Sterling

Sterling is in the Kenai Peninsula Borough along the Sterling Hwy at Mile 81.

The town's name was apparently made official in 1954 when a post office was established here.

Today Sterling, population 3,800, is a highway community with a number of businesses that accommodate the sportfishing industry and outdoor recreation buffs who arrive in the summer. Fishing on the Kenai River and area lakes is popular and there is an extensive canoe trail system. The Kenai and Moose rivers join here and there is a bridge at Mile 82, the terminus of the Swan Lake Canoe Trail, which covers 30 lakes in 60 miles. The Swanson River route connects 40 lakes in 80 miles. Winter temperatures range from 4 to 22 degrees; summer temperatures vary from 46 to 65 degrees. The average annual precipitation is 20 inches.

Sterling Days, held in July, features the Moose River Raft Race. There also are oil fields in the area, which is part of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.