Anchor River State Recreation Area

This jewel in the Kenai Peninsula offers rich sportfishing for anglers all summer long.

Anchor River State Recreation Area is one of Alaska's premier fishing destinations on the Kenai Peninsula in Southcentral Alaska. The 213-acre recreation area can be reached from the Sterling Highway, 16 miles north of Homer and 200 miles south of Anchorage. The small town of Anchor Point, where Anchor River State Recreation Area is located, is the most westerly point on the U.S. Highway System. 

Things to do

Fishing is the main attraction at this recreational area. Anchor River is Alaska's only major steelhead stream accessible by road, with steelhead runs occurring from late August to November. King salmon are the most popular target on the river, with the run beginning in late May and peaking in the second week in June. Other species include silver salmon that move into the river from the end of July until the beginning of September, and pink salmon from mid-July to early August. Fishing holes are posted along a two-mile segment of the river and reached via the Anchor River Road.

The recreation area is also a popular place for camping with five campgrounds along Anchor River Road. There are a total of 186 campsites, some of which feature waterfront views of Cook Inlet. Other activities include wildlife viewing along the river and shoreline, hiking, and picnicking at the day use areas.

Wildlife

Wildlife abounds around the Anchor River and the shoreline of Cook Inlet. Keep an eye out for moose, beaver, mink, bald eagles, ducks, harbor seals, sea otters, and beluga whales.

Landscape

The Anchor River passes through a mixed spruce-cottonwood forest with a lush riparian zone, then emerges into a broad estuary and marsh filled with salt-tolerant sedges and grasses, offering ideal habitat for the diverse species residing and migrating through the area.

Facilities and Camping

Overlooking the river are Silver King Campground with 46 campsites, Coho with 36 campsites, Steelhead with 44 campsites, and Slidehole with 30 campsites. Halibut Campground’s 30 sites overlook Cook Inlet Beach, providing campers with a scenic view of Mount Redoubt and Mount Iliamna across the inlet. All campgrounds have picnic areas, drinking water, and day-use parking areas.

Getting Here

The recreation area is located on the road system on the Kenai Peninsula. At Mile 156.9 of the Sterling Highway, turn onto Old Sterling Highway and continuing over the Anchor River Bridge. Take the first right onto Anchor River Road.

Explore more to do on the Kenai Peninsula.

For more information, visit the Anchor River State Recreation Area website.