Gwin's Lodge and Roadhouse
14865 Sterling Hwy : Cooper Landing, AK 99572
Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska
Land Description
Gwin's Lodge is a prestatehood, pioneer-built log roadhouse opened in 1952 at Mile 52 Sterling Hwy, nestled at the confluence of the Kenai & Russian Rivers. The lodge offers 19 upgraded guest cabins and houses, full-service restaurant/bar, tackle shop/store, package liquor sales and potential year-round operations-a true Alaska icon.
Land
Gwin's Lodge is ideally situated on a scenic and accessible parcel of wooded land within the Chugach National Forest-one of Alaska's most sought-after recreational regions. Nestled at Mile 52 on the Sterling Highway in Cooper Landing, the property borders the world-famous Kenai River, a mecca for salmon and trout fishing, and lies less than a mile from the trailheads to Resurrection Pass and Russian Lakes. The terrain is rich with mature spruce and birch forest, offering privacy, natural beauty, and direct immersion in Alaska's wilderness. Guests enjoy stunning views of the Kenai Mountains, frequent wildlife sightings, and nearby riverfront access just steps from their cabins. With very well maintained year-round road access and proximity to multiple lakes, mountains, and trails, the land surrounding Gwin's Lodge is not only picturesque-it's a turnkey basecamp for outdoor recreation and the Alaskan dream.
Improvements
Lodging Gwin's Lodge features a well-developed and charming mix of rustic log cabins and larger guest accommodations, thoughtfully renovated to retain their historic character while offering modern comfort. There are 17 cozy guest cabins that sleep between 4 to 6 people, each uniquely styled with authentic Alaskan touches. Many include kitchenettes or mini-fridges, wood-burning stoves, and private bathrooms. In addition, two spacious family-style cottages can accommodate large groups of 8 to 10 guests, ideal for fishing parties or multi-family getaways.
Amenities The heart of the property is its iconic full-service log restaurant and bar, open seasonally and known for hearty Alaskan fare, fresh seafood, homemade pies, and local craft beer. The restaurant also offers a popular summer To-Go window, catering to early-morning anglers and late-night travelers alike. A well-stocked tackle shop and gift store caters to outdoor enthusiasts with gear, licenses, and souvenirs. Outdoor picnic areas and BBQ stations allow guests to enjoy meals amid the natural surroundings and provides a relaxing retreat after long days of fishing or hiking. The property also includes ample guest parking, Wi-Fi access in public areas, and on-site laundry facilities. Staff accommodations include 20 employee housing units that can accommodate 40 employees with shared bathrooms, kitchen, and lounge-enabling smooth seasonal operations and staff comfort.
From hospitality to infrastructure, the improvements at Gwin's Lodge are extensive and well-maintained, offering a turnkey opportunity for a new owner to step into an iconic and fully operational Alaskan business.
Recreation
Gwin's Lodge is a premier basecamp for sport-fishing and outdoor adventure on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. Situated at the confluence of the Kenai and Russian Rivers, it offers direct access to world-class salmon and trout fishing, with guided river trips and saltwater charters available. The lodge also coordinates whitewater rafting, glacier tours, bear viewing, scenic flights, and more. Located near major hiking trailheads and surrounded by the wildlife-rich Chugach National Forest, it's an ideal hub for guests seeking both relaxation and rugged Alaskan experiences.
General Operations
Gwin's Lodge operates as a diversified hospitality and adventure tourism business in Cooper Landing, Alaska, targeting outdoor enthusiasts, anglers, and eco-tourists seeking authentic Alaskan experiences on the Kenai Peninsula. Established in 1952, the core revenue streams include lodging cabins and camping, food and beverage services, guided excursions, and retail sales, with a focus on seasonal peak operations from June to September to capitalize on high tourism volumes to the Kenai Peninsula. Lodging comprises 17 rustic cabins priced at $190-$350 per night based on occupancy and season, achieving average daily rates of approximately $346 during high season through online platforms like and direct reservations via website or phone. Complementary camping options generate ancillary income with 10 tent sites at $25 per night and dry RV/group sites at $40-$100 per night no hookups porta-john facilities only, emphasizing low-overhead, high-margin utilization of 5+ acres of forested land. The on-site restaurant drives food and beverage revenue, operating daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with seasonal breakfast service June 1-September 15 until 10 30 a.m. and full Alaskan-inspired menus e.g., salmon specialties, home fries from 11 a.m., complemented by a roadhouse bar open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. for locals and transients. Additional high-margin services include guided float fishing trips on the Kenai and Russian Rivers $225 half-day, $325 full-day per group of up to four, gear included and kayak rentals $125 per person, minimum two adults, booked via concierge with zero commission to support cross-selling. Retail operations feature a tackle shop for fishing gear, souvenirs, and an on-site liquor store, contributing 15-20 of total revenue through impulse purchases. Staffing consists of 15-20 seasonal employees cooks, guides, housekeepers hired for summer peaks, with year-round management overseeing maintenance with potential for off-season bookings for events or winter retreats. Sustainability practices prioritize low-impact tourism, including waste reduction, aligning with market demand for responsible travel while minimizing operational costs in this remote location. Overall, the business model leverages its prime location near the world's top salmon fishery to achieve 85-90 summer occupancy and diversified income, with enhanced digital marketing and partnerships, year-round viability is easily accomplished.
Region & Climate
Located centrally on the Kenai Peninsula, ~100 mi south of Anchorage, ~50 mi from Seward and Soldotna, ~120 mi from Homer. Alpine subarctic climate summer highs average mid 60s F, winters down to ~20 F. Surrounded by rivers, mountains, lakes, wildlife, and within reach of Kenai Fjords National Park.
History
Gwin's Lodge was established in 1952, making it one of the oldest continually operating lodges in Alaska. Built by pioneer hands using local spruce logs, it began as a classic roadhouse serving travelers along the Sterling Highway. Over the decades, it became a beloved stop for fishermen, adventurers, and locals alike-famous for its hearty meals, rustic cabins, and authentic Alaskan charm. With major restoration beginning in the early 2000S and ongoing upgrades, Gwin's remains a landmark steeped in Alaska's frontier history.
Location
Gwin's Lodge is located at 14865 Sterling Highway in Cooper Landing, Alaska, on the eastern Kenai Peninsula within Chugach National Forest. Established in 1952, it sits along the Sterling Highway Alaska Route 1, across from the Kenai River and 3 miles west of central Cooper Landing, near the Kenai-Russian Rivers confluence-a top salmon fishing spot.
Nearest airports include Kenai Municipal Airport ENA, 49-56 miles north 50-minute drive Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport ANC, 90-100 miles north 2-2.5 hours via Seward Highway and Seward Airport SWD, 50 miles south 1 hour, limited flights. Private pilots can use Quartz Creek Airport JLA, 3 miles east.
Nearby towns Sterling, 15-20 miles north 20-25 minutes for basics Soldotna, 30 miles north 35-40 minutes for shopping and hospitals Kenai, 50 miles northwest 1 hour for museums and markets Seward, 50 miles south 1 hour for marine activities and Anchorage, 100 miles north 2-2.5 hours for urban services.
On-site amenities at the lodge include a restaurant breakfast, lunch, dinner with Alaskan fare, bar, tackle/souvenir shop, and liquor store. In Cooper Landing 3 miles away gas, small grocery/post office, charters, rafting, hikes like Russian Lakes Trail, and the U.S. Forest Service Visitor Center 2 miles. For more pharmacies, hardware, visit Soldotna 30 miles. Free parking is available, with a focus on outdoor gear.
Directions to Land
Head south from Anchorage on Seward Hwy (AK-1) toward Seward (via A St from downtown or signs from airport). Drive ~90 miles on AK-1 through Chugach State Park, past Beluga Point, Girdwood, and Hope. At mile 37, turn right onto Sterling Hwy (AK-9). Continue ~7 miles west into Cooper Landing along the Kenai River to milepost 52; Gwin's Lodge is on the left across the river.
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