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Gakona Lodge and Trading Post

113 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

113 Reviews
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TripAdvisor® Traveler Reviews

Frontier Family Fun

Reviewed By Thomas T on July 31, 2025

Gakona feels like you are stepping back into frontier times. The area is tranquil with rooms that are cozy yet minimalist. There are two dining options on site that offered continental breakfast and...
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Beware of the photos

Reviewed By Dave M on June 26, 2025

Beware and the location of this property, may look good by the photos, but we had reservations to stay one night and decided to leave and look for another property even though we paid for the night.
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Best place to stay in Gakona

Reviewed By T6771FFmarym on July 9, 2024

This is a great find and very unique. They have a restaurant and bar which we were so glad to have a place to eat when we arrived. The new owners are very helpful and nice. They are working on...
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