The view across Cook Inlet from Ninilchik takes in an active volcano range.  On a clear day, Mt. Augustine is seen to the far left, with Mt. Iliamna, Mt. Redoubt, and Mt. Spur to the right

Today, the main industries are fishing and tourism. Be sure to enter the King Salmon Derby, If you are here between May 1 and June 15. This event  raises money for volunteer services in the Ninilchik area.

Excellent clamming and beachcombing can be found at low tide, and the tide pools reached along the north entrance to Deep Creek are entertaining for young or old.

In August, Ninilchik is the site of the `biggest little fair in  Alaska’ and you will find displays of berries, flowers, vegetables and crafts as well as animals of many kinds.

Whales, eagles and moose are frequently seen, and birdwatchers will  delight at the wide variety that inhabit the area. Mushrooms of many kinds can  be found in the surrounding wooded areas, but be careful as there are many poisonous varieties found in this area.

Visitors to Ninilchik will find all of the services necessary for  the perfect vacation. Motel, Bed and Breakfasts, cabins, fishing tackle, gift  shops, restaurants, a library, video rental, camper parks, fishing charter services, grocery stores and service station.

History
Ninilchik was first settled in the early 1800's by Russian colonists. They subsisted on hunting, fur trapping, fishing, gardening and gold  panning. At that time there were more than 200 people living in the little village. Some of the original buildings still exist and reflect the history and  charm of those days. The old Russian Church and cemetery on top of the hill overlooking Ninilchik are great photo subjects and very interesting. Many  descendants of those early families still live here.

Information/Emergency

Ninilchik Chamber of Commerce can  be found in the library, 907 567-3571. PO Box 39164, Ninilchik, AK 99639. Stop in at the Log Visitors kiosk across from the fairgrounds. Information on local  activities and businesses located at mile 137 Sterling Highway.

Post Office is just off the highway on Kingsley road.

ATM at the General Store.

Emergency only 911; Ambulance 567-3412.

Accommodations
Bluff House Bed and Breakfast overlooking beautiful Cook  Inlet and the incredible mountains of the Kenai Peninsula. Write PO Box 39194, Ninilchik, AK 99639; 907-567-3605.

Eagle Watch Hostel, Box 39083, Ninilchik, AK 99639;  907-567-3905.

Homestead House Bed and Breakfast PO Box 39490, Ninilchik, AK  99639; 907-567-3412

Inlet View Cabins at mile 135.4 Sterling Highway  907-567-3337.

Reel 'em Inn Cook Inlet Charters, lodging and RV parking. 907-567-7335 or toll free AK only 1-800-447-7335.

Camping
Ninilchik Beach Campground is located on a popular beach for razor clamming. There is a day-use area and more than 100 RV sites for overnight camping. This area can be quite busy when there is a low tide.

Scenic View RV Park Box 39253, Ninilchik, AK 99639; 907-567-3909.  Mile 127.1 Sterling Highway. Full hook-ups, electric/water, tenting, showers, laundry.

Shopping

Deep Creek Custom Packing  just south of Deep Creek Bridge in Ninilchik. Home of the finest gourmet smoked salmon and halibut in the world. Free samples and coffee. Seafood display includes locally caught scallops, razor clams, crab, halibut, and salmon. Sport  fishermen take their own catch in to be hand-packed, frozen, canned or smoked to their specifications. PO Box 229, Ninilchik, AK 99639; 907-567 3395 or toll free 1-800-764-0078.

The Sport Shop offers world class Halibut and King Salmon charters as well as a complete line of tackle, food, gifts and more.

Things To Do
One of many things to do would be a trip to the boat harbor to watch the fishing boats "off-load" their catch, or try the fishing in either the Ninilchik River or Deep Creek, two of the finest freshwater fishing areas in the state. Two boat launches provide easy access to the world-class salmon  anmore than 400 pounds was taken off the Deep Creek entrance in recent years.

Excellent razor clams can be dug at low tide in several places in  the area. Beachcombing for shells along Ninilchik Beach is fun and picking berries in the fall is rewarding.

Fishing
Reel 'em Inn Cook Inlet Charters, lodging and RV parking. 907-567-7335 or toll free AK only 1-800-447-7335.

Excellent razor clams can be found at low tide in several places in  the area.

Dining
Boardwalk Coffee House and Cafe Enjoy great food with a wonderful up-close view of the Inlet. Take Beach access road at the Ninilchik River bridge and stay to the left until you get to the beach then go right.  907-567-3388.

Inlet View Lodge and Restaurant mile 135.4. Lounge, liquor store, and cabins. Fine foods, fishing, live entertainment. 907-567-3330.