VIBRANT ALASKA FALL FOLIAGE NEAR SOLDOTNA B&B

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As we say “goodbye” to yet another glorious summer here at Soldotna B&B Lodge, hundreds of “leaf peepers” and autumn fishing enthusiasts flock to our particularly beautiful stretch of the Kenai River. The Kenai Peninsula is known for its world-class salmon fishing, breathtaking bear adventures, and awe-inspiring glaciers, but don’t overlook the endless birding, canoeing, and hiking possibilities near our top-rated Alaska fishing lodge. [/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent” position=”center” up=”2″ down=”0″][blockquote text=”There are several exciting, or perhaps relaxing ways to discover our region’s most vibrant Alaska fall foliage, which is why we offer over a dozen unique packages that cater to travelers of all kinds.” show_quote_icon=”yes”][vc_separator type=”transparent” position=”center” up=”3″ down=”0″][vc_column_text]
Visiting Alaska in September
There are countless crowd-pleasing things to do in Alaska in September, but the best ways to observe Soldotna’s vivid foliage is by embarking on a fishing, canoeing, or birding excursion led by a licensed, professional guide. Every autumn, the Kenai Peninsula’s lush forestry transforms into a gorgeous blend of marigold, kelly green, and amber—even in our peaceful backyard!
Fall Fishing
Yes, Soldotna B&B Lodge rests alongside the teal Kenai River, but you might as well obtain a bird’s-eye view of this brilliant land from inside a float plan en route to a tranquil locale. Wolverine Creek and Crescent Lake are two of the most desirable fly-out fishing destinations in the world. The quintessential Alaska fall foliage that wholly encloses these bodies of water is exceptionally bright during autumn’s peak. All of our extensive, fully-customizable packages can also include several days on the world-famous Kenai River and the vastly underrated Kasilof River. Feisty silver salmon and trophy rainbow trout are two of the most common targets during September and October. The Kasilof River, in particular, welcomes thousands upon thousands of steelhead trout in the fall.
Canoeing
Clever travelers who prefer the tranquility of this region’s backcountry typically explore the Kenai Peninsula’s interconnected canoe trails, particularly Swan Lake and Swanson River. These two hidden gems have been traversed on several occasions by your hosts, Steven and Monika, so feel free to ask about the best routes, wildlife hotspots, and picnic locales upon arrival. Both of these navigable canoe trails feature everything you’re hoping to find and so much more: snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear water, serene wildlife, and, of course, vibrant Alaska fall foliage.
Birding
Birding (or “birdwatching”) is a fast-growing activity among outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers across North America, but we’ve been observing the nation’s rarest birds long before it became popularized. And luckily for you, we’ve pieced together two multi-day birding packages where you’ll likely spot more than 60 colorful birds. There’s no denying the awe-striking beauty of bald eagles, puffins, and owls, but there’s just something moving about spotting an endangered species in the wild. Oh, and each mid-day trek will include hours of colorful Alaska fall foliage.
Top-Rated Hotels in Soldotna, Alaska
Unlike most Alaska fishing lodges, Soldotna B&B Lodge is within walking distance of restaurants, shops, coffee, and even a brewery. And yet, our secluded, wooded location along the turquoise Kenai River provides a classic wilderness atmosphere. Don’t forget to research what to wear in Alaska in September as temperatures can fluctuate on a daily basis. We still have limited availability in September and October. To book a well-deserved escape to the Kenai Peninsula, please call us today at 1-877-262-4779. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

SUMMERTIME SALTWATER ALASKA FISHING ADVENTURES

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The much-anticipated fishing season is finally upon us here at Soldotna B&B Lodge as we’re beginning to welcome groups of anglers from far and wide to our heavenly slice of the Kenai Peninsula. Most visiting anglers who visit Soldotna, Alaska, have been dreaming about catching a trophy king salmon since they were young, but one of the most overlooked fishing locales in our region is the crisp Pacific Ocean waters near Homer, Alaska. [/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent” position=”center” up=”2″ down=”0″][blockquote text=”Guests can hop aboard sturdy, state-of-the-art vessels in search of “barn-door” halibut, saltwater kings, rockfish, and many more delicious species. Summertime Alaska fishing adventures near Homer are incredibly tough to beat if you’re hoping to combine natural beauty, wildlife viewing, and, of course, unforgettable battles with the creatures from the deep blue.” show_quote_icon=”yes”][vc_separator type=”transparent” position=”center” up=”3″ down=”0″][vc_column_text] Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect this summer during your well-deserved, annual Alaska fishing vacation to Soldotna B&B Lodge!
Saltwater Salmon
Many Alaska fishing adventures are geared toward king salmon because of their sheer size. Successfully baiting, hooking, and reeling in a monster king is a feeling unlike any other – it’s a moment that’s often mounted on a wall or framed on a mantle. You don’t have to venture onto the Kenai or Kasilof rivers to battle a king, silver, or pink salmon as they’re teeming inside the sapphire blue waters surrounding Homer. We typically troll for salmon during these oceanic excursions, but we occasionally jig in our favorite honey holes.
“Barn-Door” Halibut
Homer remains “The Halibut Fishing Capital of the World” as thousands of anglers trek to this faraway land to catch some of the largest flatfish in the world. While halibut weighing in over 200 pounds have been documented, we set our sights on those who weigh between 20 and 50 pounds. The halibut in this weight class are not only swarming inside Cook Inlet, but they’re the tastiest of the bunch. Bottom fishing is the method of choice in Cook Inlet, and we’ll be using baited hooks to lure these crafty flatfish.
Rockfish and Black Bass and Lingcod, Oh My!
The ugliest fish in Cook Inlet near Homer are – without a doubt – the tastiest species in the sea. Rockfish can be quite beautiful when they’re small and bright orange, but the whoppers that are teeming in our waters frequently vary in size, color, and shape. You won’t find better table fare than a rockfish hooked inside Cook Inlet. Lingcod, meanwhile, are terrifying to most as their sharp teeth and unique scale patterns make them look like real-life monsters. While black bass are certainly not overly ugly, they’re quite large in comparison to most bass species found across North America.
Mid-Summer Alaska Fishing Adventures
Our riverfront Alaska fishing lodge rests upon a quiet, scenic stretch of the Kenai River within walking distance of Soldotna’s best restaurants. We have the top-ranked Alaska fishing vacations on TripAdvisor, primarily because of our first-rate guiding services, affordable packages, and supreme hospitality. Start planning your mid-summer, all-inclusive Alaska fishing trip to Soldotna B&B Lodge by giving us a call today at 1-907-262-4779. We still have limited availability this summer, especially for those aiming to visit us during the highly-anticipated silver salmon season! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME ALASKA FISHING TRIPS IN SOLDOTNA

The upcoming fishing season is so close that we can practically smell the fresh, early-morning mountain air and feel the sudden tug from a massive king or feisty silver salmon. There’s still time to book a once-in-a-lifetime spring, summer, or fall Alaska fishing trip on the world-famous Kenai River. But act fast because availability dries up quickly once we near the summer months! Soldotna B&B Lodge not only rests along a particularly beautiful stretch of the Kenai River, but we also have the largest selection of Alaska fishing packages on the peninsula. Our group of experienced, professional fishing guides know the region like the back of their hands, so you’re bound to return home with memories that will last a lifetime. Keep reading to learn why our top-rated Alaska fishing lodge is the perfect riverside locale for a truly unforgettable family, group, or couple’s getaway.

What Makes Us so Unique?

We’ve compiled six reasons why Soldotna B&B Lodge is a genuinely unique fishing destination. Enjoy! Alaska fishing packages galore! – Whether you’re hoping to spend an entire week fishing on the Kenai River searching for scale-tipping salmon or venture onto the Atlantic Ocean to haul in a barn-door halibut, you’ll discover an Alaska fishing package that perfectly suits your group’s size, style, and budget.

Decades of experience – Our diverse group of professional fishing guides have decades of experience in the Kenai, Kasilof, Ninilchik, and Anchor rivers, as well as dozens of streams, creeks, and saltwater honey holes near Homer, AK.

Fresh AND saltwater fishing – Despite being located on the Kenai River, we don’t limit our guests to just local freshwater rivers. Many of our guests wish to experience why Homer is known as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World.”

Add-on adventures – The Last Frontier is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in the world, which is why we urge our visiting anglers to embark on a guided adventure activity (or two) during their stay at Soldotna B&B Lodge. There are countless adventure-based possibilities on the Kenai Peninsula, including bear-viewing, glacier-viewing, dog sledding, and so much more!

A peaceful riverside locale – One of the best parts of the day here at Soldotna B&B Lodge is when everyone gathers in the living room, back patio, and spacious lawn to relax, reflect, and share stories of the day’s best catches.

Conveniently located near local restaurants – What’s amazing about our riverside location is how close we are to Soldotna’s best restaurants. You’ll always be within walking distance of high-quality dining. Ask our friendly, knowledgeable staff upon arrival about dinner suggestions!

salmon springtime fishing
Springtime Alaska Fishing Adventures

We’d be remiss if we didn’t share more information about the upcoming spring fishing season here on the world-famous Kenai Peninsula. Our family-owned and operated bed and breakfast provides three types of guided fishing trips during the spring season: halibut, saltwater kings, and Kenai River kings. Summer doesn’t technically start until late June, so there will also be opportunities to reel in trophy rainbow trout and migrating sockeye salmon in mid-June during spring’s final days.

Most barn-door halibut and freshwater king fishing trips exit from Homer, but we’re more than happy to veer off to another nearby location as we have several hidden gems worth exploring! To learn more about the upcoming spring season, please visit us online. After browsing through our detailed Alaska fishing packages, you’ll understand why Soldotna B&B Lodge is the #1-rated lodge in the area! Please give us a call today at 1-877-262-4779, or email us at info@soldotnalodge.com to book a once-in-a-lifetime fishing trip to The Last Frontier!

ALASKA WEDDINGS AT SOLDOTNA B&B LODGE

There’s just something special about Alaska weddings; perhaps it’s the fresh mountain air, the soothing sounds of a rushing river, and the beautiful natural landscape. Every year, thousands of couples choose the Last Frontier as their destination wedding locale. We’ve helped plan weddings for couples from Sweden, Japan, Switzerland, and, of course, the United States. Is there a better place to recite your heartfelt vows than near the banks of the teal Kenai River in Soldotna, Alaska? Soldotna B&B Lodge provides brides and grooms with the entire package: a picturesque ceremony locale, on-site catering, a spacious reception area, overnight accommodations, and, of course, a head-start on your honeymoon!

Riverfront Ceremony

Say “I do” in Soldotna B&B Lodge’s backyard, which is enclosed by tall trees, the rushing Kenai River, and the soothing sounds of the Alaskan wilderness. Our caring, experienced wedding staff can help plan your dream destination wedding. We can help find a local officiant, a beautiful hand-carved arbor, and fresh flowers.

Photos to Last a Lifetime

After your heartfelt ceremony, pose for photos that will last a lifetime. The backyard at Soldotna B&B Lodge is a popular choice among newlyweds, thanks to our lush foresty and riverfront access, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Hop aboard a boat, pose by our grand stone fireplace, or head down to Soldotna Creek Park. After riverside photos at the park, grab a pint of craft beer at Kenai River Brewery before indulging in first-class catering back at the lodge.

Memorable Wedding Reception

We offer full catering for Alaska weddings of all sizes. Give us a call today at 1-907-262-4779 for complete entree, appetizer, and drink menu options. Many couples choose the freshly-caught salmon and halibut to go along with fresh vegetables, mashed potatoes, and rice pilaf.

Convenient On-Site Lodging

The amazing thing about Alaska weddings here at Soldotna B&B Lodge is the fact that you and your guests will never have to leave the property on your big day. Pose for pictures, recite your vows, enjoy a delicious dinner, celebrate with friends and family, then stroll to your romantic guest room. We have 16 guest rooms in total, which perfectly fits small Alaska weddings. For those planning on eloping in Alaska, just give us a call to set up an elegant elopement or vow renewal.

Start Your Honeymoon in Soldotna, Alaska

Alaska weddings are special because the honeymoon can start seconds after saying “I do.” Start your honeymoon the very next morning by salmon fishing, whale watching, bear viewing, or birding in Alaska. Soldotna is ideally situated on the Kenai River near the very best fishing hot spots and some of the most beautiful places in Alaska, including Skilak Lake, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Resurrection Bay. Please give us a call today at 1-877-262-4779 to learn more about our riverfront property, wedding packages, and Alaska fishing charters.

BIRDING IN ALASKA AT SOLDOTNA B&B LODGE

Birdwatching’s meteoric rise in popularity was a welcomed surprise here in the Last Frontier. Alaskans have been “birding” long before 50 million Americans began venturing into peaceful preserves, popular state parks, and dense, secluded forestry in search of rare birds. We’re lifelong bird lovers here at Soldotna B&B Lodge, which is why created two unique birding in Alaska packages: Birder’s Bounty and Birder’s Brief One. We’re one of the only Alaska fishing lodges to offer birding packages, especially among Soldotna hotels. The experienced, professional guides here at Soldotna B&B Lodge steer eager birdwatchers into the pristine Alaskan wilderness via canoe, cruise ship, drift-boat, and, of course, by foot. Let’s take an in-depth look at the two birding packages as well as possible Alaska birds you’ll be spotting next year at one of the premier hotels in Soldotna, Alaska.

Birder’s Bounty

The five-night Birder’s Bounty package is perfect for seasoned pros looking for a little extra adventure to go along with standard birdwatching. This five-night package features nightly lodging, a welcome gift, daily breakfast, four lunches, rain gear, and hip boots. Each day, you’ll embark on a unique journey into the peaceful Alaskan wilderness on a quest for the rarest birds in North America. You’ll also have the unique opportunity to whale watch in the Pacific Ocean, visit breathtaking glaciers, drift on the world-famous Kenai River, and canoe on the tranquil Swan Lake trail system. To save up to $340 per person, visit us in May, September, or October.

Birder’s Brief One

We fully understand that not everyone can spend four full days birding in Alaska, which is why we added the three-night Birder’s Brief One. The “Brief One” is basically a shorter version of the “Bounty.” You’ll receive a welcome gift, daily breakfast, two lunches, rain gear, and hip boots. Your two days in the wild will also include a six-hour guided whale-watching and glacier-viewing tour in Kenai Fjords National Park, one of the world’s wonders. The next day you’ll drift down the Kenai River and witness the serene beauty of the Last Frontier. The package starts at just $897 per person, based on double occupancy.

Beloved Alaska Birds

In one week here at Soldotna B&B Lodge, you’ll likely spot over 100 species. Here’s a short list of some of most beloved birds we’ve sighted in recent memory while birding in Alaska.

  • Aleutian Tern
  • Black Oystercatcher
  • Harlequin Duck
  • Horned Puffin
  • Kittlitz’s Murrelet
  • Northern Storm Petrel
  • Red-Faced Cormorant
  • Red-Throated Loon
  • Rhinoceros Auklet
  • Rufous Hummingbird
  • Steller’s Jay
  • Surf Scoter
  • Swainson’s Hawk
  • Thick-Billed Murre
  • Whimbrel
 

Hotels in Soldotna, Alaska

If you’re not an experienced birdwatcher, this is a friendly remember to bring along top-end binoculars, a birding vest, comfortable footwear, and a brimmed hat. Each package is fully-customizable here at Soldotna B&B Lodge. If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for on our packages page, simply give us a call, and we’ll create an Alaska adventure that perfectly suits you! Give us a call today at 1-877-262-4779 to book an overdue birdwatching trip in the beautiful Alaskan wilderness.

MUSHROOM AND BERRY PICKING IN SOLDOTNA

Soldotna B&B in Soldotna, Alaska, offers more than just fishing, and you can also go mushroom and berry picking. You’ll find a variety of wild berries and mushrooms throughout the late summer season and well into the fall! You’ll enjoy searching the forests of Soldotna Alaska.

Berries

Soldotna Alaska is a terrific place to search and gather wild berries! Blueberries, raspberries, currants, salmonberries, and huckleberries, are great for eating right off the bush or making preserves! After harvesting your share of berries, you can eat them on your way back to Soldotna B&B, or save them for baking or preserves. If you are planning on freezing them, we’ll share our secret: Single layer the berries on a cookie sheet and freeze them. Then place them in a container and back into the freezer, this will make them easier to remove from the container. Please note that berries are an essential food source for a variety of animals in our area. There’s a chance you’ll encounter these animals while you’re berry picking, so please stay alert to your surroundings! If you see animals, we ask you to be respectful, while staying safe. If possible, we urge you to leave quietly and find a different berry patch. If needed, we do understand you may have to defend yourself with pepper spray or a shotgun.

Mushrooms

In Soldotna Alaska, the thrill of big game hunting runs deep in any Alaskan blood! However, today we’re focusing on a different prey: mushrooms! Near Soldotna B&B, you’ll find boletes, morels and gilled mushrooms, and many more. Mushroom hunting can be a dangerous business; some mushrooms are lethal to humans! One of the challenges with identifying mushrooms is that their appearance changes dramatically as they age. When it first comes out of the ground, a baby mushroom looks like one you may buy at the store! At this stage, it’s easy to confuse an edible species with a poisonous one. The number of mushroom species doesn’t help you identify them either. There are thousands of mushroom species in Alaska alone. Unfortunately, many are inedible, but we do have some mushroom hunters and the season is approaching! So, whether you find mushrooms or it’s just a reason to spend more time outside, join us in Soldotna Alaska!

ALASKA CANOEING TRAILS!

During your stay at Soldotna Bed & Breakfast, we hope you take a day to adventure on our premier canoeing trails! The closest trails to your Soldotna lodging, are Swan Lake canoe trail and the Swanson River canoe trail. Although both trails are breathtaking, their size may overwhelm you! Don’t let the miles stop you from this one-of-a-kind fishing and spectacular wildlife! Whether you take one of our guided trips or our recommendations for unguided tours, you won’t regret it!

Swan Lake Trail

The Swan Lake canoe trail encompasses thirty lakes and thirty-three miles of river, making it one of the most popular systems in Alaska! Although short, there are a couple of portages on this trail. Canoeing out here will provide more than beautiful sceneries, you’ll spot some of our wildlife and even delicious rainbow trout for dinner at your Soldotna lodging. Bask in the warm summer sunshine as you canoe the Swan Lake Canoe Trail. Make today your first self-guided canoeing trip into the Alaskan wilderness!

Swanson River Trail

The Swanson River canoe trail includes forty lakes and forty-six miles of river, causing longer portages, which means this trails will take extra time and physical effort. The glorious scenery makes it well worth the journey! Because it’s a more challenging trail, most tourists avoid adventuring it, creating better wildlife watching and exceptional rainbow trout fishing! The Swanson River canoe trail’s tranquil flatwater system make for fun activities like paddling, fishing, birding and wildlife watching. You’ll appreciate the peace that rules the Swanson River canoe trail as you float along the river taking in all the beauty surrounding you. We can’t think of a better place to reconnect with nature! We love hearing stories’ as you return to our Soldotna lodging for some well-deserved rest! Soldotna Bed & Breakfast is the perfect Soldotna lodging for you and your family’s summer vacation!