FROM SOLDOTNA TO HOMER, ALASKA

The Kenai Peninsula in Alaska – from Soldotna to Homer

Soldotna is a small town – with lots of shops, stores, restaurants and a few good campgrounds. It is certainly a centre for fishing as there are numerous lodges, guide services and lots of fishing from the banks of the Kenai River – which flows through the town.

Fishing on the Kenai River

We used Soldotna as our ‘base camp’ (more on Soldotna in a separate post) to explore the west part of the Kenai Peninsula as it’s cheaper to drive the car on day trips than take the mo-ho, then try to find camping along the way. It’s actually not that far of a drive, and quite interesting as well.

The place we most wanted to see is called Homer – and is about a 1 ½ hour drive (78 miles) on the Sterling Hwy.

The road is good, paved and has lots of passing lanes and slow-vehicle turn-outs (which is a must – you can’t have more than 5 vehicles following you – you MUST use the turn-out) and scenic viewpoints. And, as the scenery along the way is stunning – with views of the ‘ring of fire’ volcanoes such as Mt. Redoubt (which last erupted in 2009), Mt. Iliamna & Mt. Spurr – you’ll probably be stopping often!

One place to stop and explore along the way is Ninilchuk, a historic Russian village – with the first Russian School House, The Melania Curtis Home and the Village Store – all built in the late 1800’s. The view is spectacular from the beach here across the Cook Inlet … a very worthy stop!

View from beach at Ninilchuk, Alaska – Mt. Redoubt in background

Russian church in Ninilchuk

Homer ‘proper’ lies at the end of the Kenai Peninsula, with Kachemak Bay lining it’s shores. It was occupied about 1,000 years ago by the Dena’ina Athabascan Indians, then in the late 1700’s it began to attract Russian explorers, trappers & traders. In the late 1800’s coal was mined here and it became the early economic base. Now fishing is the main attraction, with a thriving commercial fishery as well as numerous tour companies & guides offering fishing charters in the rich Alaskan waters.

Now, the main attraction is the Homer Spit – a 4.5 mile strip of land reaching out into Kachemak Bay. It’s a double-lane road to the end and lined with shops, tour companies, restaurants, galleries and lots and lots of parking.  Parking seems mostly free … and you can stay in any of the lots for up to 7 days – RV’s included (no hook-ups of course).  Fairly crowded parking lots but free all the same!

The marina is huge and evident from almost everywhere on the spit. Restaurants are varied and offer fresh seafood & local beers – we stopped at the Harbour Grill as it had a great patio with umbrellas and views to the water. (The Halibut Ceviche is really good!)

There are also tours to see bears available, hikes to be had around the area and a paved bike/walking path right to the end of the spit.

There are numerous places to visit outside of Homer via water taxi or air on the opposite side of Kachemak Bay … hiking, kayaking or exploring to name a few things. It looks amazing but alas, our budget doesn’t allow for such luxuries!

All in all … Homer is a very pleasant way to while away the afternoon.  If you’re an angler or boater tho … you could find lots of things/places to occupy you around Homer & The Spit!