Soldotna Creek Park
Soldotna
The feel
Soldotna Creek Park is a 13.62 acre community park along the Kenai River at 44149 Sterling Hwy, in town on a former DOT maintenance yard. It has 2,300 feet of riverfront boardwalk and 12 river access stairs, and salmon can be fished from the river access areas. About 300 feet of accessible ramp and trail lead to the mouth of Soldotna Creek.
Crowds are high. The park also has a large playground, three covered pavilions and a restroom open year-round, and it hosts the Soldotna Wednesday Market, the Kenai River Fair and Soldotna Progress Days.
What to expect
- Water and access
- 2,300 feet of riverfront boardwalk and 12 river access stairs on the Kenai River in Soldotna. About 300 feet of accessible ramp and trail lead to the mouth of Soldotna Creek.
- Species and timing
- Sockeye in July and August at 4-8 lb. Coho (silver) in August and September at 8-12 lb.
- Methods and gear
- Bank, spin and fly.
- License and rules
- Sockeye and coho limits are set in season by ADF&G emergency order, and king fishing is often closed. Check the current regulations before you go.
- Crowds and best time
- High crowds.
- Parking
- Paved parking for 80-100 vehicles.
- Bathrooms and water
- One restroom, open year-round.
- Season and access
- No day use fee and no camping. Dog friendly.
Mingo says
Time your visit for July and August sockeye, or the coho of August and September. Walk to the far end away from the parking, where the crowd thins out noticeably.
Before you go
- Call the city Parks and Recreation office at 907-262-3151 or write parks@soldotna.org with questions.
- Check the current ADF&G regulations at https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=sportbyareasouthcentral.main before you cast.
- Plan a day visit only, since camping is not allowed here.
Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.
Today
Getting there
- Access
- Work down to the far end away from the parking, which thins out noticeably.
- Fee
- City of Soldotna. Free in-town park, restrooms, playground.
- Drive from Anchorage
- 2h38 to Soldotna
- Drive from Fairbanks
- Full day, 9h12 to Soldotna
- Water
- River
- Best time
- Jul-Aug
- Fish
- Sockeye, Coho (silver)
- How to fish it
- Bank, Spin, Fly
- Crowds
- High
- Managed by
- Free, restrooms, playground, in town
- Regulations
- Kenai River (Kenai/Soldotna)
- Local rules
- Sockeye and coho limits here are set in season by ADF&G emergency order, and king fishing is often closed. Check the current regulations before you go.
| Species | Months | Typical size |
|---|---|---|
| Sockeye | Jul, Aug | 4-8 lb |
| Coho (silver) | Aug, Sep | 8-12 lb |
Part of Western Kenai.