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The Lodge at Black Rapids

The Lodge at Black Rapids

The USA

A newly built, timber-frame lodge sitting on a bluff above the historic Black Rapids Roadhouse, The Lodge at Black Rapids is a great base for exploring this remote but accessible corner of the Alaskan interior. The simple but comfortable rooms have an inviting, frontier charm with patchwork quilts, exposed beams and private balconies or decks offering dramatic views over the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys.

The lodge has been a long-term project of husband-and-wife team Annie and Mike Hopper, who, along with their children, provide personal service and first-hand insight into the history of the region, including the local gold rush. The family and staff can advise on a variety of local activities as well as where to spot wildlife such as Dall sheep or caribou which can often be seen grazing a short distance from the lodge.

Canoeing on a nearby lake is available exclusively for guests of the lodge, while trout-filled lakes and a variety of trails offer further options for activities. Even on a tight timeframe you can see the Black Rapids Glacier from the top deck of the lodge, and if you're lucky, the northern lights.

The lodge is situated along the Richardson Highway at mile 227, south of Delta Junction.

OUR OPINION:

This is a comfortable lodge set in a convenient location for breaking your journey. Although food and drink are quite expensive, the rooms are characterful and the surrounding landscape is highly impressive.

OUR RATING: Medium

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Rooms

Patchwork quilts, exposed beams and cedar vanities give the rooms at The Lodge at Black Rapids a homely, frontier feel. Bright rugs and soft armchairs continue the inviting theme with the shelves and bedside tables stocked with books. Most rooms offer mountain views and have either French doors leading to a balcony or private decks and a separate entrance. The rooms are spacious and bright and most have a private bathroom with a shower.

Location

The lodge sits on the Richardson Highway 214 km (133 miles) southeast of Fairbanks and 368 km (229 miles) north of Valdez. It overlooks the Black Rapids Glacier and Delta River and offers easy access to a range of backcountry hikes, glacier walks and cross-country ski trails.

Food and drink

The lodge restaurant is the only one for miles around and is open all day. It serves hearty, home-style dishes that focus on locally-available ingredients such as halibut, salmon and bison. Meals are served family-style around large tables covered by red-and-white checked tablecloths but due to the lodge's remote location can seem pricey. Breakfast includes a variety of hot and cold items with freshly-baked breads and pastries available.

Facilities and activities

The lodge offers year-round activities with ice fishing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and dog mushing in the winter and backcountry hiking, glacier walks, fly-fishing and canoeing in summer. Guests can hike independently or join a guided hike to learn more about the area. With waterfalls, canyons, glaciers and sweeping mountain views in the immediate proximity, there are a wide variety of options.

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