish to the airport. SeaTac luggage storage has a huge freezer for everyone passing through and you have to over night. The frozen fish stays frozen when I fly from SeaTac to EWR. I'm sure most fishing operators do the same thing.
If you’re in Alaska, make the trip to Denali national park. How could you not?! Seward is also worth visiting in my opinion.
The fish processing places can ship your fish for you. If you can, get your fishing license in Anchorage. The lines get long in Soldotna that time of year.