Our Location
and Facilities

Location

Lake Marie Lodge is located on 120 acres in the Upper Yentna River drainage, which is 90 miles northwest of Anchorage. We are 16 miles from Denali National Park and Preserve, and are actually closer to Mt. McKinley (20320 ft.) than their own park headquarters. The Lodge sits on a 70 foot bluff overlooking the south side of Denali Park.

Lake Marie Lodge is located on a bluff overlooking Denali National Park and Preserve. Mt. McKinley (Denali) is on the right, while Mt. Foraker is on the left.

Mt. McKinley, or Denali, towers over the third floor Guest Rooms. Every Guest room has its own large picture window and glass door which leads to balconies which overlook the valley and mountains. This is a great place to spend a few quiet moments at the end of a exciting fishing day!

The main lounge features a prow front of all glass to take advantage of this view. The Alaska Range extends across the entire horizon with Mt. McKinley, Mt. Foraker, Mt. Russell, Mt. Dall, and others, rising up through the Range. Several large glaciers and many ice fields are visible from the Lodge.
	Mt. McKinley, as seen from Lake Marie Lodge

Mt. Foraker (Left) and Mt. Mc Kinley (Right), as they rise up through the Alaska Range. The small ridge of mountains in the front are between 8,000 and 11,000 feet tall.

Remote River Systems

Lake Marie Lodge offers remote and secluded Salmon and Rainbow Trout fishing at its best. We fish many different rivers, creeks, and streams and catch all 5 species of Pacific Salmon. We also catch Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike, and Dolly Varden/Arctic Char. One of the primary reasons why we have such outstanding fishing is because of our unique location. We are located near the confluence of many creeks and rivers.

There are 3 major river systems within 3 miles (2 within one mile).

There are 7 streams within 3 miles that salmon run (4 within one and one-quarter miles).

Within a 20 mile radius of the Lodge, Salmon run in 5 major lakes, 8 rivers, and over 35 streams. These include the famed Talachulitna River, and the Upper Lake Creek area.

The vegetation of our area is typical of a boreal forest.

The lower wetlands contain large tracts of Black Spruce while the higher ridges inland have large White Spruce and Birch trees.

A mixed forest of large Cottonwood and Birch trees are found along the smaller creek bottoms and canyons.

Facilities

Our mission at Lake Marie Lodge is to provide the very best Salmon and Rainbow Trout fishing in Alaska. We have developed some of the very best areas to fish for Salmon in Alaska. We have miles of secluded rivers, creeks, and streams in which you will not see another person. The fishing at Lake Marie Lodge is truly spectacular.

While our main focus is Salmon and Rainbow Trout fishing, we have spent considerable time and effort developing several other related activities. These activities will add to your fishing experience. These activities can be enjoyed in the evening after fishing, or during the day, as a break from fishing. After several long days of catching fish, you might want to spend an afternoon, or evening, canoeing the quiet and secluded beaver streams near the Lodge. We have several other activities and facilities at the Lodge including a Fly tying area, Fly casting instructions, Hiking Trails, Berry Picking, Gold Panning, Bear and Wildlife Viewing Areas, Waterfowl Viewing Blind, Overnight Tent Camping, Canoeing, Kayaking, and Rafting. These activities offer a restful break from fishing.

Fly Tying. We have a fly tying area with a bench and several vises set up in the main Lodge.
Fly Casting. Our guides will instruct you on the basics of fly casting and fishing.
Hiking Trails. We have several hiking trails leading to small ponds and along very high (300 ft) bluffs. These are our cross-country ski trails in the winter.
Berry Picking. There are many square miles of wild berries to pick, from raspberries, to cranberries, to currants.
Gold Panning. There are several streams in which you can prospect for gold using our gold pans or our sluice box.
Bear-viewing Area. We have developed a Bear-viewing area near the Lodge in which to view Brown Bear feeding on salmon. The evenings are usually the best time to view the Bears.
Waterfowl-viewing Area. We have a blind set up on a nearby wetland marsh to view Trumpeter Swans and other waterfowl. There are a pair of nesting Trumpeter Swans and several pairs of Ducks and Geese.
Overnight Tent Camping. Tents and camping equipment are available for use for overnight trips.
Canoeing. We have canoes available for day or overnight use. They are great for wildlife viewing!
Kayaking. We use sea kayaks for various activities from wildlife viewing to fishing.
Rafting. Rafting is a great way to add to the enjoyment of the day whether fishing, wildlife viewing, or just sightseeing.

The Lodge Buildings

The main building of Lake Marie Lodge sits along a 70 foot bluff overlooking the upper Yentna River valley and looking straight into Denali National Park and Preserve. It is orientated to allow for viewing of Mt. McKinley, Mt. Foraker, and others. The main building contains the lodge's bedrooms, kitchen, and dining area, which is also the gathering place before and after dining. The guest cabin is located a short distance away, and is also on the edge of the bluff, to allow for viewing the mountains.

The Lodge's main room features 24" Spruce log columns, heavy overhead beams, and handmade cabinets and furniture.Its prow front is encased in ceiling to floor glass windows.

All of the lumber used in construction was milled on-site using a chainsaw mill. It was then planed, shaped, or sanded depending upon where it was used. This includes the tongue and groove floors and ceilings, custom cabinets, framed walls, doors, window frames, and even the wood trim.

The entire Lodge and all buildings, docks, and walkways were constructed in this manner over a period of several years.

	While you are dining, you will enjoy looking out over the valley and seeing Mt. McKinley.

This is truly a hand-crafted wilderness lodge.

The East side of the lodge, looking North at Mt. Foraker (left) and Mt. McKinley (right).

The Guest Bedrooms each have two queen size beds.
	Every Bedroom has a large picture window and a glass door opening to a balconey.
Each room also has its own bathroom, complete with hot shower.