The town of Sterling is along the Sterling Highway at the junction of the Moose and Kenai rivers, 18 miles east of the city of Kenai.
Sterling, population 4,700, caters to the Kenai River sportfishing industry and the summer influx of recreational enthusiasts. More than a quarter of the 2,554 housing units are used seasonally.
Sterling residents work in oil and gas processing, timber, fishing, government, retail and tourism-related services.
History
The Kenai Peninsula has been the home of the Kenaitze Indians for hundreds of years. Sterling apparently had its name formalized in 1954 when a post office was established.
An archaeological site containing prehistoric house pits has been discovered at the Isaak Walton Campground.
Source: Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development
