By SARA J. HARDAN-SMITH
Daily News correspondent
• Soldotna is a city with a pleasant mixture of quaint shops, great nightlife and the magnificent Kenai River flowing through its heart. For a weekend venture or a weeklong stay, Soldotna proves to all it has the best of Alaska at its fingertips.
Soldotna is located 140 miles south of Anchorage and is famous for the salmon caught in the Kenai River. The majestic turquoise river is filled with salmon in the summer, and bank fishing is accessible even by wheelchair.
The first stop on a visitor's itinerary should be the Soldotna Visitors Center. The center is a wealth of information, from brochures and visitor's maps to advice on the city's best restaurants.
Inside, the center offers wildlife displays including brown bear, Dall sheep, black bear, king crab and several species of birds, including bald eagles. Also on display is the world-record king salmon (97 pounds, 4 ounces), caught by Soldotna resident Les Anderson in 1985 just downstream of the center.
Outside is a classic fish walk consisting of 250 feet of steady walkway, with a stairway down to the river, where visitors can throw a line in to fish or just observe. Benches are also provided so people can stop and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.
Another great way to experience the Alaska wilderness is by visiting the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge on Skihill Road, just moments from the hub of Soldotna.
According to Candace Ward, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge park ranger and information and education program supervisor, the refuge covers nearly 2 million acres of the Kenai Peninsula and has many recreational opportunities for visitors, including camping, hiking, canoeing and wildlife viewing. Visitors may see brown and black bears, moose, lynx, bald eagles, caribou, Dall sheep, mountain goats and numerous waterfowl and shorebirds.
"By stopping in at our visitor center, one mile from Soldotna or at our visitor contact station at Mile 58 Sterling Highway, visitors receive updated and detailed information about the activities they want to pursue," she said.
Ward said various programs are offered during summer months. Campfire programs are held at the Hidden Lake campground, as well as Saturday nature walks lasting up to 30 minutes on area trails or discovery hikes, which last up to two hours and venture into the Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area in the eastern part of the refuge.
Each year the refuge offers a summer fun day in June at the Environmental Education Center adjacent to the visitor center.
Ward said she takes pleasure in helping visitors get the most from their trip.
"I enjoy helping visitors get out on the refuge -- whether they camp, canoe or hike, I have fun sharing wildlife natural history information and find it rewarding to help demystify bears and their behavior," she said.
Ward adds that visitors who spend time in the refuge are sure to see signs of wildlife in their natural habitat.
"With the large size of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge at almost 2 million acres, large wildlife species such as moose, bear and wolves have expansive habitat to live in. They are not predictable to view. However, if you spend time away from the road system hiking, boating or canoeing, you are more likely to see them or signs of their presence," she said.
Ward also said the refuge is a great spot for birders during late May and early June in the early morning hours.
"If you rise early, you can listen for birds and use your binoculars to locate them," she said, adding the opportunities to see waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds are limitless.
For those content with a stroll in the park, Soldotna has another surprise: a superb variety of river parks. Centennial Park is adjacent to the visitor's center; Soldotna Creek Park is located off the Sterling Highway near Don Jose's restaurant; Swiftwater Park is on East Redoubt near Fred Meyer; and Rotary Park is next to the Kenai River Center on Funny River Road.
Soldotna also is a hub of activity in summer months with various events and special days.
This year, Les Anderson Day will be May 17. The local fisherman, who caught the world- record king salmon on May 19, 1985, died in 2003 and in his memory the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce declared the special day, when visitors and residents gather at the Soldotna Creek Park for a barbecue and salmon bake.
The Soldotna Senior Luau on June 21 is a great way to met area residents and view the variety of their talents, as well as to enjoy great food.
The fundraising event incorporates the Hawaiian theme, with the main attraction being the performance of Na Manu Olu and Aeko Jim, a hula group with participants ranging from 60 to 90 years old.
Another great time to be in Soldotna is for the Soldotna Progress Days celebration July 26-27. Events include a parade, a community dinner and dances, a rodeo, car show and games. The event is sponsored by the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce and the City of Soldotna.
The event has been said to be the longest-running annual event in Soldotna, a city founded in 1947.
Freelance writer Sara J. Hardan-Smith lives in Nikiski.
Editor's picks
• The biggest fish: You must see the world-record king salmon on display at the Soldotna Visitors Center. Les Anderson hooked the 97-pound, 4-ounce monster in 1985. The center is just steps away from the Kenai River, which has a number of boardwalks designed to get visitors and anglers down to the river. There also are other animal mounts on display at the center.
• Homestead history: The Soldotna Homestead Museum preserves the community's history in a homesteaders' village, with wildlife displays and Alaska Native artifacts.
• Get in a boat: Of course, a boat can open up the Kenai River to fishing opportunities, but the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge has two canoe trail systems, the Swanson River and the Swan Lake trails, that are great for exploring. There are several routes that can be as short as a day paddle or up to a week. Alaska is wild; this is a great way to enjoy it.
What locals say
"For visitors, we really have a little bit of everything -- there's even a mosquito or two. Really, Soldotna is the best of all worlds. For me, I think the highlight is the unique trail system for bicyclists. It's on relatively level ground with gentle hills. I would also emphasize the beauty of the river coming through the area."
-- Bob Wallace, owner of the Moose is Loose bakery in Soldotna
