Soldotna is a classic example of an Alaska tourism town dominated by gas stations, strip malls and fast food franchises that service the busy tourism and sport fishing industries. Soldotna residents have a single claim to fame, but it's a pretty darn good one. This is the location of the largest sport caught king salmon in the world caught by Les Anderson who still today holds the record. Les caught this fish weighing in at massive 97 lb 4 oz on May 17, 1985 and his record still stands today.

The king salmon returning to the mighty Kenai River can often be so large the river has been given its own class for trophy king salmon specifically for this famous river. Anywhere else in Alaska, a 50 pound king certifies within the trophy class fish, but on the Kenai, a king salmon needs to be at least 75 pounds. That's because many of the king salmon remain in the oceans for 5 years instead of the typical 3 to 4 years and thus return more often in the 60 pound plus class necessitating the increased weight for trophy class fish. Be prepared to pay for a guide service if you really want to catch one of these mighty fish. A professional guide, though not mandatory, raises your chances of taking a keeper home or to the local taxidermist. Catching a big king is not easy or quick, however, and success rates vary greatly year to year as well as week to week though top rated fishing guides seem to always know where and how to land the big ones.

Those not interested in fishing, whoa can’t fathom that one, will find a day at most of sightseeing in and around Soldotna. For the best in local attractions, use the town as a base for the outdoor adventures the area offers. Soldotna has a strangely beautiful countryside full of moose, bear, caribou and smaller wildlife and as visitors are beginning to find out the exceptional bird watching is a sight in itself. Beyond the towns, you'll find a wealth of outdoor activities, primarily in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, abundant large and small lakes, miles of trails and photo opportunities abound. The refuge headquarters in located west of Soldotna on the road behind Spenard Builders Supply across the newly built bridge to Homer AK.

HISTORICAL: Soldotna is located on the banks of the Kenai River on the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska. It is named after nearby Soldotna Creek.

In 1947, after World War II, United States government allowed settling of land on parts of the Kenai Peninsula under the Homestead Act. Veterans of the United States armed services were given a 90-day preference over non-veterans in selecting land and filing for property. Also in that year, the Sterling Highway right-of-way was cleared of trees from Cooper Landing to Kenai. The location of present-day Soldotna was selected as the site for the highway's bridge crossing the Kenai River.

Oil was discovered in the Swanson River region in 1957, bringing some new economic development to the area. In 1960, Soldotna was incorporated as a city with a population of 332.

POPULATION: Slightly better then 4000 year round residents live in the city of Soldotna.

Escape the rush and noise of the city life through the charm of an Alaska Vacation on the beautiful and scenic Kenai Peninsula of Alaska. There are cabins and bed & breakfast, hotels & motels, all inclusive lodges and dedicated Alaskan fishing lodges available for • Hunting • Fishing • Biking • Canoeing • Hiking • Honeymoons • Anniversaries • Summer Homes • Winter Retreats • Cabin Rentals • Vacation Rentals • Log Cabins • Romantic Getaways • Weekend Getaways • Kenai River Cabins • Kachemak Bay Cabins • Seaside Rentals • Beach Front Rentals • Mountain Views • Fly in • Boat In • Hike In • River Front • Wildlife Photography • Resurrection Bay Lodging • Kachemak Bay Lodges • Snowmobile • Snowshoe • and more.