Kasilof

Located on the west shore of the Kenai Peninsula, the town of Kasilof is a fishing village centered around its boat harbor on the Kasilof River, 3.6 miles west of the Sterling Highway. Most of its 560 residents are spread out over a 90-square-mile area 12 miles south of Soldotna.

Fishing is the lifeblood of the area as Kasilof supports a small commercial fleet and fish processing plant. Locals also participate in a subsistence red salmon dip-net fishery on Kasilof River while sport anglers arrive from late May to early July to launch drift boats and troll for king salmon. Thanks in part to sport fishing, Kasilof offers most tourist services including accommodations, campgrounds, outfitters and charter services, a grocery store and gas stations.

Access to the river and nearby lakes is available at a handful of state recreation areas and campgrounds, including Kasilof River State Recreation Site, on the south side of the Sterling Highway Bridge at Mile 109. The popular day-use area has a boat-launch on the river, picnic area and nature trails. Other nearby recreation areas near Kasilof include Crooked Creek State Recreation Area and Johnson Lake Recreation