Combat Fishing in Seward, Alaska

After our unforgettable ( and slightly chaotic) fishing experience at the Russian River, we headed straight for Seward, Alaska. Known as the Mural Capital of Alaska, this charming coastal town has plenty to offer adventurers and dreamers alike. 

Join us as we share the best (and quirkiest) parts of Seward during our full-time travel adventure!

Where to Stay in Seward, Alaska

We chose to stay at  Seward Military Campground, but there are  plenty of places to stay closer to town if you’re looking for a front-row view of Resurrection Bay.

• Here’s the lowdown on the military campground:

• $40 per night

• Water and electric hookups (dump station available)

• Convenient amenities like showers, laundry rooms, fishing gear rentals, and even a fish processing center with shipping services!

When we first arrived, I felt like we’d landed in an RV sardine can.

It seemed pricey for a military campground without full hookups. But as I discovered all the amenities, I softened up—showers and laundry are my love language when traveling!

Expectations vs. Reality: Camping in Alaska

I’ll admit, my visions of Alaskan camping included secluded mountain vistas and serene riversides. 

Reality? Parking lot-style campgrounds packed with RV's like festival grounds on the Fourth of July.

The short camping season means everyone is here at once, and many boondocking spots were too rough or narrow for our rig.

Lesson learned: Adjust your expectations and focus on the positives. (And trust me, there are plenty!)

Despite the crowded campgrounds, Alaska’s jaw-dropping views are never far away. A quick drive or short walk can lead you to breathtaking solitude.

The Combat Fishing Fiasco

Let’s talk about combat fishing. Ever heard of it? Neither had I, but it’s a whole thing here. Imagine hundreds of people standing shoulder-to-shoulder, casting giant hooks with wild abandon. 

Sound stressful? It was.

We rented gear and headed to Nash Road near McDonald’s Campground with some friendly neighbors who took us under their wing. 

Within minutes, I was a nervous wreck. The idea of one of my kids getting a 10-ounce hook to the face kept running through my mind. (I overheard someone say it happened the day before—straight to the ER. Yikes!)

I’ll admit, I cried a little. 

Overwhelmed by the crowd, clueless about what I was doing, and feeling like I wasn’t protecting my kids, I wanted to pack it in. But after a deep breath (and prayer), I gave combat fishing a try. For ten minutes. That’s all I could manage.

The verdict: Not for me, but my daughter loved it. She stayed out for hours, determined to catch a fish, though luck wasn’t on her side. My son shared my reservations but gave it a shot.

Scott was the only one to snag a salmon—and he proudly showed our son how to fillet it back at camp with his graduation-gift knife. 

(and, of course, I had to snag a picture).

Fiddlehead Ferns: A Cautionary Tale

While in Seward, a neighbor gifted us freshly foraged fiddlehead ferns. Apparently, these are a gourmet delicacy in fancy restaurants. 

I was excited to try them, but after boiling and frying them in butter and garlic, they tasted like swampy, mushy grass. 

Clearly, I messed up somewhere- Don't do what I did!

Exploring Seward: Our Favorite Spots

1. Miller's Landing- This less touristy area stole our hearts. We grabbed coffee at Barrio Coffee + Kitchen and soaked in the breathtaking views.

2. Tonsina Creek Trail- My favorite hike in Seward! The trail was like something out of a storybook, and at low tide, we wandered along a peaceful, empty beach.

3. Exit Glacier Trail- Part of  Kenai Fjords National Park, this trail is easy, beautiful, and popular. Next time, I'm tackling the Harding Icefield Trail for a bigger challenge!

4. From the military campground, there was a nice walking trail that took us along the harbor to the Alaska Sea Life Center. We didn't actually go in the center, but enjoyed the walk!

5. Red's Burger-If you are anything like me, don’t hike 5 miles on an empty stomach. Red’s saved me from a full-blown hangry meltdown. Their pineapple shake is on my list for next time!

6. Mount Marathon Race- If you’re in Seward on the Fourth of July, check out this legendary race. Known as the “toughest 5K on the planet,” we saw a guy slide down the mountain mid-training, covered in scratches. Hardcore!

Cold Dipping: It's Good for You!

On our last morning, Scott and our son braved the 47-degree water for a refreshing cold dip. They claimed it was invigorating. I cheered from the shore with my coffee, perfectly content staying warm and dry.

Forced Rest and Renewed Perspective

Our week in Seward wasn’t just about adventure; it was about much-needed rest. After a whirlwind journey through Canada and Alaska, I was running on fumes. 

Rainy days forced me to slow down, catch up on homeschooling, and reconnect with my Heavenly Father.

Psalm 23:2-3 

He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.

Reflection

God’s gentle reminders to rest are gifts, even when they come disguised as rain or canceled plans. 

Rest helps us shift from a worldly, self-focused perspective to a Heavenly, grace-filled one.

As we continue our journey, I’m learning to embrace flexibility, adjust expectations, find joy in the unexpected, and take time to rest.

“God is more interested in your being than your doing. He created us as human beings, not human doings. Rest is not idleness but a declaration of trust in His sufficiency.” — Ruth Haley Barton

Dreaming of What's Next

We’re already dreaming about future adventures, including possibly spending a few months in Panama or Costa Rica. Learning Spanish with FL4K while on the road has been a fun family activity, and we’d love to immerse ourselves in a new culture someday (well almost all of us).

If you’ve been to Panama or Costa Rica, I’d love to hear your insights! I firmly believe that wherever God leads us, He’ll provide protection and guidance.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, 

Please grant us the rest we need and the wisdom to embrace it. Empower us to notice and extend help to those who are weary and in need of a break. I pray for the courage to break free from our comfort zones. 

In Jesus name,

Amen

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