In 1965, world-renowned Alaskan big game hunting guide, Lynn Castle, bought the camp and named it Denali Wilderness Lodge. Construction of the remaining buildings, including the main lodge, Cheechako Hotel, Swiss Chalet, horse corrals, and guest cabins were added to make a fully functional world-class hunting destination. In 1991, Lynn perished in an airplane accident and the property was sold. From 1991 until 2006, Denali Wilderness Lodge was run as an eco-tourist destination. From 2006 to 2018 the Lodge was abandoned and fell into disrepair. In 2018, the current owners, the Thorgesens, purchased the property and renamed it to what most locals already referred to it as: the Wood River Lodge. This family of 12 is excited to be sharing their homesteading adventure with others. Restoration, repair, and modernization continue to this day.read more
Depart in the evening on a bush plane from Healy Airport to the historic lodge. Mining was the big business in this area back in the late 19th-century. The first permanent structure was finished in 1907, and it’s still standing today. The area’s beauty was then discovered by movie makers, authors, and photographers, with expeditions shooting here in the 1940s and 1950s. By 1965 there was a big-game hunting lodge, and famous hunters from all over would fly in. The wilderness lodge tradition continued, and in 2017, the current couple who owns the lodge bought it and now run it with the help of some of their 10 children.read more
Choose from a variety of experiences and make this getaway your own. During the day, you can go canoeing among the swans on Swan Lake, spot moose on Moose Pond, and try your hand at gold panning in Sheep Creek. Want to work up a sweat? Explore the surrounding trails on foot or fat-tire bike, or climb the almost 3,000 feet to the summit of Mt. Anderson, where you’ll discover gorgeous views out to Cody Creek and towards Healy. Or just walk down to the river and relax in a comfy lounge chair on the platform. At night, hit the theater, where you can watch movies about Alaska in seats from a vintage movie theater. Or sit out by the fire pit chatting, making s’mores, or relaxing while you soak up the midnight sun.read more
Don't be too sad. You'll be coming back to Alaska...
2 nights at Wood River Lodge
Round trip bush plane from Healy to Wood River Lodge
Cabin price includes a hearty back-country breakfast, a never-ending cookie jar, coffee, hot and iced tea
Trail guides (if desired), Fat tire bikes & equipment, Canoe & equipment, gold pans, and other activities are all included in the cabin price. Bear spray, water bottles, first-aid items available upon request.
Lunches and Dinners are a flat all-inclusive price of $20 per meal per person.
Join a likeminded community of curious and active explorers
$739 / person