Cooper Landing sits at the heart of some of the best fishing in
the world. It is located at the west end of Kenai Lake and near
the world famous Kenai River. It was named for Joseph Cooper, a
miner who discovered gold here in the mid-1890's. A school and post
office opened in the 1920's to serve the local residents. Roads
were built in the late 40's and early 50's to Kenai and Anchorage.
The town stretches along several miles of the Sterling Highway and
the Kenai River.
Information
Kenai Peninsula Tourism Marketing CouncilCheck out Online Specials, a Free Kenai Peninsula Travel Planner and a Free Passport to Adventure on the Kenai. Full of discount coupons for your visit to the Kenai Peninsula. 35571 Kenai Spur Hwy, Soldotna 800-535-3624
Emergency only: 911, ambulance & volunteer fire department.
Internet access: Cooper Landing Community Library.
Cooper Landing Post Office at mile 48.7
Forest Service trails include Resurrection Pass Trail from Cooper Landing to near Hope, about 35 miles, fairly strenuous trail. Lower Russian Lake and the falls on Russian River, where you can watch the salmon jump during the salmon runs. An easy 3 mile trail. The trail to Crescent Lake is a climbing series of switchbacks and beautiful scenery, approximately 6 miles to the lake.
Cooper Landing Grocery. Groceries,
produce, newsstand, drugs, sundries, home-made sandwiches.
Accommodations
Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge Mile
47.7 Sterling Highway, Cooper Landing. This true Alaskan
lodge overlooking the Kenai River is just two hours from Anchorage
in the geographic heart of the Kenai Peninsula. Private hillside
bungalow-style rooms with wood-stoves, seating areas, porches, telephones
and televisions. Lodge amenities include a restaurant, lounge, espresso
bar, outdoor deck, exercise room, and gift shop.
Reservations suggested. Open mid-May through mid-September. Lodge often runs special summer rates and packages. Call 800-426-0500
for reservations and information. 907-595-1425
Camping
Kenai Riverside Campground & RV Park,
mile 49.7 Sterling Highway in Cooper Landing.
25 partial hookups plus camping on the Kenai River, clean bathrooms
and showers, dump station, fish from the bank, fishing licenses
sold on site. B&B rooms also available. Discounts on fish and
raft trips with overnight stays. 888-KENAIRV (888-536-2478)
Cooper Creek mile 50.5
USFS campground. Water, tables, fire pits and toilets.
Things to Do
Alaska Wildland Adventures/Kenai River Sportfishing
Lodge mile 50.1 Take a rafting or fishing trip with Alaska
Wildland Adventures and you’ll enjoy the unique and scenic
setting on the Kenai River. Daily-guided raft trips, delicious Alaskan
picnic lunch, opportunities to view wildlife and photograph the
stunning scenery of one of the world’s most beautiful rivers.
This company is well known for its professional guides and deluxe
boats. All tackle, rods and reels are furnished. Operating since
1977. 1-800-478-4100
Alaska River Adventures. Fishing from
drift boats on Alaska's Upper Kenai & Kasilof Rivers and inflatable
rafts on wilderness river fishing trips. They guide guests staying
at the Cooper Landing's most prestigious lodges and independent
fishermen who want to fish on premium Alaskan rivers.
K’Beq (Footprints) in 1984 Archaeologists
found prehistoric artifacts, Indian and Eskimo graves near Mile
55. Dena’ina Athabascans share their traditions & culture
through interpretive walks. Visitors can also learn about traditional
plant use. The interpretive site opened near Mile 53 in 1997.
