This Riverside Walk In Alaska Is Picture Perfect For A Late Summer’s Day

There is nothing quite like the feeling that you get when summer starts to fade away and the hottest spots in Alaska become all yours again. After the hustle and bustle of sharing our beloved state with millions of visitors, we LIVE for the moments when we can take a walk in the woods without being stuck behind a long line of people. This time of year we are ready to stop tripping over tackle boxes, getting our lines tangled every ten minutes and hearing the unwavering sounds of bear bells in the distance. The serene elements and translucent beauty that can be found at the Russian River in Alaska are something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.

Courtney Stanley

Head to the sweet little town of Cooper Landing (population 300) and pull right off the side of the Sterling Highway into the Russian River Campground.

Courtney Stanley

For just $11 you can fill your vehicle full of people and park for up to 12 hours. The 13-mile-long Russian River is one of the most beautiful, peaceful places on Alaska's Playground to enjoy a serene hike along the riverbanks.

Courtney Stanley

The trails are maintained to perfection and nestled within lush, towering trees.

Courtney Stanley

During the late summer months you will find brilliant colored red salmon filling the river, making this an incredible place for fly fishing as well as hiking.

Courtney Stanley

Surrounded by views of the Kenai Mountains, this river is shallow in many areas and perfect for walking from top to bottom and wetting lines the entire time. The hard-packed rock bottom of the river makes it easy to navigate from side to side while fishing or just simply strolling and enjoying nature.

Courtney Stanley

Known as one of the most popular fly-fishing streams in Alaska, the Russian River is home to a variety of different species of fish.

Courtney Stanley

Dolly varden, rainbow trout and multiple species of salmon can be found in these shallow waters. Dollies and trout are very fun to fish for and require a patient finesse to masterfully conquer.

Courtney Stanley

The Russian River feeds into the Kenai River, which are both known for producing some of the most incredible sized trophy rainbow trout. These fish are a blast to catch (and release) and the colors are simply mesmerizing. Even if you aren't into fishing, you'll love admiring these beautiful fish.

Courtney Stanley

As you continue down the path towards the confluence of the river, be sure that you are always being bear-aware. Carrying an air horn, bear spray or a gun (or all of the above) is always a good idea just in case you have an unexpected encounter with a bear in which it approaches you. Make noise while you are hiking and make yourself known. Most of the time the bears will leave you be and can just be found feasting on salmon in the river and up at the falls. This area is very populated with bears as it offers a very plentiful source for wild Alaska seafood.

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You might be surprised to learn that you can stock your freezer while fishing this shallow river. This time of year huge silvers run upstream and are a blast to catch. Many anglers in Alaska will say that silver salmon are the most fun to fish for because they fight like crazy when you hook one on. The taste is always very light and refreshing for salmon which makes it perfect eating for any meal of the day.

Courtney Stanley

In the heat of the summer this area is packed with 'combat fishing' but this time of year it is incredibly peaceful and feels like the "real" Alaska that us locals have come to love the most. Enjoying a nice walk into the sunset is just so much better when there isn't a single person in sight and you can truly unwind and decompress in silence.

Do you love enjoying a casual stroll through a scenic area, or a heart-pounding hike up a mountainside? If so, we are positive that you’ll find lots of places to fall in love with after checking out these 15 incredible hikes under five miles that everyone in Alaska should take. There is truly something for everyone on that list!