Some people think the trip begins when they arrive at the boat launch. We think it starts the moment you leave Anchorage.
The drive from Anchorage to Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula is one of the most scenic road trips in North America. Snow-capped mountains, turquoise rivers, hanging glaciers, wildlife, and charming roadside stops make the three-hour drive feel like an adventure all its own.
If you’re heading south for a fishing trip with ChasingTales Alaska, here are a few of our favorite places to stop along the way.
Start Your Morning at South Restaurant + Coffeehouse
Before leaving Anchorage, fuel up with breakfast at South Restaurant + Coffeehouse. Known for its fresh, locally inspired menu and excellent coffee, it’s the perfect place to ease into the day before hitting the road.
Grab a hearty breakfast, your favorite coffee, and head south early to make the most of your drive.
Pro Tip: Leaving Anchorage early means fewer crowds and better chances of spotting wildlife along the highway.
Enjoy the Scenic Drive Along Turnagain Arm
The Seward Highway isn’t just a road—it’s one of Alaska’s premier scenic byways.
As you follow the shoreline of Turnagain Arm, you’ll be surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, waterfalls, tidal flats, and panoramic views that make it hard not to pull over every few miles. Keep an eye out for Dall sheep clinging to the cliffs above, moose grazing near the highway, and, if you’re lucky, beluga whales surfacing in the inlet below.
Don’t rush this section of the drive. It’s one of the most beautiful stretches of highway in the state and a reminder that getting there is part of the adventure.
Stop in Girdwood
Just off the Seward Highway, Girdwood Brewing Company is a favorite stop for both locals and visitors.
With rotating food trucks, a spacious outdoor beer garden, and a lineup of Alaska-brewed craft beers, it’s a fun place to stretch your legs before continuing south. If you’re not driving, it’s a great opportunity to sample a local brew while soaking in the mountain scenery.
Stretch Your Legs at Byron Glacier Trail
Just beyond Girdwood, you’ll find one of the easiest glacier hikes in Southcentral Alaska.
Byron Glacier Trail is a short, mostly flat walk that leads through beautiful alpine scenery to the base of Byron Glacier. It’s ideal for families, photographers, or anyone wanting to experience Alaska’s glaciers without committing to a strenuous hike.
The trail takes about 30-45 minutes round trip, making it an easy addition to your road trip.
Highlights include:
- Towering mountain peaks
- Waterfalls
- Summer wildflowers
- Incredible views of Byron Glacier
Hike to Russian River Falls
If you have a little more time in your day, Russian River Falls is one of the Kenai Peninsula’s must-do hikes.
This approximately 4-mile round-trip trail winds through spruce forest before reaching viewing platforms overlooking the falls. During salmon season, sockeye can often be seen launching themselves upstream, while brown bears and bald eagles frequently gather nearby to take advantage of the annual salmon run.
Depending on the time of year, you might see:
- Sockeye salmon jumping the falls
- Brown bears fishing along the river
- Bald eagles overhead
- Crystal-clear turquoise water surrounded by towering spruce
It’s one of the best wildlife-viewing hikes accessible from Alaska’s road system.
Unwind at Cooper Landing Brewing Company
After earning a few miles on the trail, head over to Cooper Landing Brewing Company.
This local favorite serves craft beer brewed with pristine mountain water in a relaxed setting surrounded by incredible scenery. Whether you’re grabbing a pint, a bite to eat, or simply taking a break before finishing your drive, it’s the perfect place to unwind after your hike.
Stock Up at Three Bears Alaska
Before arriving at your lodging, make one final stop at Three Bears Alaska in Sterling.
It’s the perfect place to pick up groceries, snacks, drinks, and anything else you’ll want for your stay. Whether you’re packing lunches for the boat, grabbing ingredients for dinner, or making sure you have coffee ready for the next morning, it’s worth taking a few minutes to stock up before settling in.
Settle In and Get Ready for an Early Morning
By the time you arrive at your lodging, you’ve already experienced some of Alaska’s best scenery, a glacier hike, local food, and maybe even a little wildlife along the way.
Now it’s time to relax.
Get your fishing clothes laid out, charge your phone and camera, pack a few snacks, and turn in early – because tomorrow’s alarm clock might come sooner than you think. The early mornings are worth it, especially when they’re followed by a day on the legendary Kenai and Kasilof rivers..
At ChasingTales Alaska, we believe the memories aren’t made only when the fish are biting—they’re made throughout the entire journey. Slowing down and enjoying the drive is all part of the Alaska experience.
Planning Your Alaska Fishing Trip?
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning the fishing trip of a lifetime, ChasingTales Alaska offers professionally guided fishing trips on the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers.
We provide:
- Guided sockeye salmon fishing
- Rainbow trout trips
- Family-friendly fishing adventures
- Comfortable lodging options
- All fishing equipment provided
The only thing you need to bring is your sense of adventure.
Book your Alaska fishing trip today, and let the journey begin long before your first cast.
