Clearwater Mountain Lodge - Cantwell, AK

David B.

By the time you drive from either end of the Denali highway and arrive at Clearwater Mountain Lodge, you're ready for anything. What a wonderful discovery to make of some of the nicest people I've ever met accompanied by absolutely fantastic breakfasts and dinners all situated in some of the most beautiful country anywhere. ||Colleen herself is just magical - always cheery, offering suggestions on what and when and where, and is one hell of of a cook. Hearty breakfasts and culinary dinners (we got her to share a couple of her recipes for pork chops and chicken). Colleen's family and staff are also simply incredible. Each morning we mentioned our thoughts for where to explore whereupon we were always offered bear spray, gasoline fill up, and suggestions for what to seek out and enjoy. Every person there greeted us and always had a jolly smile and laugh.||Comfortable rooms with just what you need. Everything always kept very clean.||Of the many places we stayed during our sojourn through Alaska, this is one of only two we have committed to returning. It's that enjoyable. Thanks, Colleen!

Global29221040034

Do yourself a favor and plan a stay here, or call ahead and see if you can bring your tour party here for lunch /dinner if you’re taking a tour of the Denali Highway. This gorgeous place is a refuge along the beautiful Denali Hwy. Colleen, Sean, Lydia, and Brian and Harrison and everyone here is absolutely wonderful.||The main lodge and our family lodge were both so comfortable, cozy, and beautifully decorated. A perfect place to rest and recharge while still adventuring on the Hwy—a true wilderness lodge with all the comforts and amenities you could want! A short drive down the road, there’s a beautiful outlook with gorgeous vistas of the Alaska range and several other mountain ranges, a beaver lodge nearby. This is a great place to use as home base while exploring the Denali Highway. The front deck views are gorgeous and the main lodge has large windows and comfy chairs where you can sit to get a good view of the mountains. ||Colleen and crew thoughtfully turned on the heat in our cabin before our arrival so we could be toasty warm. Since we arrived so late, Colleen left us a written welcome sign and also emailed details about our accommodations. The next morning, we missed the lodge’s breakfast because we arrived late at night but the staff thoughtfully left us warmed plates without us even having to ask. The staff also does everything here! There is a gas station, they do tire repairs should you get a flat on the road, and they were building a brand new pavilion just as we were leaving. There are no locks at the lodge because they aren’t needed and everyone feels like family and everything is very safe. ||Definitely plan to have dinner at the lodge. The ribeye was glorious and perfectly grilled, the salad freshly crisp and crunchy, the twice-baked potatoes mouth-wateringly good. ||We ended up staying an extra night because we loved it here so much, and it was absolutely the right decision. No regrets whatsoever, except that we couldn’t stay even longer, and I want to come back to experience it in the wintertime!

JordanKris

Colleen and her family are super hosts. As another reviewer said.....it is a great Alaska experience to stay here. Nice to have meals in the lodge and meet other guests. The Sluice Bar was fun as well. Sean was super giving advice on activities in the area. A perfect Oasis in the middle of the Denali Road and beautiful scenery all around. Highly recommended

Elizabeth

Can’t say enough good things about this Lodge. Colleen and her family were wonderful hosts, very accommodating and friendly. The food is delicious and very generous portions. The cabin we stayed in was delightfully rustic but very comfortable. We stayed cozy and warm. The Sluice Box bar was a great place to socialize after our day’s activity. I would definitely recommend to anyone who wants to spend time in this area. You will be delighted!!

willcasp

We had a wonderful stay here on our 10 day motorcycle trip around Alaska. Colleen and her "crew" made us feel welcome. Friendly folks. The home cooked food really hit the spot. We had a vegetarian in our group, and Colleen addressed his cuisine needs well. Let them know ahead of time what you need, and they take care of it.||If you are out in this part of Alaska, definitely give this place a consideration.

John M.

We had a lovely stay at the Clearwater Mountain Lodge. The Denali Highway is spectacular and the lodge is in the middle of the best of it. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. They provided delicious and hearty meals and shared much local lore and knowledge. As birders, we asked where we might find them and they sent us along a trail on which we found a Three-Toed Woodpecker nest. A truly authentic Alaskan experience!

Emma S.

Colleen is amazing! I stayed here for a few days and it was just lovely. The view at the lodge is like no other, insanely gorgeous, and their property is so beautiful. It's truly a place to get lost in the Alaskan wild.

Colleen is the sweetest and nicest woman you'll ever meet. All the meals are home cooked and delicious, perfect to come back to after a long day in the mountains.

The Sluice Box bar is a treasure, I'll bet no one puts up a more colorful dollar than mine. Great place to wind down during after the day and have a beer or two or three...

Harrison and Chase, the resident sweethearts, are both amazing help and tour guides. They made my time there fun and exciting. We spent A LOT of time blueberry picking just up the mountain right down the road. Harrison was my own personal blueberry guide and he's 2000% the best and ONLY blueberry guide you'll ever need. There's nothing like picking fresh blueberries, whose bushes span for miles and miles, with a spectacular 360 mountain view with some good company.

Staying at the Clearwater Mountain Lodge was truly a once in a lifetime trip. If you don't stay at this lodge, you're truly missing out on something special with wonderful people.

Plus! Hoootie, the resident dog, is the best dog you'll ever meet HANDS DOWN.

Clay E.

Couldn't have asked for a better experience for my first time to Alaska! Colleen and her kids did an amazing job and their cooking by far was the best I've ever eaten. I will be going there again. Thank you Clearwater Mountain Lodge for your great service and new found friendship!!! I highly recommend their services! They go way above and beyond for their customers. They made us feel like family! THANK YOU!