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Gakona Lodge and Trading Post

108 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating

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Historic Gakona Lodge and Trading Post - Front Porch

Approximate Cost:

6 - 7 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person

4 - 5 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person

2 - 3 Days: $500 to $1,000 Per Person
Type: Lodges
Fishing: Freshwater Fishing Guided Fishing Saltwater Fishing

What we fish for: King Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Halibut, Ling Cod, Rockfish, Arctic Grayling, Steelhead

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The Gakona Lodge & Trading Post sits in the Copper River Valley on the South Central side of Alaska. The lodge sits on the edge of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and remains one of the few original roadhouses in all Alaska. This is a lodge that is open to all kinds of travelers, and the beauty will amaze you.

The rooms are comfortable, and this is one lodge where a single traveler is welcome. Most rooms have a shared bath while a few have private bathrooms. The cabins sleep between 3-5 people, and there is free WiFi and kitchens in the cabins. The Lodge also features Free WiFi. There are a local tavern and restaurant. Life here is good. For those on adventure, try the 18 foot Tipi.

Freshwater Fishing with the Gakona Lodge & Trading Post

Fishing trips focus on the Upper Copper River Basin. Local rivers include the Gakona, Gulkana, Copper, Klutina and the Delta. They fish for King Salmon along the Gulkana from Mid June through Mid July. The Kings are in the Klutina river from July 1 through mid-August. The Sockeye Salmon are in the Gulkana river from August 1 through the first week of September. The Klutina river has a longer run of Sockeye Salmon from mid-June through August 1. Another fish includes Rainbows, Grayling, and Steelhead. Those seasons open when the local rivers are free of ice. The lodge offers guided fishing for freshwater sports fishing.

Saltwater Fishing for Halibut, Lingcod, and Salmon Shark

The lodge fishes Saltwater most of the summer. The Halibut season runs from the beginning of June through the middle of September. Lingcod season runs from the beginning of July through the middle of September. The giant monsters, the salmon shark season begins in late June and turns through September. Saltwater fishing excursions leave from Valdez. For those of you who want to saltwater fish, it requires an overnight trip to Valdez. The lodge will share with you their list of quality charters.

Other Activities Around the Lodge

Guests are free to enjoy hiking around the many lakes, or taking a self-guided fishing excursion on the Gulkana River. If you are into history and rustic scenery, the Copper River tour is outstanding. There are optional flight seeing charters from professional bush pilots with ample experience. The area is beautiful so even a drive along the local roads becomes a spectacular adventure. Those are just a few of the many options for guests that stay at the lodge.

The lodge is open to many types of travelers. Fishermen love to visit as do the hunters and trappers. It is not uncommon to just have visitors staying who are trekking across Alaska. There is a lot of value here for guests. The guides are knowledgeable, and the hospitality is warm.

Photos of Gakona Lodge and Trading Post

Historic Gakona Lodge & Trading Post

Gakona Lodge & Trading Post

Comfortable Accommodations in the Historic Lodge

Relax at Trappers Den Tavern

King Salmon Fishing

King Salmon Fishing

King Salmon Fishing

King Salmon Fishing

Huge King Salmon

Huge King Salmon

Getting ready to bring another one in!

Rainbow Trout

Halibut Fishing

Halibut Fishing

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TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating

108 Reviews
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TripAdvisor® Traveler Reviews

Perfect Alaskana getaway

Reviewed By Colormekinetic on September 5, 2022

The historical cabins are charming and comfortable, the three bedroom was plenty of room for our big group. Rebecca is an attentive, thoughtful hostess. If you're lucky you might even get to hear her...
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Thanks for the nice time

Reviewed By AnnaMiss567 on September 5, 2022

Had a great stay at Gakona Lodge. The cabin was cute and accommodating. The nearby bar has a friendly, local feel. Good place to meet new people. Also fun movie options and good dog energy. Thanks!?..
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Wonderful

Reviewed By Nona L on June 5, 2022

A must stay for an authentic Alaskan experience. Friendly Bar, great food and beer with an amazing host. Great location, very quiet. Rooms in the lodge or separate cabins. Rustic buildings with...
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