Caribou Lodge Alaska — Hotel in Alaska

We stayed at the Caribou Lodge from 27 to 30 Aug 24. Truth be told, we weren't sure what we were getting ourselves into! The pick up from our previous accommodation in Talkeetna was punctual, and the float plane ride was smooth and scenic.

As we landed on Boomerang lake, we were warmly greeted by Zac and Joe and shown to our cabin. While the cabins were basic in nature (no electricity but had a propane heater), it was clean, cosy and the beds were so comfortable! The toilet and shower facilities were separate but only a short 10 second walk away from our cabin. We had a good night's sleep everyday we were there! The main cabin had everything we needed, electricity, hot drinks and snacks all day! Their families living there were also so friendly and welcoming!

The activities were really back to nature; hikes with varying degrees of difficulty according to our preference, while there were water activities like kayaking. You could do both as part of a hike as well! We did hikes with both Zac and Joe during our time there. Both Zac and Joe made sure our hikes were as comfortable as possible. They laid out delicious snacks, DIY sandwiches and bottled drinks for us to take on our hikes! Both of them were very knowledgeable on the flora and fauna on the hikes. Aside from that, they made conversations with all the hikers throughout the hikes, which made the hikes seem shorter than they were! We saw a moose on one of our hikes though! Oh the views were another level!!

The meals provided by their wives, Alyssa and Bonnie were great! I think it was amongst the most delicious foods we had in Alaska! Every meal was thoughtfully prepared and tasted so good! All the guests bonded over good food and drinks. The families also work so hard to keep the entire place clean for all guests!!

At first we thought we would enjoy being back to civilisation once our stay at the Caribou Lodge ended, but we found ourselves missing the simplicity of such a life and reconnecting with nature. We totally understand why Zac and Joe wanted this sorta experience for their families. This ranks as one of the main highlights of our Alaska trip! We will definitely have the lodge in mind if we decide to return to Alaska in future!

Thanks Zac and Joe for making this so memorable for us!!

Sincerely, Shaun,...

My 8 year old son and I had an amazing time with the Caribou Lodge. We chose the Caribou Lodge because we wanted to have a unique experience in the Alaskan interior, and we sure did. I can’t thank the team there enough for the warmth they showed us in a remote and breathtaking part of the world. It really felt like being hosted in someone’s home - by people born to host.||The first two nights of our Tundra Explorer trip were camping in the Talkeetna Mountains. From the moment the helicopter dropped us off by a partially frozen pond in a scenic valley, I knew we were somewhere very special. Zac took great care of us with food and water, led us on well-calibrated and adventurous hikes in the area, and taught us about the variety of plants and animals around. The landscape was spectacular - wide views into steep valleys, snowmelt rushing through narrow gorges, lichen and grass meadows and marshy creeks, patches of snow here and there. I am grateful that we got to see that part of Alaska in that way.||The second two nights were back at the Caribou Lodge, and it was a most welcome step up in comfort. The cabin we had was cozy and warm, with a lovely view over the lake. The sitting area at the lodge was homey - my child and I spent many hours there, he playing with the hosts’ kids, I thumbing through books and magazines. The deck at the lodge was also a great place to relax and soak in the views. The facilities were great, especially considering the remoteness. Only the outhouses were a touch rustic, but they were clean and easy to use. I appreciated the socialization at the group meals, and the food was delicious and plentiful - homemade granola, tasty and savory sliders, steak, homemade salad fixings and pastries and desserts, coffee and tea and cookies at all hours.||I would go back in a heartbeat. Their location and their backcountry camping experience is like no other, and their hospitality...

A beautiful remote paradise with a classic rustic flair. Caribou Lodge is the place you go when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and want to relax and explore the great outdoors in nearest to its purest form. It is not the place you go if you want to remain connected and constantly entertained by fake touristy fads. (Though, there is cell service if you must have it.) It also is one of the few lodges that you do have to do your business in a classic outhouse. (They are well kept and clean, but still a true rustic experience.)

The lodge overlooks a beautiful lake surrounded by rolling hills, mountains, and offers some of the best hiking experiences of all skill levels. Bring your camera as there are limitless photo opportunities of the scenery, and wildlife with the mountain Denali bearing over it all.

The people running the lodge are extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and professional as they make sure you are comfortable and well fed at the lodge and in your own cabin, as well as the best guides for hiking, kayaking, and all other forms of outdoor activities.

You will never be hungry as the host prepare true delicious home cooked meals three times a day with plenty of snacks and other goodies for anytime in between. And if you have any special dietary needs, they are fully accommodating (I would recommend you giving them a heads up before you arrive so they can prepare though. Just like yourself, they have to ship in supplies regularly so everything is fresh and well stocked.)

All in all, Caribou Lodge is the pinnacle experience of true Alaska bush living and a perfect place to unwind...