Will my cabin overlook the Kenai River?

At Kenai River Soaring Eagle Lodge & Cabins the Harmony Lodge, Prosperity Cabin & Serenity Cabin all have multiple views of the river and/or Kenai mountains from them.  The Tranquility cabin is further back on the homestead but guest are always welcome to enjoy the river and Kenai mountain views on the community deck.

How do we get to Kenai Soaring Eagle Lodge & Cabins?

You will fly into Anchorage from your home airport. From there you can take a 25 min. commuter flight to Kenai, rent a car and drive 45 minutes to the Kenai River Soaring Eagle Lodge & Cabins. Most guests fly into Anchorage and rent a car which you will need during your stay to travel around the Kenai Peninsula. The 150 mile drive from Anchorage to Soldotna (about 3 hours) has breathtaking views and a well maintained road and worth the drive if you have not already had the chance to enjoy the sightseeing opportunities along the way.

Do you provide meal service?

The Kenai River Soaring Eagle Lodge and Cabins all have either a kitchen/kitchenettes for guest to prepare their own meals.

What do I need to bring for my Alaska Fishing Trip?

Bring camera, rain gear, personal items and warm clothing that you can layer.   Guided fishing trips provide you with the needed fishing equipment.   Kenai River Soaring Eagle Lodge & Cabins does NOT provide any fishing gear so please bring your own waders, fishing poles and tackle.   We do have a few fishing nets and coolers and will be available on a first come serve basis.   We highly recommend you utilize the services of a fishing guide if you wish to catch limit.

Where do I store my caught fish and how can we get our fish home?

When you book your guided fishing, your guide will fillet your fish for you.

If you caught fish at our bank you are welcome to clean it at the bank only , double ziplock bag it (you provide bags) and place in your cabin refrigerator until you can take it to the processor (suggest within 24 hours).

All fish must be taken to a local fish processor in Soldotna but fish caught on property can be cleaned at shoreline and double bagged in your refrigerator until next trip in town to the local fish processor.  No processing or freezing fish on property allowed.  Soldotna processor (others available via Google search) that we use is https://www.tannersfish.com/ at 450 Centennial Park Road, Soldotna (from Funny River Road cross at the light Sterling Highway and it will be on your right).

We can not allow cleaning of fish near the cabins as that would only attract bears to the property and risk the safety of all. The previous owners did not allow any fish storage in the cabins, but we didn’t want people to have to run out to the processor every time they caught something on the bank, but we highly suggest all fish goes to the processor when you head to town to insure proper vacuum packing, freezing and preparation for either pickup to take home on your flight or shipping via FedX.

When is the best time to come fishing in Alaska?

Alaska fishing season runs from May through September and Kenai Soaring Eagle Lodge and Cabins is open from June through mid September .    Bear viewing is best in August and September. Whale and marine mammal watching, Alaska Halibut fishing, flightseeing and river rafting are good all season. The shoulder seasons (May through June 15 and Aug. 15 through Sept.) provide very good fishing and sightseeing while avoiding the crowds of midsummer.

What can non-fishers do in the area?

Even if you don’t prefer fishing, a guided”float trip” on the Kenai river can be a great experience into nature because the scenery is beautiful and the wild life bountiful.   On the Kenai Peninsula there are many sights to see and things to do in the area: walk the boardwalk at nearby Kenai Landing; drive to Homer for the day and hike the spit or Kachemak Bay Beach trail,  go shopping in Soldotna; drive to Captain Cook State Park (north of Kenai) for a picnic; challenge yourself to one of the 50 hikes on the Kenai Peninsula; canoe or kayak trips; whale watching and glaciers trips from Seward, or just build a campfire and visit with your friends and relatives and relax at the Kenai River Soaring Eagle Lodge and Cabins and enjoy the view and fresh air while immersed in nature.

What do I pack?

Jeans are always appropriate attire in Alaska and it is best to bring clothing that you can layer.   Those fishing should also have a rain jacket and pants, gloves and a hat.  If you plan to fish on our shoreline it is best to bring your own waders, pole and tackle gear.    For guests staying 7 days or more there is  laundry available on site and there is a  Wash & Dry in Soldotna.

Do you have Wireless DSL Internet and Cable TV available?

We have both Wireless Internet and Direct TV on property but signal can go in and out on occasionally.

What will the weather be like?

The average weather in Alaska is as follows:

http://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/kenai/alaska/united-states/usak0124

These are averages and the weather is just like fishing, no guaranties.

How much daylight can I expect in the summer?

While the sun is not always shining on the Kenai in the summer, the long summer daylight hours are unbelievable! Unlike the common misconception that we have 6 months of darkness and 6 months of daylight, the reality is that the amount of daylight is changing all the time. Our longest day of the year is June 21 where we have close to 20 hours of sunlight. It never really gets totally dark during this time. During the spring, we will gain over 5 minutes of daylight each and every day. As we approach the summer solstice, the daylight gain slows considerably. Afterwards we are losing daylight every day, and in the fall, we will lose more than 5 minutes every day. Our shortest day of the year is December 20 where we will have close to 6 hours of daylight.

Is there a picnic table, grill and firering at Kenai River Soaring Eagle Lodge & Cabins?

In the common area, there is a picnic table, a few log chairs, a campground style charcoal grills (you purchase own charcoal and lighter fluid) and a firering available for all guests to use.  We provide limited wood for the firering for guest use.

How close are you to restaurants, grocery & shopping?

A wide variety of restaurants, fast food, and grocery stores are less than 30 minutes away in Soldotna and Kenai.   The Kenai Soaring Eagle Lodge and Cabins have kitchens to serve for preparation of a family meal.  Also a charcoal barbecue grill and utensils are available for guest use but you will need to purchase your own charcoal and lighter fluid.

What about sightseeing?

Kenai River Soaring Eagle Lodge & Cabins are centrally located on the Kenai Peninsula which permits you to make easy day trips. We are 150 miles from Anchorage, 75 miles from Homer, 93 miles from Seward which are all scenic drives.

What are the chances of seeing wildlife?

The chances of seeing wildlife while staying at Kenai River Soaring Eagle Lodge & Cabins is very good. Alaska and the Kenai Peninsula in particular, is very rural, where the animals outnumber the residents. Moose frequent the Homestead, as well as the banks of the Kenai River.  Bear and caribou are frequently seen along the shores of the river as well.  Alaska also has an abundance of Bald Eagles, where active nests are visible from the boats. Other small game, water fowl and other wild birds are frequent visitors. Humpback whales, orca, and dolphin are also a common sight while halibut fishing. There will be plenty of scenic and wildlife photo opportunities while staying at Kenai River Soaring Eagle Lodge & Cabins.

Are there lots of mosquitoes?

Yes there are mosquitoes. On the Kenai River and during deep sea fishing you won’t encounter them. They are mainly in the remote grassy areas.

How do I get my fishing license?

Your fishing license is available for purchase online

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=license.pricinglist

or at Fred Meyers store in Soldotna.   A non-resident license for one week is $70.00 each. There are also 1day, 3day, one year available. This license will cover your halibut, salmon and trout fishing and your clam digging. If you are fishing for King Salmon, you will need a non-resident King stamp ($15 for one day).

Does everyone need a fishing license?

The simple answer is “no”, not everyone needs a fishing license. If you are not an Alaska resident, as defined by the Department of Fish and Game regulations, and are 16 years of age or older, you will need a license (and king stamp as the case may apply). For those fishers who are less than 16, they do not need a fishing license or king stamp, but will require a free harvest card (available from any license vendor). Alaska residents who are 60 years of age or older can apply for a permanent lifetime license for fishing and hunting.

Is there a golf course nearby?

Yes. For more information see this link: http://www.kenaigolfcourse.com/
There also is a driving range on Funny River Road on the way to our homestead.

Will I need a heavy winter jacket?

During summer months layering and a lightweight jacket is best.  If you plan to deep sea or river fish you should bring a rain jacket and pants, gloves and hat, as early mornings can be quite chilly.

Do I need a passport to go to Alaska?

No, unless you plan to drive through Canada to Alaska, because you are flying from the lower 48 into another part of the United States you will not be required to produce a passport.

Will I need to bring a gun for bear protection?

There are bears in Alaska, so caution and awareness is important.    Most fishing guides are prepared to assist with protection from bear activity.     Guests are permitted to carry a gun on our property if they follow the Alaska state laws and guidelines, but of course, we expect all guests to be discreet with the display of firearms.

Do I need to bring bug repellent with me?

Insects aren’t usually a big problem but should you need repellent, the local stores carry it.  If you are prone to a reaction to bug bites you may want to bring either a cream or antihistamine to lessen the inflammation.

Will I be able to see the Northern Lights at night?

No unfortunately since the summer hours of daylight are extensive there won’t be enough darkness for the Northern Lights to appear.