Sterling, Alaska

Western Kenai: 18 places to camp, 8 trails, 15 fishing spots, 3 sights, 1 bike route

Sterling works for anglers on the Kenai River, with late-run sockeye salmon, Bing's Landing and Skilak Lake all close together. The 44-site Hidden Lake campground on Skilak Loop and the 36-site Bing's Landing State Recreation Site are two of the camps, and Morgan's Landing State Recreation Area's 42 sites is a third. The Skilak Lake Overlook is among the sights, and the 5.5 mile Seven Lakes Trail gives a longer walk.

Drive from Anchorage: 2h18 · from Fairbanks: Full day, 8h52