Gakona Lodge & Trading Post

Caroline Labrunye

2023-08

We arrived to the Lodge after 95km cycling & Wayne let us set our tent on the grass behind the lodge for free & use a shower in the morning. Then we went to the bar to get a soda & some dinner. The server was super friendly, refilled our waters & let us hang out away from the mosquitoes. Such a friendly place, we really enjoyed it after this big day cycling.

Michael Ziegler

2023-08

We had a fabulous time - it’s rustic, which is exactly what you should expect of a historic site, the Bar is friendly and welcoming (as are the locals) and the food is creative and delicious (not you ordinary bar food). New owners and staff go out of their way to make your stay memorable! Are there still a few glitches - absolutely - buy, forgive & forget and enjoy the unique experience of a piece of history - thank you Michelle!Nearby activities: Outdoor wilderness, rafting, camping, fishing, hunting- amazing flights over Wraglell - St Elias - Glaciers - and an easy drive into Kennecott - the most intact historic copper mine in the US - and the home of the second highest mountain in the USA (9 out of 16 highest are Alaska) Denali being the top of list - only a day away. Great pit stop or just hang out and enjoy

Liz Lehtonen

2023-10

So, my kids described it as 'old and creepy'. Set your expectations with that and you'll do fine. The beds were 'ok' and the shared bathrooms were clean.The bar only had one single meal available (hot dogs and macaroni for us). I'm guessing we paid $20 each for a $2 Costco meal.

LarryS

2023-09

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Ryan Hyde

2023-08

This place is okay. My family stayed in a separate cabin because who wants to have to share a bathroom with strangers?!! That’s what you have to do if you stay in the lodge. We got there surrounded by mosquitoes and opened the door to a 3 room cabin. We noticed the light fixture over the table was missing some bulbs. Includes is a picture of the water heater which has gotta be against code. We went to the tavern to get some food, we got tenders and fries. The tenders were delicious, but the fries were absolutely torched. A 10 year old kid checked us in and they closed at 9 probably because that’s his bedtime. Also, there were mosquito repellent devices, which produce a smoke, and there were 3 inside!! Unbelievable that it is still around.Idk the permits they have, but I will be staying somewhere else.Rooms: Terrible lighting, good bedsSafety: Definitely not up to code

Greg Christensen

2023-07

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M S

2022-05

Stayed here for one night, amazing property and service! Right in front of the Gakona River, which is such a serene site. Rooms are clean and in excellent shape. Bathrooms are communal and were in very good shape, towels and all amenities were all provided. Furthermore the Trapper's Den bar is right next door, with amazing food. Chris, our bartender was amazing! Such great service and had a fun night! Great selection of local craft beers, and food from the kitchen! More props to Kona the dog, who was the highlight of our stay here! Loved every bit of it, will definitely be back!

John Manderson

2023-08

A rustic lodge with very comfortable beds. Nice little pub next door and excellent food.This is a nice place to stop just three hours east of Anchorage.

X File

2022-05

A must stop along the way! We came down to Gakona for a family members wedding, and we stayed at the lodge. The Tavern was a blast! Great drinks, great service, and Chris took great care of us, made us feel right at home, and played nothing but great songs on the sound system! Also met some great Alaskan locals, and will definitely be back to enjoy the Lodge, Tavern, and the great company!

S & L McDonald

2023-05

Perfect location near National Park. Cabins are quaint and cozy, with restaurant and pub onsite. Food was delicious and great selection of local brews on tap too. All amenities provided, super great value overall. Owners and neighbors are super friendly and welcoming, will definitely stay again when in the area. Also offers discount for military.

James Waldecker

2023-05

This was a fantastic place to stay in the proximity of Wrangell-St.Elias National Park. Hospitality was terrific, and the room was spacious. Meals are served nearby, and the parking is free. Therr is a nice view out the back of the Gakona River as it flows toward the nearby Copper River. The lodge is only 24 miles from the Wrangell-St.Elias National Park visitor's center.

Frank Epperson

2021-05

My family has done 2 trips so far. We stayed in lodge 1st weekend and tent camped this past weekend. Its beautiful out there. Lodge overlooks a river. Has cabins for rent. Food and drinks are at Trappers den is amazing. Owner even took time out to play with my kids.Highly recommended

David Thill

2021-05

This is definitely a place that will transport you back in time. You will be able to imagine what it was like traveling through this area in a bygone era.The owners are working hard to bring this historic lodge back to its former glory. They are super accommodating and helpful.The modern conveniences provide just enough comfort to make your stay comfortable and memorable.The food next door at the historic watering hole was very good and reasonably priced. There was no extra charge for the resident Alaskan husky to keep you company with his good nature.

Melody Moore

2023-08

Room itself was ok. Clean but small. Having to share bathroom was not pleasant. People don't clean up after themselves well. Management should check bathrooms regularly and keep them sanitized and empty garbage.

Jason Smith

2021-05

The rooms were terribly cold we asked for extra blankets but the owner said to take the outer blanket and put it on the inside all five of us in different rooms ended up sleeping with wool socks and sweatpants and sweaters and hats. The kitchen look like a disaster area very unclean unorganized and unsanitary. We all ended up moving to the Riverview bed and breakfast were there we had five star service and amazing lunches were made for us and breakfast and great dinners and pleasant conversation with warm clean rooms and good running water.

Susy Slingland

2022-05

We had a great time. Given their remoteness the food and drink offerings were stellar. We especially loved their homemade baked goods available at breakfast and good, strong coffee! I recommend a Benadryl at night - helps sleep (100+ year old roadhouse has thin walls - white noise phone app also helps!) and if you have any allergies related to 100+ year old roadhouse. But we recommend it 100%!!

Nicholas Berens

2022-05

I stayed here 5 nights on a work trip. The staff could not have been more helpful or welcoming. From being attentive despite being busy to provide a great experience to calling friends at a nearby mechanic shop to make sure my flat tire was a priority, they make sure to exceed expectations at every turn. I would recommend this place to anyone. Kona is the sweetest dog and wanders the grounds like a ronin doing good where he is needed most. Great food, drinks, beds, and most importantly people.

Michael Yang

2023-08

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Virginia Reames

2017-05

We were there in early August, 2016. We had two rooms - including the haunted one (and I am not gonna say anything else about that). Rooms were clean and cozy, the bar was super fun and the restaurant was great. Everyone talked with each other - stranger or local. I loved it, and can't say enough nice about it. If you are in that area - where the Gakona River empties into the Copper River - you will miss a lot of fun unless you make it a point to stay at least one night.

Eli Barry-Garland

2023-05

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RoxAnne Christley

2019-05

Cliff and his family provided us with a great nights stay. The accomodations were comfortable, the fish and chips were generous and delicious, and the rustic atmosphere and friendly people were so welcoming. The lodge was so unique and interesting. We LOVED it! Thank you Cliff for a memorable night. We would recommend the Gakona Lodge to anyone. We hope to make our way back through on another Alaska road trip someday.

Mandy Stauffer

2021-05

If you want to really experience Alaska, stay here!! The cabins are cute with comfortable beds, WiFi, kitchen, and more. The owners know the area and will suggest activities to suit your interest. The atmosphere is down to earth with entertainment most every night at Trappers Tavern, got to meet many locals, including Kona the Alaskan Malamute, a regular here and always happy to see you. The area is absolutely gorgeous!! We had the vacation of a lifetime here and will most definitely be back.

Brijesh Garabadu

2019-05

Nice little place with warm hospitality and cosy accommodation. The hosts were kind enough to keep the restaurant open past regular hours for us to grab a late dinner following our late arrival at the property. The lodge is located at a very scenic spot with a river running right behind the property and mountains in the backdrop. The people are awesome. The food at the restaurant was good. Service was excellent. The cabins were cosy with comfortable bed. The water in the shower was hot. Everything including the WiFi worked as expected. I would love to come back to this place again.

Tommy Dyson

2023-05

A hidden gem in Alaska. The lodge is over 100 years old with its warped floors and antique decorations. Rebecca and her staff were so awesome as I got the last room for the night and lucked out. Trappers Den next door was a must for a few beers after a long day of driving.

Jared Petrie

2017-05

Considering this is a registered historic place, I was amazed at the quality of accommodations at the lodge and trading post. The people working there were great, the scenery was astounding, and the cabins were in great shape. The restaurant was good and the bar was fun, with a good selection of local beer and spirits. I will definitely return.

Niamh Mc Elwain

2015-05

This was one of the highlights of our trip to Alaska. Owned by a wonderful young couple, who gave us a really genuine welcome. Cliff, the owner and manager, was available to help in any way we needed, and created a really welcoming homely feeling. The cabins are clean, cute, authentic and quaint. The price was also very reasonable. We loved it!

Sam McKay

2023-09

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Morgan Leonard

2020-05

I love everything about this place; the cabins are private, cozy and great, the bar is one of my all time favorites anywhere and the restaurant serves tasty and filling hot meals. Even if you aren't staying the night do yourself a favor and stop by to check out this historic spot!

Tammy Adams Spann

2021-05

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Benjamin Livingston

2021-05

The place is historic so it's no five star hotel. Service was a 5 staff did their best to keep everyone happy. Patrons were all very respectable people. Loved it. Plan con coming back again next year and the year after. We shall see.