Hope Alaska's Bear Creek Lodge

Devon Allen

2024-01

I rented the Bridge Cabin for a birthday getaway for the Misses and myself. We loved how secluded this cabin was. However, as much as I would love to give this experience 5 stars, I just can't. The refrigerator died overnight, and we lost some huge steaks, an entire carton of eggs, and other food; roughly $60 in value. So...that was a huge bummer. The bed was rock hard and caused both of us back pain for several days after our stay. The smell of ammonia in the private outhouse (which wasn't so private...someone else used it while we were staying here; I believe it was the kid who kept coming into the cabin area to cut up a hill to get to his home...) caused the Misses to suffer from a migraine. It was a bit stuffy and hot in the cabin but none of the windows in the cabin can open; and even if they can, no screens are present to keep bugs out of the cabin. Aside from the spoiled, expensive, food, the heat, the hard bed, the useless outhouse, and the overpriced $12 breakfast burritos ($24 for two) I had to buy due to our food spoiling, which were made beforehand then microwaved when ordered and somehow tasted like nothing...nothing at all...we did enjoy the location of the cabin, the people working were very friendly, the ducks in the pond were cute. Not sure why the small Bridge Cabin is the same price as the large cottage which contains a full kitchen and a toilet...but the Misses claims she had a good birthday overall. But that was mostly due to the seclusion and quiet, and the amazing food at Dirty Skillet.7/25/23 - IN REPLY TO THE OWNER'S RESPONSE ("We are sorry to hear that you didn’t have a five star stay. We did check your fridge after you left and found that it was unplugged. This cabin sits on two acres by itself, which is why it is a favorite of many folks. However rural Alaska is certainly not for everything. We wish you the very best wherever your travels take you.")I do find it odd the fridge was found to be unplugged because the Misses CHECKED and even told me, "Yeah the fridge is plugged in!" I find it difficult to believe it unplugged itself. We did not move the fridge, nor mess with the plug. Honestly, it would have been nice when I first mentioned it at checkout, to have been offered a partial refund to cover the food that was ruined. You are right, "rural Alaska is not for everyone(thing)." But the rock-hard mattress, our privacy being invaded by a child multiple times throughout our trip, the migraine inducing ammonia from the outhouse, the HORRIBLE, BLAND, and STALE BREAKFAST BURRITOS, and our overall lack of sleep and rest has nothing to do with "rural Alaska."Will definitely try the Porcupine campground next year.Thank you for brushing my concerns aside, and thank you for making it sound like we unplugged the fridge, so you can try to avoid taking any responsibility for the problem; which, by the way, a co-worker of mine JUST said she endured when she stayed at the Bridge Cabin as well. I have updated my review with a much more fair rating.

A Waters

2023-07

Retro back our 7 days trips and hoteling in AK; this is THE best stay. Worth the detour on our way from Seward to Anchorage.The environment is natural and beautiful; bear creek flows right by the Bowman house. Saw three Moose come and bathing at the pond, in evening. The Sauna room is a treasure; Take a hot sauna then cold water shower -- sort of Nordic spa?Host Lincoln knows job well, morning coffee is perfect.

Brandon Holzer

2023-09

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Jacob Henke

2023-09

The accommodation was ok. Fairly typical for a dry cabin. Bathrooms need a squeegee for the shower floors so water doesn't get everywhere. Or shower curtains.The gass grill worked, but in kinda poor shape.Rooms: Dry cabins with a central bath house. 4 bathrooms. 2 have showers.

Spark Adventure

2023-07

We did not stay at the lodge, however it looks like a perfect spot to stay!! So cute !!We stopped in for breakfast at the lodge. We ordered a the 1lb burrito, they handed us a frozen solid item wrapped in a wrapper. No instructions or anything. After looking around we finally asked how to heat it up. We were pointed to a microwave.

Joseph Gicewicz

2023-11

We did not stay at the lodge but dropped in for coffee the on to the restaurant The Greasy Skillet right next door. Below is one of the cabins you could stay in and the duck was there for the attention.Walkability: Easy flat groundFood & drinks: Good coffee and great burgers.Noteworthy details: Outside or inside dining

NOYB Same

2023-09

Devon. With all do respect dear sir, I hope next time you are in Alaska and find your accommodations not to your specifications that you will bring your concerns immediately to the proprietor or certainly at checkout instead of so rudely bashing them publicly as you have here.Maybe on your next Alaskan trip you could go to the Artic. It’s a beautiful part of Alaska during November and I highly recommend the totally awesome drive. You can rent a uhaul truck for this trip. I’m sure the wonderful lodge/truck stop in coldfoot Alaska would give you a whole new appreciation of Alaskan lodging on the marvelous trip I’m sure you’d very much enjoy. Cheers to you my good man and your lovely wife.

Tori Hadinger

2023-10

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Frederick Ruf

2022-05

I don’t know what an “authentic Alaskan experience” is, but I do know I’ve never seen a place like this in the lower 48. Beautiful little cabins with virtually no management visible. Check in and that’s it. Enjoy the quiet - except for the creek right next to the cabin. Can’t see the road, not that it matters. Might be a car every 30 minutes. No lobby, no 24 hours coffee, no check-out! Drive down to Grounds for Hope for a cup in the morning. My daughter begged to stay an extra day. Special kudos to Jonathan for working so hard to make us feel welcome.

Sally Foli

2021-05

An adorable, picturesque magical getaway tucked into an amazing little place called Hope. The cabins are cute and cozy and the resident duck "Ben" is an absolute delight as he follows you around the pond. The sounds of the creek will instantly transport you to a realm of tranquility and peace. Truly a little slice of paradise. The owner and staff are more than accommodating and super helpful. On clear nights you can see the stars in abundance while sitting in front of the fire pit.. if I could give more than 5 stars I would.

Michael Consalo

2022-05

Our stay at Bear Creek Lodge was wonderful. The area is set up nicely, with the Dirty Skillet restaurant and a small pond as it’s centerpiece. The small but cozy cabins are lined up around the pond and some cute duck friends come by to say hello throughout your stay.If you enjoy peace and quiet this is a great place to do that. They also offer a bbq grill, a large fire pit area to hang out with friends and a nearby stream runs right behind many of the cabins, offering a constant relaxing sound of rushing water. We loved it and think you will too.Not a whole lot to do in Hope, so we stayed here and traveled to nearby Seward and Soldotna, which offered a few more activities, shops, and places to eat.

Jeremy Tompkins

2020-05

I stayed two nights at the bear creek lodge and had an amazing experience. The cabins were very clean, comfortable, and relaxing. The grounds were kept clean and overall pretty quiet. The bath house was great and also clean. The staff was always very helpful and accommodating. I would highly recommend staying at the Bear Creek Lodge. -Jeremy

Joel Cahn

2019-05

3 Years ago, we had the pleasure of staying at Bowman's for four days. I still have a picture of Hope, Alaska, as my home screen page of my iPhone. We used this as a home base to drive the Seward Highway and explore. Each night we had a delightful meal at Bowman's - and we know food as we are from the Los Angeles area and eat out (too often).Per Google, the population density is 2.6 people per square mile. There is a large stream that is walkable from Bowman's - and they offer fishing poles for those that want to borrow them. We were slightly offseason for the salmon spawning, but at 9:00 at night, we were out there fishing anyway - and with the sun not set, it was an extraordinary experience.The visuals are everything you would expect. There were no disappointments here and your experience will be exactly what you make of it. Coming from city life, we had a blast. Thank you!

michael czech

2023-07

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Ankie Dogger

2018-05

Kent and Melanie are great hosts. We enjoyed our two days with grandchildren. Very relaxing and the meal was cooked to perfection. This was our second time to stay at the cabin and we look forward to staying again on our next trip.

Larry Turner

2019-05

Very nice relaxing atmosphere. The whole place was well maintained and clean, including the bath house. Nice cabins and the dinner was spectacular! The hosts were great and very helpful. First class all the way!

Marcela Peterson

2022-05

The area is very nice. You just need to know that the most cabins are dry cabins. They do not have bathroom. We did not know it and I wasn’t expecting to go to a bathroom facility after my 10 hours flight to Hope.

Richard Hoeg

2016-05

My wife, middle son and I stayed at Bowman's a few years back. Have stayed in touch with the owners ever since. Great hosts, cabins, and place to have supper. Hoping to return, perhaps by touring bicycle.

Erika Douglass

2023-05

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Patriot

2023-05

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Andrea Gaspard

2019-05

Accommodations were okay, hosts were friendly. Beware of hidden costs such as drinks offered with dinner and built in gratuity fee. Make sure you get a printout with included costs prior to committing.

Shiroq Al-Megren

2021-05

We arrived after closing time but they were kind enough to offer us bear and key lime pie. Both were delicious!

Athena

2017-05

Excellent food! Fine dining in a casual and relaxing atmosphere. Truly your loss if you haven't made the trip! This place is a gem!

Erica Walker

2018-05

Kent and Melaine were fabulous hosts, we would definitely return to this Gem in Hope.Our dinner was delicious too!

5 days 5 DAYS

2023-08

Awesome! Truly breathtaking cabin views with a very great staff. Thank you so muchRooms: Nice comfy and decent sizeWalkability: Lots to see and do can be done by footFood & drinks: Food and drinks at the dirty skillet were amazing.Noteworthy details: Great place for family and romantic getaways!!

Ben Malakh

2022-05

Nice accommodations beautiful views. the bathrooms and showers are outside the cabin.

Ryan Newton

2021-05

Nice place, good food, lots to do and live music at the Dirty Skillet!

jamfortis

2020-05

Very rustic & homey. Will definitely go back again. Highly recommended.

lilbear Kinney

2020-05

Dont open untill 3pm in afternoon for food great place to see with cabins and pond and river with food available

Stephanie Moreno

2022-05

Nice cabins, and great place to hang out outside.