The Best Places to Take Pictures in Soldotna

Whether you’re looking for a scenic landscape or an Insta-worthy selfie, here are the top spots to take snaps. They’re not only incredibly beautiful, but they also capture the spirit of Soldotna.

Soldotna Visitor Center

Right in front of the center of the Soldotna Visitor Center is a large bench with fish carved in it (locals call it the Fish Bench), and it’s a popular spot for a group photo. Then take the stairs behind the visitor center down to the boardwalk for stellar views of the Kenai River.

Homestead Museum

If you’re looking to include some history in your pictures, head to the Homestead Museum. This outdoor museum features a collection of original homestead cabins, including the last territorial schoolhouse in Soldotna—before Alaska became a state!

Soldotna Creek Park

Follow the boardwalks at Soldotna Creek Park down to the Kenai River, or appreciate the views from further up the bank. It’s a great spot for a wilderness shot. Along the banks, you’ll find beautiful wildflowers; in July and August, you might see columbine and fireweed.

With Your Catch

What better photograph than with a salmon reeled in right from the Kenai! See our list of public fish walks and access stairs for the DIY crowd, or our list of recommended charter companies in the Soldotna area.

City Hall

The landscaping at the is spectacular: In summer, you’ll find a blooming lilac tree; in winter, there’s a weeping birch covered in frost.

Aerial view

Several flightseeing companies take off from the Soldotna Airstrip, allowing you to see the town and the Kenai River from above, as well as surrounding mountains, volcanoes, and ice fields. Or use Soldotna as a launching pad to fly to national parks across the inlet, where you can get great aerial shots and then photograph bears in their natural habitat.

Soldotna Public Library

In summer, the Soldotna Public Library landscaping lends a colorful backdrop to any photo—which is why it’s a popular spot for high school students to stage prom photos. In winter, get a photo in a big cozy chair next to the fireplace.

Ice skating at Soldotna Creek Park

Get a snap cruising through the park on skates! It’s a classic scene during the day; at night, the park ups the ante with animal cutouts wrapped in twinkly lights...a true winter wonderland.

Kenai River Memorial Bridge

Park at the Soldotna Visitor Center and follow the paved path that parallels the highway over the bridge. You’ll get a perfect view of the Kenai River, as well as the public fish walks and boardwalks.

Slikok Creek State Park Day Use Area

Head to the Slikok Creek State Park here for a less crowded view of the river. There’s a boardwalk to take photos, as well as two trails down to the river.

Skilak Lake Road

It’s worth the 40-minute drive north of Soldotna to this area (part of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge). At Hidden Creek Overlook, discover spectacular views of Skilak Lake and the surrounding mountains year-round. Also take in the vista at mile 3, created by the 2019 Swan Lake fire; you’ll see the magnificent Kenai River where it enters into Skilak Lake, as well as the mountains beyond.

Soldotna Sign

With three gateway signs around town, there are plenty of opportunities to snap yourself with the “Welcome to Soldotna” slogan! One is on the Spur Highway, another is on the Sterling Highway as you enter from the north (near the Fred Meyer grocery store), and a third is just across from the Visitor Center.