Everyday Alaska

Everyday Life in The Last Frontier

Cooper Landing

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!  

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!

The Best Places to See Wildlife From Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula

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Many people come to Alaska to see wildlife. Seeing moose, bears, sheep, goats, and an extensive list of other Alaskan wildlife are on everyone’s bucket list. The question is, where can you find these amazing animals? Don’t worry, I’ve got the scoop on the best places to see wildlife from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula. And, if you’ll be be traveling to other areas of Alaska, you can check out my Alaskan Wildlife Bucket List here to get more information about wildlife across our beautiful state.

Moose Denali National Park Alaska in the fall
A bull moose in Denali during fall.

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.

What animals will I be able to see from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula?

Obviously, I can’t guarantee that you’ll see all or any of these animals on your way from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula, but I would say you’ll have a good chance of seeing at least a few. Some of the wildlife you might see will be moose, eagles, bears, and swans. You may even see sheep, goats, puffins, and whales! A lot of this is right place right time, and knowing where to look, which I’ll walk you through below.

An eagle spotted along the Sterling Highway.

When can I see wildlife on my travels to the Kenai Peninsula?

Great question! This will depend a lot on the time of year you visit. You’re very likely to see moose and eagles any time of the year. Sheep and goat sightings will likely be more sparse during winter months, and bears will be hibernating from late fall until spring. Belugas may be seen during parts of July and August along the Turnagain Arm.

A group of Dall sheep just outside of Cooper Landing.

Where are the best places to see wildlife from Anchorage through the Kenai Peninsula?

Alright, let’s get to it, shall we? Below, we’ll make the trek from Anchorage down to Homer, and over to Seward as well, so we’ll cover a lot of territory and wildlife on our journey. Grab your binoculars and buckle up!

A Google Maps itinerary of the places mentioned below. A. Potter Marsh B. Beluga Point C. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center D. Bridge in Cooper Landing E. Cooper Landing F. Russian River Falls G. Sterling H. Homer I. Seward

Anchorage

The start of our journey, Anchorage. As you drive around town, you’ll likely see eagles perched on trees around the city. They are fairly common to see, along with one larger animal, the moose.

There are moose scattered all around Anchorage. I know it’s surprising that you could find such a big critter right in Alaska’s largest city, but they’re there! Along sidewalks, highways, and in parks, moose make themselves at home wherever they please. Which brings me to another point. You’ll need to watch out for moose when walking about and on the road when driving, along with other wildlife. And, as I’m sure you know, all of the wildlife is wild. Sadly, they do not want to be your friends, so keep your distance.

Another animal you may see while in Anchorage is the black bear. Check out Kincaid Park, where you might get a glimpse at these amazing critters, along with more eagles and moose.

Potter Marsh

Next up on our adventure, Potter Marsh. Located on the outskirts of Anchorage, this little oasis is an ideal spot for birdwatchers. You can also see salmon during certain times of the year, and if you’re lucky moose can be spotted at Potter Marsh as well.

Beluga Point

Beluga Point, the name says it all! During July and August, belugas are cruising along this area of the Turnagain Arm, not too far down from Potter Marsh. I’ve seen them there during mid August, and it was so exciting!

Turnagain Arm

As you continue down the Seward Highway, you’ll be right along the waters of the Turnagain Arm, as mentioned above. In the areas where you’re seeing more jagged cliffs on the other side of the road, be on the lookout for Dall sheep. Sometimes they’ll venture down the mountain right to the road, and other times you’ll likely see them best from a pullout using binoculars.

Dall sheep on cliffs above Turnagain Arm along the Seward Highway.
Dall sheep on the cliffs above the Turnagain Arm along the Seward Highway.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

I know I said there’s no guaranteed animal sightings, but this is quite close to a guarantee. I know this isn’t the “in the wild” viewing many people want to do, but the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is such an amazing stop that I had to add it in here. Learn more about it here!

Cooper Landing

You’ll see some turnouts as you head into and through Cooper Landing. These are worthwhile places to pull off at and glass for sheep and goats. They are always amazing to watch, as their agility and balance is unmatched in the rugged terrain. Just last weekend we saw both sheep and goats in the area, so it’s worth taking the time to try spot some on the mountains.

Collard cow moose with one of her twin calves.
A collared cow moose with one of her twin calves in the Swan Lake burn area near Cooper Landing.

Kenai Lake

You’ll cross over a bridge in Cooper Landing shortly after passing Wildman’s convenience store. Check around this area for swans, as there are a group of them that stay in the waters of Kenai Lake even during the winter.

Swans in Kenai Lake.

Russian River Falls

This is one spot I haven’t been to, but it’s on my bucket list! Russian River Falls, just outside of Cooper Landing, is a well know spot to see bears. When the salmon are running in the Russian River, the bears head there for a feast, so you may get a chance to see them. But, well before you head out, view these bear safety tips!

Roadside Moose

There’s a chance you’ll see moose along your whole drive, but once you get to straighter stretches of road after Cooper Landing, your chances of seeing them really go up! Sighting of moose on and along the highway from Sterling down to Homer are quite frequent, so keep an eye out for them and drive safe.

A moose near Soldotna, Alaska along the Sterling highway in April.
A moose near Soldotna along the Sterling Highway.

The Homer Spit

Head on down to the famous Homer Spit to view sea otters in the harbor, and also get great opportunities to view eagles as well. We just saw sea otters in the harbor last weekend, and boy are they fun to watch! If you head out on a boat from Homer, chances are you’ll see other marine wildlife, and speaking of marine life, let’s head to Seward!

Alaska SeaLife Center

The Alaska SeaLife Center is the marine life equivalent to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. It’s a must-stop place in Seward. Once again, I know it’s not animals in the wild, but it’s such an informative, interesting, and interactive place to visit that I couldn’t skip it on our list of adventures. Learn more about it here!

Glacier and Wildlife Cruise

Ahoy, matey! Our last stop is in the beautiful waters outside of Seward. Hop aboard a glacier and wildlife cruise to see a plethora of marine wildlife. A variety of whales, seals, sea lions, puffins, and more are just some of the things you might see on one of these awesome adventures on the water.

A couple of whales spotted on a glacier and wildlife cruise out of Seward.

Okay, ladies and gents, our tour has wrapped up! Time to head on back and visit any wildlife viewing areas you may have missed along the way down the Peninsula. But, with all this being said, wildlife is unpredictable. There are chances you’ll see black bears in Cooper Landing, no sheep on the mountains near the Turnagain Arm, have no eagle sightings, and see a huge pod of belugas at Beluga Point. You really never know, but what I’m hoping is that this Alaska wildlife guide will give you a better chance at seeing wildlife from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula.

Do you have any questions about Alaska travel? Feel free to leave a comment below, or sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter, and 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!