I'm a safety manager for a turnaround group and we have a work project that will run all of April and half of May this year, so I volunteered to go. I am blessed to have traveled a good chunk of the planet but I have never been to Alaska. I know there's a lot of experience here so I'm seeking advise on how to make the most of my time there. While the project is running, I'll put in 13 hours a day, 7 days a week, so there will be no playtime to speak of. Once the job ends however, my time is mine to do as I wish for pretty much as long as I want.

For starters, I am thinking that my best bet is to fly into Anchorage and rent my vehicle that I will use for the duration of my time there and then drive into Kenai. I will need lodging for 2 in Kenai for a month and a half, as my fiancé will accompany me on the trip. Any suggestions in this area are welcome.

I am told that the fishing and sightseeing on the Kenai peninsula are outstanding. I'm looking forward to this trip, which I feel will likely lead to another. I'd love to make a hunt there.

Thanks in advance for your input.
Jeff

Your timing is perfect for a spring black bear hunt. Get with Ironbender as soon as possible... he always has beer...

eulachon (hooligan) will be running. Always good for a laugh and one meal a year. Kenai is far less muddy than dipping them in 20 Mile.

Reliably, on May 10 the birches will have leaf buds. Some years they have them a week earlier. Makes a difference because leaves will make it a lot harder to spot bears. All tags are OTC at the last minute.

I was there a couple years ago, you'll enjoy the drive from Anchorage, good hiking near Skilak lake. I think there's only black bears on the peninsula but the locals can confirm that, still, I always carried a sidearm when hiking.

Pizza & Beer at St. Elias (Soldotna) is always a must IMO. Lots of neat places over in Kenai to see-----Like the old Russian Orthodox church & having lunch up on the bluff over looking the Kenai River. Not to mention watching all the dip netters in July for the "reds"

Only little, tiny Black Bears (they crave being petted) No Alaska Coastal Brown Bears. Those things that resemble Grizzly Bears are actually Ground Hogs, and they are cute, and like to be petted also.




Just KIDDING.

I've only been to Alaska 3 times, and the last time was over about 15 years ago, so my experience is limited and somewhat dated but I can tell you there are Grizzly or coastal or whatever you want to call them bears on the peninsula. I saw a kill site near Clam Gulch just off the Sterling Highway that looked like the moose was blown up with a grenade. I also was warned by a local another time about one in the area when I was hiking in the pre dawn darkness to a fishing hole to catch the rising tide for Kings. The locals will call each other when one is spotted in the area to give warnings. Met a guy that scared one off that was going for one of his pigs, so yeah they are there. You also have to respect the cow moose that are about to drop calves too. They can be mean biatches if you corner one and don't give them a respectful amount of room.

I spent most of my time between Soldatna and Homer with side trips to Seward up around Turnagain Arm and one time all the way north past Anchorage up to Denali. I've never gone that early in the season so I can't comment on first hand fishing opportunities but I would guess that Halibut fishing would be good just about anytime. Kings come in a little later if I remember correctly.

I'm sure others can give you better information, especially someone local. If you can bring a firearm, you should.

Must be The old Tesoro refinery as “Colliers” (lol) is no longer operating.

Send a PM.

Sonuva…

Negative, Bob. We have both.

St. Elias always seems to be busy in the summer. I don’t understand it. Their pizza isn’t too bad, but the rest of the food left me unimpressed. Their beer is second tier, IMO.

FAR BETTER, is Kenai River Brewing (KRB) just a quarter mile from there. Very good beer and food.

ironbender, good to know, thanks!

I remember a bakery on the main highway near Soldotna, old school, like homemade, cant' remember the name but it was outstanding.

Moose is loose. Unfortunately the original owners sold out and it's nowhere near the same quality. I'm not even sure it's still open.

The bakery is gone and the building has recently been taken over by what looks to be a construction company.

Second what Ironbender said. And if you get to wanting a good burger or fish sandwich in Kenai you got to try the Burger Bus. Just be prepared to wait in line as they are busy in the summer.

I remember a place called Jersey Subs, both the shops and the bus out on the turnoff on Sterling. Was excellent hoagies and cheesesteaks run by a guy named Chris. He was pretty cool, his girlfriend was a bug eyed banshee though.

Had my halibut processed at Tanners, Salmon smoked at Tustumena Smoke House and used Irish Lord Charters owned by a guy named "Big Bill" I think. That's all I can remember.

Anybody know if any of these are still around?

Jersey subs is still around and making good food. I think Tustumena Smoke House is still going but I am not sure about the others.

You wont be alone on the Kenai P in the summer!

Not much chance for salmon in April and May in the Kenai. You could run into some decent rainbow fishing and some Dolly Vardens. A early charter off Deep Creek is possible for halibut.

Not a problem as he is working April and May. Then doing his thing as long as he wants after that. Won't have any spare time in April and at least half of May.

Thanks for all the input guys.

As mentioned, I will be slammed with working long hours every day all through April and halfway into May, but once the work is done I am a kid in a candy store with some change in his pocket. My woman likes to hike & hunt with me and we plan to share a rifle as we try for a bear or two nearby. We are also open to any other options for fishing & adventuring.

I'm seeking a no frills, functional apartment or house near the Marathon refinery if anyone has a lead. Washer and dryer needed if possible.

What do you guys recommend for a rental vehicle? I'm thinking that a small/medium sized 4x4 SUV type vehicle should work well. I'm sure going to miss having my truck!

Jeff,

If you like to fish, when I was there I was told about a lake called "Elephant" lake just north of Kasilof. The back story was that it was on native land and that it had not been open to fishing for a long time. Due to some agreement with the state, the lake became open to fish. It was close but remote at the same time if that makes sense. My son and I found it and had one of the best fishing days of the trip. We caught over 20 landlocked silvers on spoons and spinners. I remember that we started out with trout sized lures and it was slow, when we upsized to bigger spoons and Muskie sized Mepps the action was hot.

It was a rough road for the last few miles. We had to ride the tops of ruts on a muddy dirt track. You also would do well to have waders, there wasn't much of an edge. It was very picturesque. We had moose walking around eating the vegetation in the water within a couple hundred yards and the only noise was from the loons that seemed to be everywhere. We went armed because this was one of the places that we were warned a bear was recently seen.

Might want to deal with the vehicle rental ASAP. May even be too late already.

Yeah, I’m working on it as time allows but don’t have anything firmed up yet.

Buy a rig and I'll buy it from you what you paid minus the quoted rental cost.

Sorry you're going to the kp. It's not alaska, but at least it's close to Whittier. I bet you manage to have a good time anyway. Give a shout if you need anything!

Yep to both. I would suggest 1000 times better...

The Kenai will not be open for Trout fishing until June 11th. So Keyes will be present @ Cooper landing...

Truth😉 Soldier's Fort will become the state's 3rd largest city...

"SIAM". (see-ah'-m) Another Thai restraint coming to town...

Art,
You've just got to stop! That's not nice to give away other's "honey-hole" spots like that 😉

Everything is correct, though the above is half way between Soldotna and Kenai on the Spurr road. Take a rh turn at the "Y" in Soldotna, go 45 miles or so and turn right. Map quest will show you the way. There are those that can outfit the OP on the very cheap if desired. Prolly a couple o rednecks though...

Trying to "catch up" to Art and Mike on post count. It's what you do wen retired methinks😉

Thanks for catching that bearhuntr, Like I said it's been about 15 years since my last trip up there so my memory is not perfect.

I was there the year of the big forest fires. I can remember stopping and watching the planes that were hauling/dropping water and how brown the sky was.

Aside from the location, I'm thinking 45 miles in Alaska is close by most metrics if you have ever driven around Alaska.

I hope that the lake is still as pristine as I remember it.

Been honing since '04, when I retired. Bender already had to big of a lead.

😳

Both of y’all can GFY!

Ya feel me? 😂😂

Ok guys, I have my flight, vehicle rental and lodging covered for April & May. I was fortunate to secure a beautiful home on a huge lake 8 minutes from my work.

We are very excited about spending some time in the Last Frontier.

There was a year there weren't big forest fires? lol

Yes.

Are you kidding? Spooking the hole when danger lurks will keep the prey on high alert and he will protect "our beer" mo'.better!

Congratulations, especially on the vehicle. I would appreciate if you would post or send me a PM on how you found a home to rent, short term. THANKS.

Pickilng nits again.

When was it that you wanted a little help w/bbbs? Just wondering 😉

Dank for the documents. Was working on getting a certain "small caliber" sent down to S. Da....I mean SE AK 😎

That was the "honey hole" I referred to...but you knew that, eh? 😉

Haven't drawn Kodak in over 40 years. Bought a locking tag anyway. Something's gonna die again somewhere. . .

Didn’t see the question as rhetorical as most years there are a number of fires that it could lead one to think it’s “standard issue”. Ive seen some years ir would be tough to cause a fire, let alone a natural cause wildfire. We’ve had more than one July with a fire in the wood stove because of the cool, wet weather.

Waking this thread up with an invitation for you to share your opinions on a part of my plan...

I haven't actually had any success on planning a bear hunt yet, but I am still researching and have actually begun looking for an outfitter. I will take a lightweight folding stocked 6.5 PRC rifle with good intentions of using it. I will also take a pair of full size Glock handguns for my lady and myself to pack while out & about. I have flown with rifles, and I have flown with handguns, but I have yet to fly with both at the same time.

I have a Tuffpak gun case that has worked out well for me on trips abroad. I have plans to zip the rifle and the handguns in their own soft case, then place them inside the Tuffpak, surrounded by clothing such as puffy jackets, etc. I may also tuck in a fly rod & a 2 pc. rod/spinning rig if there's room.

There will be 3 different cartridge sizes involved, 6.5 PRC, 10mm, and 9mm. Is shipping one box of each ammo to Alaska too expensive to go that route?

Oh yeah... I am addicted to their use, but should I just forget the rifle's suppressor and leave it home? Probably so, huh?

Thanks guys,
Jeff

Leave your guns at home and I'll let you use my 300 Win Mag or 338 Win Mag rifles, both are Rem 700 BDL rifles... & I have ammo ,

You can also grab my Ruger SRH 454 Casull or SBH 44 Mag , ammo as well

have several canoes if you need

Man I miss the Kenai

That’s one incredibly nice offer Swamplord.
I’ll pm you sir.

Tuffpack is a good way to travel. Id bring guns and ammo all in that. Shipping ammo is not feasible. I don't know the rules on travel with a suppressor, but I don't see any reason that ak would have a problem with it.

I also have a Win 70 Classic Stainless CRF in 300 Win Mag that loves both of these into 1/2" 3 shot groups that you can use & of course have intel on some really good black bear hunting spots

Have a bunch of ammo stockpiled because of that

Yeah, Alaska would likely be the last place to have an issue. I do connect flights in Seattle.... it's easy enough to bring the paperwork along.

Thank you Swamplord, that is Awesome!

In the event you do still bring your own guns, there's really no need to ship any ammo for the handguns. Our shelves are full of of 10mm and 9mm, with everything from target to heavy loads. I can't vouch for the 6.5 PRC since I've never looked for that particular caliber.

How ya been doing, Joel? Hope all is well...

Surviving just like everybody. I definitely miss AK, MI is not my cup of tea.

Don’t worry about it Joel. The KP is overrated.

Uh huh...I remember telling that to alot of folks also who was considering moving to AK also....lol

The more I learn about this area the more I like it.

Really looking forward to my time in Alaska, and have already extended my stay in order to get my licks in while I'm there.

Thanks for all the great info!

Could be said of a few places, and fact is I am highly prejudiced in this, but it is a truth: "One can take the boy out of Alaska, but one will never take Alaska out of the boy..."

Looks like my next project is in Kenai through the year, lots of black bear to perforate & still some good places to find 60" bulls left out there on the KP, just gotta hunt smarter & shoot farther than the other guys

😉

Well we rolled into Anchorage late Sunday night, a whole day late thanks to American Airlines.

Drove into Kenai yesterday and got set up at the very nice lake house we were blessed to get access to.

I started work today, and my fiancé Selena will start join me on the job on April 20. It's still pretty cold and snowed lightly most of today.

That drive from Anchorage to Kenai is a nice one! Looking forward to getting the work part of this trip behind me so the play can begin...

You're going to love it even more when the sun pokes out.

If you get a toothache, look my son up at Soldotna Dental Arts. He's a good one.

Thanks, that's good information to have. Ya never know...

my fiance is going to be working for me for the first time on this project, so the odds of me getting a bad toothache (or headache) are actually quite good. lol