7 day camping/hiking/fishing self guided trip recs

Question

Planning to go on a 7 day self guided trip with my husband for our anniversary end of May. We love to camp, hike, and fish. Planning to camp with a few nights stay in cabins or air bnbs (whatever recommended). Flying into/out of Anchorage. Been looking into doing Seward, Soldotna, and Homer. Want to fish at Kenai and do a tour there, any and all recs appreciated!

Answer

For a 7-day self-guided Alaska trip flying in and out of Anchorage, focusing on camping, hiking, and fishing, your plan around Seward, Soldotna, and Homer is excellent. Late May is a great time for spring fishing and for snow-free hiking trails, though some higher elevation trails may still have snow.

Here’s a suggested itinerary and recommendations:

Day 1 – Arrival in Anchorage: Pick up your rental car and spend the night in Anchorage to rest from your flight. Explore downtown Anchorage or visit the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for a short scenic walk.
Day 2 – Drive to Seward (2.5 hrs): Check out Exit Glacier at Kenai Fjords National Park. Consider a short hike like the Harding Icefield Trail if you’re up for a moderate challenge. Camp at the Seward area campground or stay in a local cabin.
Day 3 – Seward/Kenai Fjords: Take a half-day or full-day wildlife/boat tour in Kenai Fjords for glacier and marine life viewing. Afternoon fishing options near Seward are limited, but you can enjoy hiking or exploring the coastal town.
Day 4 – Drive to Soldotna (approx. 2 hrs): Book a guided fishing trip on the Kenai River for salmon or trout. There are multiple outfitters in Soldotna for full-day or half-day guided trips. Camp at the Russian River Campground or a nearby state park.
Day 5 – Soldotna/Homer: Drive to Homer (approx. 1.5 hrs). Explore the Homer Spit and check out local shops. For fishing enthusiasts, consider a halibut charter for the afternoon or next morning. Overnight in a cabin or campground along the spit.
Day 6 – Hiking and Local Exploration: Hike the scenic trails near Homer such as the Diamond Creek Trail or Captain Cook State Recreation Area. Enjoy local seafood and relax at the coast. Optional: another fishing excursion if desired.
Day 7 – Return to Anchorage: Drive back to Anchorage (approx. 4.5 hrs). Stop at scenic points along the way, such as the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Return your rental car and prepare for departure.

Additional tips and recommendations:

Book fishing charters in advance; late May is the beginning of the season for some salmon runs, and halibut trips are popular.
For camping, Alaska state parks offer great options; make reservations where possible, especially near Soldotna and Homer.
Check for tide and river conditions if planning river fishing yourself.
Carry bear spray and be bear-aware, especially when hiking or camping in remote areas.
Bring layers; May weather can range from mild to chilly, particularly in coastal areas.
For a special anniversary, consider a scenic flightseeing tour over Kenai Fjords or Harding Icefield—it’s an unforgettable experience.

This plan balances hiking, fishing, and camping while minimizing long consecutive drives, giving you a mix of adventure and relaxation.