Cooper Landing is a census-designated place located in the Kenai Peninsula Borough of Alaska. It is approximately 100 miles south of Anchorage and is at the outlet of Kenai Lake and Kenai River. The community is named for the fishing port that is located nearby. However, the town is not well known for its fishing. It does not have a downtown or even an airport. Instead, it is a rural community that offers a wide variety of activities.
The town of Cooper Landing is several miles south of Anchorage and on the Sterling Highway, which connects the Kenai Peninsula to points north. In addition to the historic district, the town has several lodges, bed and breakfasts, and cabins. There are also campgrounds and RV parks nearby. There are also a number of Forest Service cabins, many of which require float plane transport. While some of the cabins can be reached on foot, others are in remote areas and must be reached by float plane.
Travel to Cooper Landing is not easy, but it is worth the trip. There are no other options besides a flight. The town is accessible only by plane, which will take about an hour to reach. If you choose to fly into the town, you should consider hiring a guide to help you navigate the area. Alternatively, if you plan to fish, it is recommended to rent a canoe. The river is navigable, and you can find excellent places to catch salmon.
If you are traveling by car, the town has several RV parks and campgrounds. Its proximity to Sterling and Homer makes it easy to get around by car. The nearest cities are Sterling and Soldotna. Regardless of how you get to Cooper Landing, there is plenty to do. You can go rafting, hike, or fish, or take a boat out on the lake. There is a small shopping area, but there is no other place to buy goods and services.
This historic town is also a popular starting point for rafting trips down the Kenai River. The outfitters that operate out of the town offer scenic floats and Class II-III whitewater in the Kenai Canyon. In addition to the river, Cooper Landing offers comfortable lodging, excellent restaurants, and other services to tourists. The quaint town of Cooper Landing is the perfect place to explore the local wilderness. It is a great base for a vacation in the mountains.
The town of Cooper Landing is an excellent place to go hiking. The town is home to several hiking trails, including Skyline Trail, which is a three-mile hike on the Sterling Highway. It has a maximum elevation gain of 1,600 feet and is a popular day-hiking destination in the spring and fall. At the top of the trail, there are numerous panoramic views of the Kenai River and is part of the National Heritage Area.