Chelatna Lake

12 - 13 August

• Anchorage, AK | 1 night | The Lakefront Anchorage

13 - 18 August

• Chelatna Lake | 5 nights | Chelatna Lake Lodge

In mid-August, the weather in Chelatna is generally mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from the mid-50s to low 60s°F. This period often brings long daylight hours and is characterized by occasional rain showers, making it a good time for outdoor activities like fishing and hiking amidst the lush, green landscape.

Your private driver will transport you from the airport to your accommodation in Anchorage.

Booked by Scenset.

Dining recommendations will be provided closer to your travel date, and reservations can be made on your behalf.

The Lakefront Anchorage

• Deluxe King x2
  
• These rooms feature a high-end Alaskan lodge feel with natural earth tones and classic wood accents

Booked by a traveller.

A private driver will be waiting at your hotel to transport you to the airport.

Booked by Scenset.

This scenic flight from Anchorage to Chelatna Lake Lodge includes a 1-hour add-on flight seeing tour where you will get an up close look at Denali, North America's largest peak, as well as surrounding glaciers, peaks, and wilderness landscapes. Plan to arrive around mid-morning.

Private experience
Booked by a user.

Chelatna Lake Lodge

• Chalet Cabin
  
• King-size beds
  
• Hot tub
  
• Sauna
  
• 3 meals a day

Booked by a guest.

Pappy’s Trail

• Pappy’s Trail is a recently established trail crafted by lodge staff in 2023. The round-trip hike spans approximately 2-3 miles, offering an ideal setting for berry picking and sightseeing. Whether you choose a guided or non-guided option, this leisurely stroll is of lower intensity, featuring plenty of moose sign, a fair likelihood of encountering a black bear, and numerous bird watching opportunities.

Kneecap Trail

• Embark on one of the most sought-after activities – a private day hike into Denali National Park. Experienced guides lead you along the trail, walking you through alpine meadows adorned with wildflowers. The path follows meandering stream beds with cascading waterfalls, as you ascend, you’ll eventually traverse a towering rock face. The round-trip hike spans approximately 7- 8 miles, offering an advanced route for hikers willing to put in a full day.
  
• The best part? You’ll have the entire route to yourself, as if you were the first to ever explore the territory. Among the highlights, is the unparalleled opportunity to see Denali from a high vantage point in the park.

Shoreline Strolls

• Wake up in the morning and go with a guide via boat to coffee creek, snowslide creek, or both. It's a great opportunity to look for birds, animals and get away from the lodge for a leisurely beach hike. There is also the ability to take jet boat excursions downriver on Lake Creek. It's an opportunity to get out and explore the tundra and stroll around the willows looking for moose. Both options are hybrid hikes and great for beginners and children.

Heli Hiking in Denali National Park

• Add on a thrilling helicopter adventure over the peaks and valleys of the Alaska Range, starting from Chelatna Lake. Lift off from our lodge after breakfast, and within moments, you’ll be immersed in the Denali wilderness. Distinguishing itself from traditional helicopter tours, our skilled pilot will land you on terrain outside of the park before hiking into it. Be on the lookout for grizzly bears, moose, lynx, and dozens of other mammals. Perhaps, you’ll even catch a glimpse of Denali, North America’s towering peak, or Mt. Deborah, its impressive eastern counterpart.
  
• Capture stunning photos, take a refreshing dip in a pristine mountain lake, and savor what might be the most scenic lunch of your lifetime. The adventure wraps up with a brief yet extraordinary flight back to the lodge. Visit the Start Your Adventure page to learn more.

Overview

• Chelatna Lake harbors all five species of Pacific salmon, rainbow trout, grayling, northern pike, lake trout, and even burbot. Our fleet of jet boats, kayaks, canoes and rafts offer exclusive access to Denali's premiere fishing destination. We specialize in both fly fishing and conventional gear fishing, with seasoned guides sharing their local expertise to ensure a rewarding experience. Whether you’re a first-time angler or seasoned traveler, you will relish in the joy of having an entire fishery all to yourself.

Fishing Upper Lake Creek

• Lake Creek, renowned as one of the most celebrated rivers in southcentral Alaska, has gained notoriety for its abundant king salmon runs in the past. Its outlet begins adjacent to our property on Chelatna Lake, providing us with exclusive access to a range of river floats and jet boating experiences. The initial three miles of river near the lodge feature class I and II ratings, while further downstream, you’ll encounter class III and IV rapids.

Kayaking Denali Waters

• For those seeking a more intimate and maneuverable watercraft, kayaking on Chelatna Lake might fit your interests. The lodge offers a variety of kayaks suitable for different skill levels, allowing both beginners and experienced kayakers to explore the lake's intricate shoreline. Paddle through narrow channels, navigate down Lake Creek with guides, or find yourself a hidden cove as you immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Denali’s surroundings.

Paddleboarding For Beginners & Experts

• When the sun glistens on the surface of Chelatna Lake, paddleboarding emerges as an introspective way to connect with the park's surroundings. It really offers a unique blend of tranquility and adventure, providing paddlers with the opportunity to explore the lake at their own pace. SUP’s or Stand Up Paddleboards have become increasingly popular over the past 5 years. Whether you are inclined to practice yoga on the lake, test your core muscle strength, or give it a try for the first time, our lodge staff will happily join you.

Raft Trips Down Lake Creek

• Lake Creek starts at the outlet of Chelatna Lake and stretches over 80 miles to the ocean. It’s well known for its King Salmon Run, and diversity of fish species. It has multiple sections of class IV rapids but the majority of the river is class I and II. Our jet boats operate within the top 3 miles of Lake Creek so we often run day trips with kayaks, paddleboards and of course rafts. We are also capable of hosting guests interested in overnight raft and packraft trips. You can book our air services to fly into Chelatna lake and run a 4-7 day float trip, get picked up by helicopter, and flown back to our lodge for 2-3 nights to get a more intimate and well rounded experience at the comfort of our lodge.

Grizzly Bears of Denali

• Among the highlights of the park's wildlife spectacle are grizzly bears. Despite their shared species status with brown bears, they are distinct subspecies. Brown bears, typically larger, flourish along coastlines, sustaining on marine resources like salmon. Grizzly bears, often inland, depend on berries and grasses, occasionally preying on moose and caribou. Our proximity to the park enhances the chance of encountering both grizzly and black bears on daily excursions.

A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

• We also offer guided and non-guided birdwatching tours. Whether boating along the lake’s edge, paddling down Lake Creek, or hiking our crafted lodge trails, over 160 species await to be checked off your list. Witness eagles soaring and catch the melodic calls of songbirds in Denali’s vibrant skies. For more on birding opportunities at the lodge, explore our dedicated birding page. This could be your Big Year!

Tundra Wilderness Tours

• Our lodge often welcomes moose and their calves. Adult males, weighing 900-1400 pounds, frequent the lake’s willow marshes, sometimes swimming across. There is also a plethora of other mammals in the region including river otters, beaver, wolverines, pine martin, ermin, marmot, arctic ground squirrels, wolves, coyotes and even lynx.

For more than 5 years, a chef has been a cornerstone of Chelatna Lake Lodge. Embraced by our guides and returning guests, their culinary mastery elevates every dining experience. Beyond three wholesome daily meals, they ensure you’re ready for day trips or lakeside relaxation. Whether you are relishing fresh sockeye salmon caught locally, or indulging in our blueberry cheesecake, you won’t walk away unsatisfied.

Chelatna Lake Lodge

• Chalet Cabin
  
• King-size beds
  
• 3 meals a day

Booked by a guest.

You’re set to arrive into Anchorage around late morning. Upon arrival in Anchorage, make your way to the airport to board your flight home.