Conveniently located on the scenic Upper Kenai River near Cooper Landing, Alaska, the Kenai Riverside Lodge is more than a world-class fishing lodge. You can hike, raft, fish, attend naturalist programs or stroll the nature trail overlooking the breathtaking Kenai River.
Whether you prefer to explore Alaska’s wilderness by foot or boat, the Kenai Riverside Lodge is an ideal home base. A world-class Alaska fishing lodge located on the upper Kenai River near Cooper Landing, the Kenai Riverside Lodge offers unique accommodations, home-cooked meals and an array of activities for all ages and abilities. Whether you hike, raft, fish or attend naturalist programs by day, in the evening your most difficult decision will be whether to relax in the wood-fired sauna or in a rocking chair overlooking the breathtaking Kenai River.
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Kenai Riverside Lodge review includes a detailed description and photo gallery. Our Alaska experts have stayed at Kenai Riverside Lodge firsthand. Please read our lodge review below then contact our experts to compare the Kenai Riverside Lodge with other adventure lodging packaged within Alaska national park tours and Alaska land tours.
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Choose the Kenai Riverside Lodge for its covered deck that overlooks the Kenai River. It is large enough to accommodate small group tours and the many anglers who frequent the lodge. This wilderness lodge is often the first destination AdventureSmith travelers visit on an Alaskan small group tour to the Kenai Peninsula; it serves as a perfect introduction to the wilderness lodge experience. Set on the banks of the wild, glacier-fed Kenai River, it has a backcountry feel yet features amenities like private bathrooms and heated cabins. Don’t leave without visiting the wood-fired sauna, perhaps complementing it with a splash in the frigid Kenai River.
Entertainment for all ages and abilities is easily found at Kenai Riverside Lodge. Self-guided nature paths wind along wooded spaces and between the lodge and cabins with interpretive signs explaining the native flora and fauna. Horseshoe courts offer daily entertainment for those interested as well as ping-pong on the riverside deck. A library, lounge and many rocking chairs offer relaxation, and the lodge is wheelchair accessible. Hours may be spent on the covered deck scoping for bald eagles or watching salmon swim by in the mesmerizing turquoise waters of the Kenai. The wood-fired sauna can be heated in an instant, and is especially delightful after a cool plunge into the Kenai River. Internet is available in common areas (not cabins) and cell phone service is generally available throughout the property.
Kenai Riverside Lodge takes great pride in their food. Adventurous chefs put time and love into every meal. Wake up each morning to a hot breakfast buffet before heading out for a guided activity, taking your made-to-order lunch with you. In the evening, dine on four-course meals served family-style in the lodge. Share stories about the day over a glass of wine or Alaskan micro-brew beer, on the riverside deck or near the campfire. Specific dietary needs and food allergies can be accommodated when staff is notified in advance.
Most travelers at the Kenai Riverside Lodge visit as part of a large package with guided activities already included; however, if you extend your stay or book a custom adventure then the following activities may be available at an additional cost:
Spend a day rafting down the Kenai Canyon and through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, watching for moose, salmon and bald eagles as your guides share stories behind the sights.
Hike with an expert naturalist guide on the trails of the Chugach National Forest or Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and learn about native uses for the numerous plants and flowers seen along the way.
Spend a day of guided fishing on the world-famous Kenai River for salmon or trout. Both novice and avid anglers will have an unforgettable experience fishing in Alaska with expert guides.
Travelers who hadn’t considered incorporating a day of fishing into their original itinerary often see the beautiful catches at the lodge and get excited to try their own hand at fishing. We encourage you to consider upgrading your trip to include a day or more of fishing prior to arrival, as fishing programs fill up quickly. The best way to guarantee fishing availability is to book your fishing arrangements in advance. Please contact our Adventure Specialists for more information.
What really distinguishes the Kenai Riverside Lodge is the amazing staff who work there. Many return year after year and their experience pays off with excellent customer service. The lodge’s owner and operators take great care of their staff and in return the staff genuinely cares about the guests’ experiences in Alaska.
16 log cabins nestled in the trees surrounding the main lodge feature the rustic charm of historical Alaskan pioneer cabins. The addition of modern-day comforts like heat, electric lights, private bathrooms, comfortable bedding and Adirondack chairs on private front porches make long Alaska days under the midnight sun delightful. Cabins purposefully lack TVs, phones and internet connections so guests may experience a strong connection to the natural world, especially while relaxing on the banks of the beautiful Kenai River. Each cabin accommodates up to four people, but they are most comfortable with two guests per cabin.
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Eager to learn what it is like to stay at the Kenai Riverside Lodge or its Homes? Through written Expert Reviews learn from our team who has traveled extensively through Alaska and stayed at this very lodge firsthand. Or browse the Kenai Riverside Lodge’s sister properties, both of which offer a similar backcountry feel and experience.
Alaska's Kenai Peninsula captures every environment that the state has to offer all in one small region. AdventureSmith's founder reviews his time at three wilderness lodges on the Alaska Wildland Collection.
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Adventure Specialist Leslie Camacho reviews her Alaska small ship cruise aboard the 76-guest Wilderness Explorer and post-cruise land trip on the Kenai Peninsula.
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