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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
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.
When to go
SpeciesMonthsTypical size
SockeyeJul, Aug4-8 lb
Coho (silver)Aug, Sep8-12 lb
Open in Maps ↗

Part of Western Kenai.

What it is like

Nearby

Sources