Everyday Alaska

Everyday Life in The Last Frontier

Kenai Peninsula

The Best Ways to Spend a Day in Cooper Landing

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Cooper Landing. Majestic views, epic wildlife viewing, true Alaskan adventure. I could spend a lifetime there, but if you only have a day to spend in Cooper Landing don’t worry, I’ve got the perfect Cooper Landing day trip itinerary for you!

What’s there to do in Cooper Landing, Alaska?

Well, once you pick your jaw up off the ground after seeing how beautiful it is, there are many adventures to be had in Cooper Landing. Wildlife viewing, history, and world class fishing are just some of the many things you can fill your day with, and I’ll go over them below, along with where you can stay and the best spots to grab some grub.

You definitely can’t do it all in one day, but this Cooper Landing itinerary will give you insight into what options are available. Then you can see what works best for you and create your own plan for how to spend your day in this beautiful spot.

Sterling Highway river view in Cooper Landing
A beautiful river view from the Sterling Highway.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Activities and Adventure

Hiking

Hiking is probably one of the most popular activities in Cooper Landing. Cooper Landing has the trails and picturesque scenery that give it the perfect combination for hikers. Check out this guide book about hikes on the Kenai Peninsula to see which one might be best for your day trip.

Fishing

This is the reason many people visit Cooper Landing and the Kenai Peninsula in general. The salmon and trout draw in many avid fisherman, and for good reason, too. Whether you’re looking for a once in a lifetime fly fishing opportunity or hoping to take a drift boat down the river, fishing in Cooper Landing is something to consider adding to your list.

Tip: If you’re looking to book a guided fishing trip, book ASAP. Since it’s such a popular spot spaces fill up quickly.

Rafting

Do you want to get out on the river, but aren’t interested in fishing? View the Kenai River via raft! Take a leisurely float down the river and keep an eye out for wildlife!

Sights and Wildlife

Scenery

Everywhere you look in Cooper Landing there’s amazing scenery. From the beautiful blues of Kenai Lake and River, to the lush green foliage, it truly is a picture perfect place. Whether you’re viewing this scenery while fishing along the river, driving through, or hiking the trails, it will surely leave an impression.

Wildlife

One of my favorite parts of Cooper Landing: the wildlife! Bring your binoculars to spot Dall sheep and goats, and keep an eye out for bears, too! And don’t forget to check Kenai Lake to see if any of the beautiful swans are out!

Tip: Cooper Landing is not only a popular spot for sportsman to fish, but it’s also a hot spot for bears, too. Be bear aware on your vacation through Alaska.

This big guy was at the Russian River Ferry parking lot.

History and Education

Cooper Landing Historical Society and Museum

After passing by this spot many times, I finally made a trip to Cooper Landing to visit the museum. It was well worth the drive to see the historical buildings, learn some local history, see the brown bear skeleton, and visit with the lovely lady running the museum. Add this stop to your day trip itinerary and learn a bit about the area you’re visiting.

Cooper Landing Visitors Center Cabin
A cute cabin at the Cooper Landing Visitor’s Center.

K’beq’ Cultural Heritage Interpretive Site

Come learn about the Dena’ina people and their culture at this beautifully scenic spot. Located along the Kenai River, K’beq’ gives locals and visitors alike an informative and interactive way to learn about local culture and history. They have presentations every Friday during the summer, which include everything from plant harvesting to storytelling and dance. You can find their schedule here.

historical cabin Cooper Landing
A historical cabin at K’beq’ Cultural Heritage Interpretive Site.

Restaurants

Cooper Landing Brewing/Blue Yeti

Copper Landing Brewing is a must-stop place. Not only is the building itself architecturally beautiful, but it’s located in such gorgeous surroundings as well. Grab a refreshing root beer and visit Blue Yeti inside the brewery for a Rally Burger and fries. There is outdoor seating and it’s kid and dog friendly, too. Check out their Facebook to see what concerts they have there as well!

Root beer and a Rally Burger at Cooper Landing Brewing/Blue Yeti.
Root beer and a Rally Burger at Cooper Landing Brewing/Blue Yeti.

Two Brothers Roadhouse

Two Bros is a seasonal spot, so when they open we usually try to make it there ASAP after missing it all winter. Their brisket nachos and mac and cheese is phenomenal, and it’s a cute spot to stop at for lunch or dinner after a day out exploring.

Nachos and mac and cheese at Two Brothers Roadhouse in Cooper Landing.
Brisket and pulled pork nachos plus some mac and cheese at Two Bros.

Wildmans

Wildmans is a popular local spot. Stop in there for convenient snacks, a sandwich or burrito, and some yummy ice cream!

Tip: As with many places in Alaska, restaurants in Cooper Landing may be closed or have different hours during of parts of the year. Check their Instagram, Facebook, and Google, or better yet give them a call to make sure they’ll be open when you’re visiting.

Lodging

Camping

Put up a tent, pull up your RV, or visit in your van! Check out the Quartz Creek Campground in Cooper Landing. This is one of my favorite spots to visit and has beautiful views for camping.

Chocolate Labrador and German shepherd at Quartz Creek Campground in Cooper Landing, Alaska.
Our pups enjoying Kenai Lake and Quartz Creek Campground.

Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge

If you want more bougie accommodations, check out the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge. This luxury stay is a little out of my price range, so I can’t give you my personal opinion on this stay, but it’s situated in a convenient and beautiful spot, giving you amazing views of the surrounding area.

There you have it, there are so many options on how you could spend a day in Cooper Landing! Are you a little overwhelmed with the options, or do you have a mild case of decision fatigue? Not to worry, there’s really no bad way to spend a day in Cooper Landing, so no matter what you choose you’ll have a once in a lifetime adventure!

If you have questions about visiting Alaska, feel free to leave a comment below, sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter, or send me an email. You can also join the Everyday Alaska Travel Tips, Information, and Advice group, and/or our New to Alaska Tips, Information, and Advice group to ask any questions you may have. I’m happy to help you get the most out of your time in our beautiful Last Frontier, and I hope you enjoy Alaska as much as we do!  

5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Take an Alaska Cruise

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Wait, you’re telling me we shouldn’t cruise Alaska!? Yes, I sure am. This might be one of the top three debatable topics I’ve covered, along with whether you should visit Seward, Homer, or Valdez and why you should visit Alaska before you retire, but I feel like if you take an Alaska cruise you’re really missing out on so many things. Since I want you to get the most out of your Alaska travel experience, I’m going to try convince you to not take an Alaska cruise, or at least not yet!

Glacier views from a Major Marine Cruise out of Seward.
Glacier views from a Major Marine Cruise out of Seward.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Why shouldn’t I take an Alaska cruise?

There are a variety of reasons I feel like you shouldn’t take an Alaska cruise, and I’ve picked the top five reasons to tell you about here.

Rushing

When you think of Alaska, do you think of the hustle and bustle? Nope, you sure don’t! But, that’s what you get with cruising. There’s a time you load up. There’s a time you disembark. There are scheduled excursions in between, and you get to do all of this with a ship and/or bus full of people. Now, to an extent, that doesn’t sound bad. Having a schedule is nice and having planned excursions is nice and having others to do them with is nice. Truly, I just don’t feel like that’s the best way to experience Alaska, though.

When we travel I like to try experience what it might be like to live in that place. Visit off the beaten places. Eat at more local establishments. Check out the neighborhoods. Meet the locals. Get a feel for the pace of the place. If that’s what you like to do too, cruising isn’t the way to go for you. Alaska isn’t rushed. Yes, there’s the normal hustle and bustle, and things do get crazy in the summertime trying to cram all the to-dos into just a few months, but usually the Alaskan pace is a just a bit more relaxed than other places.

Fireweed in Valdez, Alaska.
Take time to stop and smell the wildflowers.

Meeting Locals

As I just mention above, I think meeting locals is one of the more important experiences to have when visiting a new place. When you’re on a cruise, yes, you may meet locals while you’re in port, but more than likely you probably won’t meet too many in the places you’ll be visiting, and in the timeframe you’ll be doing your activities. I feel like this is important to note because local’s have the insider knowledge to give you the scoop on the best activities and areas, and many of us (like myself!) want you to love your visit to Alaska so we’d love to help you find the best ways to enjoy it!

Just two days ago I met a group of people while we we were out on a day trip to Cooper Landing. They had some questions about Soldotna, where I live, so we got to chat a bit. It was so fun, and I hope interactions like that leave a good impression of Alaskans for visitors because I’d like to think we truly are a kind a welcoming state. I feel like if you spend most of your trip on a ship or a bus you’re missing out on that friendly, hometown element of the 49th state.

Scenery

What are you looking at when you’re on an Alaska cruise? Beautiful blue water, tree lined shores, epic glaciers? Yes! The coast of Alaska is incredibly beautiful, and you definitely shouldn’t leave visiting Southeast Alaska out of your travel plans. Those views are such a perk of cruising, but you can also see some of the coast on a day cruise. By taking a cruise, unless you’re doing a bus tour as well, you’re missing out on the variety Alaska has to offer. Now, there’s no way you can see all the variety of scenery, but by solely seeing the coast you’re missing out on the tundra views, the majestic mountains of the interior, and much more. “Variety is the spice of life”, so add a little spice to your travels and check out some different regions of Alaska during your trip.

Prince William Sound
Beautiful views from a day cruise out of Valdez.

Time

I do understand you’re not stranded on the boat or a tour bus the whole time, but a cruise is a cruise, and to cruise you need to spend some time getting from place to place. But, are you spending too much time traveling, and not experiencing the places you’ll be stopping at? I think you are. You can’t really get the feel for a place in just the time it takes to check out souvenir stores, enjoy a local restaurant, and go on an excursion.

Now, I know I just said to check out different areas of Alaska, so what you just read seems a little contradictory. Do you take a cruise and try see half a dozen places, but only see them for a short time, or do you want to visit a few different places, but really be able to experience those places? The choice is yours, but I recommend picking two or three places (depending on the length of your trip) in different areas so you can see more variety and enjoy your time in each place. For example, if you have a week to travel, check out Denali National Park to see the Interior, and then head to Seward or Valdez to visit the coast.

Touristy

Maybe this is just from the outside looking in since I haven’t taken an Alaska cruise myself, but I feel like cruises and tours are very touristy. Looking up the word “touristy”, one definition suggested its meaning as lacking authenticity, and I guess that’s what I’m getting at here. Between the rushed nature of it, all the planned out activities, lack of spontaneous adventures and conversations with locals, it just feels like you’re getting a very watered down version of what Alaska really is, and you’re missing out on the real adventure of Alaska.

What should I do instead of taking a cruise?

So now that I’ve maybe convinced you to not take a cruise, how should you travel through Alaska? Here are some options for you.

Camping and RVing

Rent a camper, RV, or tent it out and go camping! It’s a great way to really experience Alaska’s natural beauty, meet locals who are out camping in the midnight sun, and you can travel at your own pace. This method of travel is convenient because, unless you’re tent camping, you don’t have to pack up everything whenever you head to your next destination, which gives you more time to enjoy Alaska. Also, you can do some of your own cooking to save a bit of money, and if you RV you won’t need to worry about how far the next restroom is!

Quartz Creek Campground near Cooper Landing, Alaska.
Wake up to views like this while camping in Alaska.

Road Trip and Lodging

Find a hotel, lodge, or Airbnb, stay awhile, and then explore a new area. Travel just like you would anywhere else, except just do it in the Last Frontier. This option allows you to have more time to explore an area, you won’t be as rushed, and you can check out more local activities and adventures. There are so many great local options as far as lodges and Airbnbs go, and in bigger cities and towns you’ll find many hotels, too. Just don’t make the mistake of booking too late.

Cabins at Eagle's Rest RV in Valdez, Alaska.
Stay at these cozy cabins in Valdez.

When should I take a cruise?

If your options are to do a cruise or not to visit Alaska, just take the cruise. If you can, though, try add some time on a tour bus to your trip package so you can see more of Alaska. Seeing some of Alaska will always be better than seeing none of it! And if it’s your second trip to Alaska, a cruise might be a good option for you.

I still would recommend that you shouldn’t take an Alaska cruise, that you should try to hit the open road at your own pace and save cruising for a second trip to Alaska, but I understand if that doesn’t work for you. Who knows, maybe I’ll end up taking an Alaska cruise someday, too!

If you have questions about visiting Alaska, feel free to leave a comment below, sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter, or send me an email. You can also join the Everyday Alaska Travel Tips, Information, and Advice group, and/or our New to Alaska Tips, Information, and Advice group to ask any questions you may have. I’m happy to help you get the most out of your time in our beautiful Last Frontier, and I hope you enjoy Alaska as much as we do!  

Driving along a highway in Alaska.
Taking a long road trip on a beautiful Alaska day.

7 Reasons to Visit Alaska Before You Retire

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“Oh, we’ll just save up and visit Alaska when we retire.” This is the story of so many people waiting to fulfill their Alaska vacation dream. If you’re reading this, it’s likely you’re maybe one of those people. But, I’m here to convince you that you should visit Alaska before you retire.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Fireweed in Valdez, Alaska. Don't miss seeing these sights while you're young!
Fireweed in Valdez, Alaska. Don’t miss seeing these sights while you’re young!

Why should I visit Alaska before I retire?

Alaska is a vast and beautiful state. Visiting here is a unique adventure all it’s own, and one you don’t want to miss out on. And it’s definitely an vacation you’ll enjoy more when you can truly experience all of it.

I came up with the idea of writing this post from something my father in law once said. We were heading up north and stopped at the Alaska Veteran’s Memorial. While we were there, a large tour bus full of people pulled up. As the people filed out, my father in law (then in his mid seventies), commented “here comes the geriatric stampede!” It was so funny, especially considering his own age, but the more I thought about it the more I thought it was a bit sad, too.

Many of these people, who probably waited their whole lives to visit Alaska, were now at a point in their lives where they couldn’t really enjoy Alaska to the fullest. They were just being herded from one point to another in the “geriatric stampede.”

Now, I’m not saying that if you visit Alaska when you’re retirement age you won’t enjoy it, because Alaska is worth the trip no matter your age, and I’m definitely not saying you can’t do these things past a certain age, but coming to Alaska while you’re younger has many advantages, and I’ll list some of them below.

Getting Here

Just getting to Alaska is often an adventure in itself. Depending on where you’re leaving from, you could be traveling thousands of miles via plane or car to your dream Alaska vacation. That in itself can be tiring, no matter how old you are. And, if you have certain medical problems or mobility issues, this makes for a difficult trip.

Mobility

Speaking of mobility, to truly enjoy all Alaska has to offer, it’s so helpful to be able to get around easily. From hiking to snowboarding, and day cruises to salmon fishing, being mobile really helps you to be able to do more activities and take part in all the adventures we get to enjoy as locals.

Homer Small Boat Harbor in Summer
Homer Harbor. The beautiful harbors of Homer, Seward, and Valdez are great spots to walk around.

Accessibility

Since we just covered mobility, we might as well chat about accessibility. I’d love to tell you that Alaska is very accessible, and if you use a walker or wheelchair you’ll still be able to get around just fine, but unfortunately you won’t. Restaurants are very crowded during summer, accessible vehicle rentals may be hard to find, hotels get full fast likely leaving handicap rooms unavailable; you get the point. But, that does not mean traveling while needing some additional accessibility assistance is impossible!

If you’re planning your Alaska vacation and do use a walker, wheelchair, or any assistive devices don’t give up your dream! Please check out my contact information at the end of this post, and I’ll help you the best I can to figure out places and activities that will be suited to your needs, and to help you best enjoy your time in the Last Frontier!

A trip on a Major Marine cruise.
Some of the best excursions in Alaska are on the water.

Energy

If you visit Alaska during the summer, you’ll get familiar with the “midnight sun”, AKA the long daylight hours of the 49th State. And during the summer, there’s not much rest. As residents, we all take advantage of the long days and get as much out of them as possible to thaw out after long, cold winters. This means we’re up early and out late, so you likely will be too since many things are open later and there’s lots to see! Will you have the energy to keep up with an Alaskan summer? That’s up to you!

Rest Stops

Alrighty, let’s talk rest stops. If you need to use the restroom frequently due to medication or any other reason, rest stops are very few and far between. If you do end up traveling to Alaska at a time when you need to stop more frequently, I’d suggest planning shorter day trips or possible traveling in a small motorhome so you have facilities with you.

A late night stop for fuel near Girdwood.
A late night stop for fuel near Girdwood.

Moving

Not surprisingly, there are quite a few people who come to Alaska and end up so enamored with it that they move here! Could that be you? Maybe so! But, if you wait too long it might be harder for you to make the move to a place that you could have called home many years ago if only you would have just visited Alaska when you were younger.

Time

Not to be negative or morbid, but you never know when you’ll run out of time. That’s just the reality of life, so plan the trip now and visit Alaska before you retire. You can always come back later, do a cruise or something a little less rigorous, but you can never go back and take the trip you wish you took when you were younger.

How can I afford to visit Alaska while I’m young?

One of the major things that holds people back from traveling to Alaska while they’re young is the cost. But, where there’s a will there’s a way. Stay fewer days, do some DIY fishing from the bank instead of a charter, visit during a less busy season; there are ways to make it a less expensive trip. What really makes Alaska a must-visit destination are the miraculous sights and wonderful people, and those experiences are free.

I know some of this may seem a little harsh, like I’m saying if you’re retirement age you can’t get around or enjoy Alaska, but that’s not it at all. I wrote this post to encourage you not to wait. Enjoy life now. Travel when you can enjoy Alaska to it’s fullest, even if it means a shorter trip, a tighter budget, and less excursions, it’s better to have gone while you can than for it to just be a dream.

If you have questions about visiting Alaska, feel free to leave a comment below, sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter, or send me an email. You can also join the Everyday Alaska Travel Tips, Information, and Advice group, and/or our New to Alaska Tips, Information, and Advice group to ask any questions you may have. I’m happy to help you get the most out of your time in our beautiful Last Frontier, and I hope you enjoy Alaska as much as we do!

Black bear in Valdez, Alaska at Allison Point.
A black bear in Valdez, Alaska.

My 5 Most Loved Places in Alaska

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How could someone pick their favorite place in a state filled with so much beauty, adventure, excitement, and exploration? You can’t! That’s why I’ve picked my five most loved places in Alaska, since I can’t narrow it down to just one. So, without further ado, let’s explore my favorite places in my home state of Alaska.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

A brown bear near Cooper Landing.
Read along to find the location of this photo!

How do you pick your favorite spots in Alaska?

That’s a great question! I don’t have any technical point system, a list of specific criteria, or any type of special way to pick my favorite spots. The places listed below I have picked for their beauty, not only in the landscape but in the people and wildlife, the adventure, the sense of community, nostalgia, good food (because who doesn’t love to eat!), and more. The following places aren’t in any particular order since it would be difficult to rank such wonderful spots, but I love them all for different reasons. Check out the list below of my most loved places in Alaska.

Cantwell

You might not think of a village in the middle of Alaska as one of my top destinations, but family ties, stunning scenery, the road trip there from any direction, and wildlife make this one of my favorite spots in the state. Although it isn’t a top tourist destination, with activities that will fill day’s worth of your itinerary, it’s one of the most beautiful spots in Alaska, and is also a starting/ending point to the scenic Denali Highway (not to be confused with the Denali Park Road), and a great jumping off point to experience Denali National Park.

Denali Highway
The boys and I off of the Denali Highway near Cantwell.

Cooper Landing

Is Cooper Landing my favorite spot on the Kenai Peninsula? Probably so, although it was in close competition with Seward! With Kenai Lake and the beautiful Kenai River, tons of good wildlife spotting (the first photo in this post was just south of Cooper Landing along the river), and great fishing opportunities, what’s not to love! The mountainous views alone make me feel at home (see the final place on our list to find out where that is!), and the small community feel and good food make us want to do frequent day trips to Cooper Landing. Check out my Kenai Peninsula Itinerary for more details on what to do in this picturesque destination!

A brown bear at Russian River Falls parking area near Cooper Landing.
A brown bear at Russian River Falls parking area near Cooper Landing.

Palmer

If I could pick a spot to live in Alaska that has the conveniences of a city, the feel of a small town, and the scenic Alaska views, it would be Palmer. It is a quite a bit busier than it used to be and it’s definitely windy, but I still love to visit there and enjoy the small shops, eateries, and the community feel.

The Muskox Farm in Palmer.
The Muskox Farm in Palmer.

Skagway

If you’re taking an Alaskan cruise, this spot may be on your itinerary. It’s been decades since I’ve visited Skagway, but I have such good memories of our trip there that I had to add it to the list. The history, buildings, and views are worth the trip. This is truly the most “touristy” destination on my list, but I love it!

Valdez

Home sweet home! My favorite place: Valdez, Alaska! Glaciers, mountains, wildlife, fishing, waterfalls, sightseeing, kayaking, and great people; what more could you ask for? If you want the true Alaskan small town experience without so much traffic and all the hubbub of a major tourist hot spot, check out Valdez. It’s worth the drive! Learn more from our Valdez Itinerary and our Guide to Valdez’s Sights and Wildlife.

Harbor in Valdez, Alaska.
The Valdez Harbor.

Okay, folks, there you have it, my list of most loved places in Alaska! Although I can’t say I’ve traveled all over our massive state, I have seen a lot, and these spots take the cake (or baked Alaska 😉 ). My question to you is what’s your favorite town in Alaska, or where would you most like to travel in the Last Frontier?

If you have questions about visiting Alaska, feel free to leave a comment below, sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter, or send me an email. You can also join the Everyday Alaska Travel Tips, Information, and Advice group, and/or our New to Alaska Tips, Information, and Advice group to ask any questions you may have. I’m happy to help you get the most out of your time in our beautiful Last Frontier, and I hope you enjoy Alaska as much as we do!