Cooper Landing Real Estate
Cooper Landing Real Estate & Community Information
Cooper Landing lies along 11 miles of the two-lane Sterling Highway in the heart of the Kenai Peninsula, approximately two hours south of Anchorage. Situated on the banks of the Kenai Lake, Cooper Landing (also known as “The Landing”) is surrounded by lush, green forests; pristine mountains; and sparkling waters ripe with fish. A tiny town of approximately 300 people, it is best known for its summer tourists; majestic, rural wilderness; and world-class, Kenai River salmon fishery.
Shopping and Dining
Most of the shops and restaurants in Cooper Landing are part of the town’s various inns. The historic Gwin’s Lodge serves up delicious home-cooked food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Diner favorites include the hamburgers and smoked salmon chowder. The lodge also has a small shop that sells fishing equipment and gifts. The Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge is home to both Rafter’s Lounge and the Eagles Crest Restaurant. Sunrise Inn operates a café and bar year round. It also sells gas. There also are several establishments in town that are not affiliated with any lodge. Wildman’s is a one-stop shop for convenience items, accessories, gifts, coffee, and breakfast and lunch items. Sackett’s Kenai Grill dishes up delicious pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and more for lunch and dinner. Steaks and fresh seafood are paired with wine and beer at the Kingfisher Roadhouse. Additional stores and restaurants, including several large grocery chains, are located in nearby Soldotna.
Parks and Recreation
Situated near the Russian River and Cooper Lake, at the junction of Kenai Lake and the Kenai River, Cooper Landing real estate offers the very best in Alaskan fishing. The waters’ sockeye salmon, coho salmon, Dolly Varden, and rainbow trout are major tourist attractions in the summers. Kayaking and river rafting on the Kenai River are other popular activities, and Cooper Landing serves as a terrific launching point for rafters seeking either whitewater rapids or a leisurely float. Additional outdoor activities include hiking, wildlife watching, and camping. The beautiful Resurrection Pass Trail spans 38 miles and several ecosystems on the way from Cooper Landing to the town of Hope. Campsites are available along the way. Additional trails in the area include the Crescent Lake, Fuller Lake, and Russian Lake Trails. Several spectacular mountain ranges also are within easy driving distance of town, including Right Mountain, Langille Mountain, Helen Rhode Mountain, and Round Mountain.
Living
The unsurpassed beauty and peace of the Kenai Peninsula makes Cooper Landing real estate something truly special. Residents enjoy getting together at the Cooper Landing Community Library, participating in the Cooper Landing Community Softball Tournament, and entering or watching the annual Kenai River Drift Boat Regatta. Median home cost in 2012 was $216,700.
Schools, Health, and Transportation
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District operates one public school in Cooper Landing: The Cooper Landing School. The school serves all the town’s students, from kindergarten through 12th grade. Adult students can attend the University of Alaska in Anchorage.
The Providence Seward Medical and Care Center offers 24-hour emergency care and various other medical services to area residents. Maternity, laboratory, outpatient, and other services also are available at the Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna. Both facilities are approximately an hour’s drive from Cooper Landing. Additional hospitals and medical centers are located in Anchorage.
The Sterling Highway is the major artery of the Kenai Peninsula. It connects the community of Cooper Landing with Sterling, Soldotna, and Kenai to the west, Seward to the east, and Anchorage to the north. Residents also can take the Alaska Railroad from Seward to Anchorage, Fairbanks, and the Denali National Park.
If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, give us a call at 907-360-7471 or send us an email to explore your options and to find out when is the best time for you to make a move.