Located just south of Denali National Park, Chelatna Lake Lodge is nestled on the shores of 8-mile Chelatna Lake and the top of Lake Creek, prime territory for some of the finest rainbow trout and grayling fishing in Alaska. The lodge’s renown professional fishing guides specialize in both fly-fishing or spin-fishing for rainbow trout, arctic grayling, pike, and all five types of Pacific salmon, depending on the season.
You will be met upon arrival in Anchorage and guided to where your private vehicle and driver await. A private transfer will be provided to your hotel, including a brief orientation tour of Anchorage if time allows. This evening enjoy a meal at one of the many nearby Alaskan restaurants and then rest up to begin your adventure!
Overnight in downtown Anchorage.
Get excited as you begin your fishing escape to Chelatna Lake Lodge. Fuel up for a busy day with breakfast at the hotel, then meet your private driver for transfer to Anchorage’s Lake Hood floatplane base. A one-hour, scenic flight will take you toward the borders of Denali National Park where you’ll land on Chelatna Lake. After a brief orientation, spend the day exploring your new ‘home’ for the next few days – or get started on the fishing fun right away. Your lodge hosts will make sure you have everything you need including gear, cozy accommodations, and hearty Alaskan meals.
Spend the next five nights at Chelatna Lake Lodge.
Experienced fishing guides love to cater to all guests – from novices to seasoned fly and spin fishermen and women. The nearby lake and creek waters are pristine and clear, and because you are in remote Alaska, accessible only by aircraft, your only companions will be the river, birds, and wildlife.
By boat or in waders, you’ll fish next to white sand beaches, in the lake itself and in nearby Lake Creek. Fly fishing and spin fishing with all equipment provided gives you ample opportunities to experience the full continuum of Alaska fishing at its finest.
One of the most popular activities from the lodge is a private day hike into Denali National Park. Explore moderate hiking trails to the alpine terrain with world-class views transitioning from boreal forest up to alpine terrain and more million dollar views of Chelatna Lake. As you ascend into Denali, you’ll pass through alpine meadows exploding with wildflowers, then along meandering stream beds. View cascading waterfalls and hike along the towering rock faces that herald the lower reaches of the majestic Alaska Range. Other Chelatna Lodge hikes take you along salmon-spawning streams, through arctic tundra, and across boreal forest that allows you to experience the heart of the Alaskan bush for yourself. Share your preference and skill level with your guide, who will recommend the perfect hike just for you!
Chelatna Lake offers fourteen and a half miles of shoreline to explore, and the best way to do this is by boat with excellent opportunities for spotting and photographing Alaska wildlife thriving in their natural habitat. Wildlife abound as you take a leisurely cruise in the comfort of your privately guided boat scoping for black bear and grizzly, moose, beaver, river otters, coyotes, porcupines, arctic terns, eagles, osprey, loons, swans and, if you are lucky, a glimpse of an elusive wolf or wolverine.
Chelatna Lake Lodge is the only lodge on Chelatna Lake and as such can offers exclusive access to all the water-centric fun you desire. You might choose to paddle out into the lake to explore on your own in a canoe or kayak or try your hand at paddleboarding on the Lake’s calm waters. At the end of the day, jump in the lakeside sauna or enjoy a glass of wine on the deck of your cabin and breath in the scent of authentic Alaska.
Let out a sigh as you return to Anchorage via a float plane in the morning. Your private driver/guide will meet you at the Anchorage Airport to take you on your own private tour of Anchorage including a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Relax at your Anchorage hotel that evening and in the morning enjoy a complimentary breakfast in the morning followed by a private transfer to the airport before heading home with your memories of Chelatna magic.
(c) Frank Flavin. All rights reserved.
The accommodations at Chelatna Lake Lodge are deluxe, featuring an impressive main lodge with dining room, four Justus Cedar guest chalets, a separate lodge for recreating, and a lakeside sauna, all beautifully framed by outstanding Alaska wilderness landscapes.
The main lodge, a majestic cedar chalet overlooking the Alaska Range, serves as the dining and social hall. Additionally, there is a 1940’s era log cabin recreation hall outfitted with a wood stove, fly-tying table, television, books, a game table and more.
The four lakeside chalets at Chelatna feature a large-glassed in living area and spacious deck. They each have two bedrooms, two private bathrooms, wall-to-wall carpeting, gas heat, electricity and all the hot water needed for total comfort.
Chelatna Lake Lodge is only accessible by chartered flight from Anchorage or Talkeetna. Guests visiting in the summer are met by lodge staff on the morning of their departure at one of the downtown Anchorage hotels and brought to Lake Hood to depart Anchorage through a one hour float plane flight or guests can depart from the Talkeetna Airport via a thirty minute flight.
Hearty, delicious and creative lodge meals are specially prepared by the Chelatna Lodge Chef and served in the spacious dining room. Guests can expect the finest in culinary presentations featuring freshly-sourced ingredients, home baked breads and deserts and craft beers and fine wines. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated upon request.
The centerpiece of adventure at Chelatna is fishing, fly fishing to spin, by boat or by wader. But being located on the edge of Denali National Park, you would be remiss not taking advantage of the incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, water sports and photography right outside your cabin door. The lodge’s knowledgeable staff will help match your experience to your interests and provide a wealth of information and ideas for your next adventure.
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