The Top Lodging Options For Your Next Trip To King Salmon, Alaska

Alaska is known for its rugged natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. If you’re planning a trip to the small town of King Salmon located in southwestern Alaska, finding the right hotel or lodge is key to an enjoyable visit. With limited accommodation options available, research ahead of time is essential to secure a room and take advantage of Alaska’s short summer tourist season.

Consider What Type of Lodging Suits Your Travel Style

King Salmon offers a range of lodging options to fit different budgets and preferences. Here are some things to consider when booking your stay:

  • Fishing lodges – Ideal for avid anglers thanks to their proximity to world-class fishing along the Naknek and Kvichak Rivers. Most will arrange guided fishing trips, equipment, and processing of your catch Expect rustic cabins or rooms and all-inclusive pricing

  • Hotels & motels – Offer more standard hotel-style accommodations in town, Choose for convenience to restaurants and shops Better for non-fishermen or those who prefer flexibility to plan their own activities

  • Vacation rentals: There are a few cabins, homes, and apartments that families and groups can rent. Often include full kitchens and amenities like WiFi. Great for extended stays.

  • Bed & breakfasts – Intimate lodging with breakfast included. Usually only a handful of rooms so book well in advance. Ideal for a cozy, low-key vibe.

  • Remote wilderness lodges – All-inclusive resort-style lodges located outside town via floatplane or boat, immersed in true Alaskan wilderness. Ultimate seclusion for escaping into nature but at luxury prices.

Booking Tips To Lock Down Your Preferred Lodging

Because King Salmon is very popular during certain times of the year, here are some tips to make sure you get the best place to sleep:

  • Book 6-12 months out – Prime summer dates get snapped up fast. Reserve fishing lodges and remote wilderness resorts as early as possible.

  • Be flexible on dates – Avoid set schedules if you can. Pricing and availability vary over the short summer tourist season.

  • Look at nearby towns – Options are limited right in King Salmon. Expand your search to Naknek or villages upriver for more variety.

  • Inquire about permits – Some lodges can arrange permits, floats, and guides for remote sites in Katmai National Park.

  • Ask about transfer services – Many lodges offer pickup/dropoff from King Salmon Airport. Inquire when booking.

  • Read policies carefully – Understand deposit requirements, cancellation policies, and what’s included with your stay.

Top Lodging Choices To Consider In King Salmon

To help narrow your options, here is an overview of some of the top-rated and popular places to stay around King Salmon:

Fishing Lodges

  • Alaska Sportsman’s Lodge – Just 20 minutes from town via boat. Offers daily guided fishing, equipment, fish processing. Cabins have private baths. All-inclusive packages only.

  • Thrift Lodge – Located upriver with boats trips for salmon and trout fishing. Log cabins and all meals included. Guides, tackle, smokehouse available.

  • Fish Camp Lodge – On the banks of the Naknek. Guided drift boat fishing trips and remote outpost cabins. Hearty family-style meals.

Hotels & Motels

  • Antlers Inn – Recently updated rooms. Airport shuttle, restaurant, and coin laundry on-site.

  • Bear Trail Inn – Modest rooms near the river. complimentary breakfast and WiFi.

  • Naknek River Lodge – Just outside town. More modern hotel with jetted tubs, sauna, on-site bar and restaurant.

Vacation Rentals

  • Puffin Cove Lodge – Spacious log cabin on the water. Fully equipped kitchen, multiple bedrooms, ideal for families.

  • Sea Star Cottages – Charming wooden cottages. Some directly on Naknek River with prime fishing access.

  • Bristol Bay Lodge – Secluded two bedroom riverfront house. Large deck and yard in natural setting.

Bed & Breakfasts

  • Ptarmigan Inn Bed and Breakfast – Cozy lodge with just 3 rooms. Hearty included breakfasts. Helpful owners assist with trip planning.

  • Levelock Lodge – Quaint restored historic roadhouse with shared bathrooms, family-style dining room. Transport from King Salmon included.

Remote Wilderness Lodges

  • Tikchik Narrows Lodge – All-inclusive resort only reachable by floatplane. Luxury cabins, gourmet food, guides for fishing, bear viewing and more.

  • Wild River Guides – Remote tent camps in Katmai National Park accessed by bush plane. Bear viewing, fishing, rafting packages.

Plan The Perfect King Salmon Getaway

With its untamed rivers, forests, and wildlife, King Salmon is a uniquely Alaskan destination. By booking your preferred lodging well in advance, you’ll be poised to make the most of your time in this stunning corner of southwest Alaska. Focus your stay around world-class fishing, outdoor excursions, or simply soaking up the region’s rustic charm and natural beauty. Just be sure to pack your mosquito repellent!

where to stay in king salmon alaska

4-Bed Room$1200Per Night

  • Room with 4 beds in the main lodge
  • 4-Bed room rate includes 4 people
  • See below if you want to add more people or have all meals included.

3-Bed Room$925Per Night

  • Room with 3 beds in the main lodge
  • 3-Bed room rate includes 3 people
  • See below if you want to add more people or have all meals included.

Lodging in King Salmon, Alaska

FAQ

How do you get around in King Salmon Alaska?

There are no roads or ferries that lead to King Salmon or Katmai National Park. The only major carrier that flies to King Salmon is Alaska Airlines, & their partner Horizon Air; between the two of them, they satisfy most of the demand for flying in and out of King Salmon.

Can you drive from Anchorage to King Salmon?

First, how to get here! Well, you really only have one option and it is to fly! King Salmon is about 280 miles southwest of Anchorage by air. There are no roads to King Salmon from Anchorage and no ferries so flying is the only option!

Where is the best place to King Salmon fish in Alaska?

The Kenai River is known for the best fishing in Alaska once the salmon season starts. Starting with the Lower Kenai that still holds the world record for King Salmon at 97 lbs 4 oz. The lower river is big and wide. It is very popular for back trolling for Kings in the early seasons of May, June and July.

Is King Salmon, Alaska worth visiting?

ABOUT KING SALMON Not only is King Salmon the jumping-off point for bear viewing, hiking, and backpacking adventures in Katmai National Park and Preserve, there’s also plenty to do along the Naknek River such as fishing and jet boat tours.

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