Cooper Landing Day Tours & Attractions
Experience thrilling adventures in Cooper Landing. Opt for a fishing charter on the Kenai River, where you’ll have the chance to catch salmon and trout, or take a tranquil rafting tour marveling at the scenery and looking for wildlife along the riverbank. You can also get hands-on and learn how to pan or even dredge for gold at an exclusive mining camp across Kenai Lake.
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Cooper Landing
Fishing Charters View All
Kenai River • Salmon • Trout
Angle for Alaska’s most iconic fish: salmon (king, sockeye, silver) and trout on a half, three-quarters, or full day fishing charter from Cooper Landing, just 2 hours south of Anchorage on the Kenai Peninsula. Led by expert guides, you’ll fish with all top-quality gear provided and can even ship your catch home with you as a souvenir. Owner David Lisi works with elite guides and will handpick the one that will be the best fit for your group. ...more
Fishing the Kenai Peninsula is pretty much the ultimate for fishermen the world over, and with Alaska River Adventures, even beginners do well. This area is famous for salmon (Kings, reds and silvers), rainbow trout, and Dolly Varden, which Alaska River Adventures can help you find in the amazing green of the Kenai River and other points along the Peninsula. Alaska River Adventure guides have been fishing these waters for years. They’re patient ...more
Founded in 1974, Alaska Rivers Company offers exceptional fishing experiences on the Kenai River. Whether you choose a half-day or full-day tour, you’ll fish in pristine waters within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. The guides are experienced and welcoming, ensuring an enjoyable trip for anglers of all levels. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Kenai Mountains and Chugach National Forest, while fishing for Rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and… ...more
Where will you find Alaska’s best salmon fishing? The Kenai Peninsula is hard to beat. Alaska Wildland Adventures (AWA) has specialized in fishing the Upper Kenai River between Kenai and Skilak Lakes since 1977. Their professional guides are experts in fly-fishing, drift fishing, and back trolling, so you can fish from the boat, the bank, or both. Expect an exciting day of fishing for salmon (red, silver, or king depending on the season), as ...more
Rafting Tours View All
Alaska River Adventures Kenai River rafting trips are some of its most popular and accessible excursions – and are a great value too. Full day trips showcase 19 miles of Alaska wild from Kenai Lake to Skilak Lake, giving plenty of time for spotting wildlife, historic spots and gorgeous views from all angles. When you have just a few hours, a scenic and serene 14-mile float of the Upper Kenai River provides a variety of sights, from historic ...more
Alaska Wildland Adventures pioneered floating the mellow, turquoise Kenai River and has operated continuously since 1977. Join them for a serene 2‑hour float, or take on a 7‑hour adventure, complete with fun Class II+ rapids and a cruise through a glacial lake. AWA’s Kenai River Scenic Float Trip offers a nice introduction to the river, taking you along a stretch of the scenic Upper Kenai closed to motorized boats. Watch for wildlife as your ...more
Alaska Rivers Company offers a 2 – 3 hour scenic float through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, perfect for all ages with stunning views and wildlife sightings. For a more adventurous experience, take a 6.5‑hour journey through the Kenai Canyon, navigating Class II rapids and exploring the remote Alaskan wilderness. Whether you seek a relaxing float or an exciting rafting adventure, Alaska Rivers Company offers the perfect trip with experienced ...more
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Points of Interest View All
Learn how the fish are raised from small alevin to fry and beyond to smolt size before being released into surrounding lakes and bays. Depending on the fish cycle, there may or may not be fish to view, so please call ahead. If there are no fish to be seen, you’re welcome to look at a small photo gallery and learn about the fish production cycle, and understand why hatchery’s play such an important role in keeping our fish population… ...more
Here’s our list of places to see wildlife on the Kenai Peninsula, as well as tours to get you to the good spots.
Quick: what’s the longest combined rail and highway tunnel in North America? It’s the Anderson Memorial Tunnel, and you’ll drive through it on the scenic and historic drive to Whittier. The Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area is a place whose valleys and mountains, communities and people tell the larger story of a wild place and a rugged frontier. This audio guide gives you the inside scoop on its fascinating history. You’ll… ...more
Shop for unique Alaskan-made art, jewelry, and much more at this one-of-a-kind log-cabin gift shop in Cooper Landing. Conveniently located just 90 miles from Anchorage and 50 miles from Seward, you can also try your hand at gold panning right outside the store.
Historic Parks & Sites View All
Quick: what’s the longest combined rail and highway tunnel in North America? It’s the Anderson Memorial Tunnel, and you’ll drive through it on the scenic and historic drive to Whittier. The Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area is a place whose valleys and mountains, communities and people tell the larger story of a wild place and a rugged frontier. This audio guide gives you the inside scoop on its fascinating history. You’ll… ...more
Gold Panning View All
Discover Alaska’s wild side as you pan for real gold in scenic, remote locations. Learn from experts, enjoy breathtaking views, and keep your finds!
Get a taste of the Alaskan wilderness as you hunt for gold with expert gold miners. Those short on time can enjoy roadside gold panning. Have 2 or more hours? Get into the wilderness to remote mining camps to learn how to dredge and pan for gold. Keep the gold you find! All adventures begin at Prospector John’s basecamp store in Cooper Landing, just 90 miles from Anchorage.