Located on a bluff overlooking the Naknek River on the Alaska Peninsula, you have arrived at the lodge world famous for extraordinary river and stream fishing, wildlife viewing, photography, hiking, and scenery. Discover Alaska wildness near Bristol Bay and King Salmon, Alaska and just west of Katmai National Park and Preserve.
Whether you are arriving into Anchorage from another Alaska destination, or this is your first stop in Alaska, an overnight in Anchorage is recommended prior to visiting Crystal Creek Lodge. A private vehicle and driver will meet you to provide a transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the sights and sounds of downtown Anchorage.
Overnight in Anchorage.
Breakfast is included this morning before meeting your private vehicle and driver for transfer to the Anchorage airport. Your 70-minute scheduled flight will take you across Cook Inlet to the Alaskan Peninsula. King Salmon lies just along the western border of Katmai National Park. Upon arrival you will be met by lodge staff who will provide transportation to the lodge. Your guide will get you out on the water as soon as possible after check in to maximize your fishing opportunities. All season long Crystal Creek fishermen catch rainbow trout, dolly varden, char, and grayling. Throughout the season, you can aso fish for various salmon. King salmon are available from the second week of June to the end of July. Silver salmon are targeted from late July through the middle of September. A gourmet meal awaits you upon return to the lodge this evening.
Spend your next four evenings at Crystal Creek Lodge.
Spend the day on another fishing adventure on the Naknek River, or perhaps fly to a small stream in Katmai National Park to raft a river and fish for trout and char.
The rainbow trout of Alaska are fish of legend. The Naknek River and streams of the surrounding Katmai National Park region offer the finest rainbow trout fishing in the world. Crystal Creek Lodge guests often cast up to 25-inch-plus rainbow trout within 10 minutes of leaving the dock. Chars are common to Arctic and subarctic waters and thrive in the Bristol Bay region. They are aggressive, strong and beautiful fish that populate streams in prolific numbers. It is common for anglers to catch dozens of char in the 18-28 inch range in the summer season.
Take a break from fishing today and explore one of the many other amazing activities the lodge offers. Explore some of Southwest Alaska’s famous wildlife including brown bears and walrus, both native to this area. Katmai National Park and nearby Alaska Peninsula Wildlife Refuge have been a bear sanctuary for decades, and as a result the bears are accustomed to and not threatened by a human presence. A day of bear viewing at Brooks River (or anywhere for that matter) is a memorable experience and is often the highlight of a vacation at Crystal Creek Lodge.
Another wildlife-centric adventure is a trip out to see Pacific walruses who haul out on capes accessible by aircraft and islands accessible only by boat. Crystal Creek Lodge is the only lodge in Western Alaska and Bristol Bay offering these kind of guided naturalist trips. These adventures are unique outdoor opportunities where you can see hundreds or thousands of wild walrus bobbing in the surf and relaxing on the beach. It is also probable to see herds of caribou, bear, fox and other small mammals, estuaries filled with migratory waterfowl and numerous other rare upland birds in spectacular wilderness settings. The flights to these viewing places take you across some of the most spectacular flightseeing scenery in Western Alaska and your pilot/guide will interpret the dozens of sights and landmarks along the way.
For your final full day at the lodge you may choose another fishing expedition, or perhaps a more adventurous activity such as a guided hike or float trip by raft down a serene river. Other lodge activities include kayaking, beachcombing, and excursions to explore nearby National Parks. The 4,725,000 acre Katmai National Park and the 1,157,000 acre Becharof National Wildlife Refuge are both within sight of the lodge and the 4,000,000 acre Lake Clark National Park and the 4,100,000 acre Togiak National Wildlife Refuge are a short airplane ride away. Each destination and tour offers a multitude of guided day trip possibilities.
After breakfast your hosts will return you to King Salmon for your scheduled flight to Anchorage. A private transfer will be provided to your Anchorage hotel or to embark on your next adventure.
Featuring the dining room, lounge area, and full bar, the main lodge serves as an environment of exceptional comfort and subtle inspiration as you rest and relax between your day’s adventures. Other amenities include high-speed wifi internet service, a fitness room, and game room.
Guest rooms provide all the comforts of home in a luxurious wilderness setting. There are five guest rooms within the main lodge, four of which feature two full-size or one queen and one full-size bed. The fifth room features one king-size bed.
There are also two private cabins on the property. Made of massive logs and river rock to match the lodge, these cabins are perfect for small families. These two-bedroom suites feature a queen-size bed and private bath in each room, plus a loft with two twin beds and a third bathroom.
Scheduled air service will bring guests from Anchorage to King Salmon. From there lodge staff will meet guests for the five-mile journey by road to the lodge.
Crystal Creek Lodge prides itself on its philosophy of using the freshest local ingredients whenever possible. An abundance of Alaskan-harvested seafood is highlighted on the menu each day, plus a variety of meats and poultry sourced from local Alaskan growers. The open-style kitchen allows guests to participate in meal preparation, including their own fresh-caught fish upon request.
A variety of all-inclusive packages are offered by the lodge, personalized for each guest’s interests. Fishing and bear viewing are the most common, sought-after experiences at the lodge. However, the surrounding wilderness of southwest Alaska also offers opportunities for beachcombing, rafting, kayaking, hiking, and even walrus viewing.
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Our advisor listened to what our families wanted to cover and our needs and crafted the perfect 5 days for us -- our driver and guide was amazing. they made our Alaska experience perfect for our group!
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