Alpine Creek Lodge — Hotel in Alaska

Alpine Creek (AC) is one of the best I've visited. Why? Owners Claude and Jennifer LIKE what they do. You, the guest, are welcome and wanted. The owners Claude and Jennifer don’t take advantage of the weary or distressed traveler. Their model is a fair price for a clean, warm room and decent food. The lodge and surrounding property is clean and obviously well cared for. Claude and Jennifer LIKE what they do--did I mention this? They appreciate their guests whether just stopping in for directions and coffee or staying a night or two. They don't see the traveler as a captive whose wallet is for gouging because of the remote location like some owners do. I felt like I was at my mom's house on vacation, complete with two crazy Jack Russel terriers roaring around the lodge, racing under my newspaper and across my lap, skidding to a stop to beg for a treat. A rarely seen, not to cuddly black cat darts across the dining room and up the stairs. 85.00 pp includes all meals. The "bunk" style room --located in the main part of the lodge --- as are all the rooms---featured a double bed on the bottom and a single on top. Both came with bedding and pillows, a side table, and windows. There are two bathrooms, one at either end of the lodge each with sink, commode, and a bathtub shower combo. The whole facility is consistently heated w/baseboard heat. There is plenty of hot water for a shower. Wi-Fi is sketchy at times, and if you want to watch tv after your hunt or hike find the remote and get comfortable in one of several large, comfy recliners. Chrissy is the long time cook. She is friendly and knows her way around a stove. Meals are served family style, for those guests (like us) who were staying close lunch is served at noon...again family style. If a person whines about being hungry it is her own fault. There is plenty of grub at each meal (including fresh greens for salad), fresh fruit for the taking as desired, and any remaining dessert or bread is left out until the last crumb is gone.

My husband and I were simply doing a short driving tour up the Parks Hwy and out the Denali over the Memorial weekend. It was nice that we were welcome at the lodge even though we were essentially going to be "hanging around". Some places want you out of the lodge and gone till dinner. Not Claude and Jennifer. My husband and I enjoyed a short walk outside, but mostly spent our time relaxing in the easy chairs reading and chatting with each other. We watched a little tv, and scrolled Twitter when the Wi-Fi was steady. If you have sled dogs they have a dog lot with about a dozen cozy little dog cabins. If you have a 40-foot trailer they have the parking space. If you want to rent a 4-wheeler, they have them. If you want to rent a snowmachine, they have those too (need snow of course). If nothing else, stop in for a steaming cup of coffee and a slice of fresh berry pie. Oh, and maybe share a bit of pie with the Jack Russels. YOu'll make their day....

BEST DAMN PLACE IN ALASKA!

Where to begin... everything you could possibly want away from the crowded shorelines. Very remote, diversified, entertaining, epic views in every direction, such a variety of activities to partake in. Staff is incredible all the way around, plenty of room, food is amazing, the Grizzly bar is perfect for catching up on the days adventures, poker room, incredible deck overlooking the Susitna River basin, variety of rooms to stay in at the lodge, plenty of space for numerous parties in your group. We've been multiple times, completely different experience each and every time, late spring, early fall, middle of winter, there is always something going on. If not, they will find something for you to do. Snowmobiling is absolutely incredible, no limits! Hiking on close and remote trails to remote lakes and mountain ranges, fishing lakes and rivers for a variety of species of fish, panning for gold onsite, dog mushing when available, jeep/atv/SxS tours, wildlife viewing- this list is long, depending on the season of course. AND of course if your lucky enough to spend hours on one of the many decks to be mesmerized by aurora borealis (aka northern lights) just WOW! Couldn't think of a better group of people and place to spend your time. Haven't had a chance to actually right a review after all these years, but totally worth it, every single time. Cant go...

Where to begin... everything you could possibly want away from the crowded shorelines. Very remote, diversified, entertaining, epic views in every direction, such a variety of activities to partake in. Staff is incredible all the way around, plenty of room, food is amazing, the Grizzly bar is perfect for catching up on the days adventures, poker room, incredible deck overlooking the Susitna River basin, variety of rooms to stay in at the lodge, plenty of space for numerous parties in your group. We've been multiple times, completely different experience each and every time, late spring, early fall, middle of winter, there is always something going on. If not, they will find something for you to do. Snowmobiling is absolutely incredible, no limits! Hiking on close and remote trails to remote lakes and mountain ranges, fishing lakes and rivers for a variety of species of fish, panning for gold onsite, dog mushing when available, jeep/atv/SxS tours, wildlife viewing- this list is long, depending on the season of course. AND of course if your lucky enough to spend hours on one of the many decks to be mesmerized by aurora borealis (aka northern lights) just WOW! Couldnt think of a better group of people and place to spend your time. Havent had a chance to actually right a review after all these years, but totally worth it, every single time. Cant go...