FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where is Orca Lodge, and how do I get there?
Orca Lodge is located just a couple minute drive from the town of Soldotna, Alaska at 44240 Oehler Road. The vast majority of our guests fly in to Anchorage, rent a car, and enjoy a breathtaking 140 mile drive south to Soldotna. When you get to Soldotna you’ll drive through town on the Sterling Highway, cross the Kenai River bridge, take a left on Funny River Road, travel ¾ of a mile, go left on Oehler Road, then follow to the end where you’ll run right into the Orca Lodge on the banks of the river.
Does my cabin have river access?
Orca Lodge has roughly 500 feet of private riverfront for you to enjoy!
Will I need a car?
Yes. Having your own transportation is necessary to get around while staying here. Any highway vehicle is fine, no need for 4-wheel drive. When renting a car from Anchorage, try www.alaskarentacar.net
What’s a good time of year to visit?
This is a loaded question, and the short answer is that there’s no bad time to visit between mid-May and October! There’s always something to do and catch, it really depends on what the goals for your trip are. Check out this blog for more info about trip timing – http://akfishology.com/2016/02/19/when-is-the-best-time-to-visit-alaska/>
Do you book guided fishing trips and excursions?
We are lucky to have a partnership with the premier fishing guide business on the Kenai Peninsula,Fishology, and as a result we can book guided river fishing, halibut and saltwater-combo fishing, fly out fishing, etc. The best part about Fishology is that they carefully select the guides that you will be entrusted to, so you can rest assured that you’ll be in the hands of true professionals on each and every trip. Check them out at www.akfishology.com
How do I handle food?
Orca Lodge does not provide meals for our guests, and this is a huge benefit to you as it turns out. Rather than being on a lodge’s meal schedule, you’re free to eat what you want, when you want, and plan your meals around your daily activities rather than the other way around. Every cabin at Orca Lodge is equipped with a full kitchen, so many of our guests choose to hit the grocery store in Soldotna on day 1 of their stay. In addition, there are gas grills on the property and a campfire/picnic table area that many folks love to eat dinner and socialize at. And there are many restaurants in the area, and we’d be more than happy to refer you to our favorites!
What should I bring?
Orca Lodge cabins are equipped with just about everything you’ll need for your stay including linens, towels, dishes, etc. You’ll want to focus your packing on the appropriate layered clothing that you’ll need, and being Alaska, you’ll need some light layers as well as a more heavy layer. Other items to consider bringing are: sunglasses, bug spray, personal items, rain gear, camera, sun screen…. Remember, Soldotna is conveniently close, so if you forget something it’s no big deal. Here’s a quick blog that might help you in the packing process – http://akfishology.com/2017/12/05/6-things-bring-ak/
What’s the weather like there?
This is Alaska, so the weather can be a bit unpredictable… your best bet is to bring layers of clothing, and hopefully you don’t have to use them all. A typical early morning on the water can be in the 40’s or 50’s, and often it warms up to the 70’s throughout the summer. But keep in mind that it’s not uncommon to see 50 degrees with rain, nor 75 degrees with sun!
Do you provide fishing gear?
Not only is all the fishing gear provided on every guided trip, if you choose to book, but Orca Lodge also is fully stocked with all the hip-boots, rods, reels, and tackle that you can use down at our private riverfront!
Is there internet access on the property?
There is Wi-Fi access in our office, and our guests are welcome utilize it as much as they need to. Keep in mind that you’ll likely have great cell phone service here as well.
Do I need a fishing license?
You will need a fishing license if you plan to do any fishing in Alaska. Here is a link to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game’s website where you can purchase a license online: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/Store/
What about fish processing?
Orca Lodge now offers vacuum packing and freezing for your convenience at only $1.25/lb. We’ll save you some money compared to the fish processors in town, and we’ll make it very convenient for you as well!
How do I transport fish home?
The most efficient and cost-effective way to bring fillets home with you is to bring them with you as luggage on the airplane. At the end of your stay you can pack them in insulated fish boxes so they’re ready to fly with you. The fillets should stay frozen for up to 48 hours, giving you time to get the fish home and into your freezer. A more expensive option is to have them mailed overnight to your home.
