Lowdown

  • Established

    1988

  • Owner

    Dan Michels, Heather and Alex Oberholtzer

  • Manager

    Dan Michels, GM, Heather and Alex Oberholtzer, house and field program managers

  • Tel

    9073573153

  • Open

    Jun-Sep

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    $2,350 - $3,250

  • Nightly Rates (per child)*

    $2,350 - $3,250

  • Minimum Stay

    3 days

  • Maximum Guests

    16

  • Works with travel agents?

    Yes

  • Great For

    Action & adventure, Peace & quiet, Pampering, Solitude, Diverse scenery

  • Memberships

    Orivs Endorsed Lodge since 1991
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Alaska is closer than you think and the fishing there is better than you can imagine!

Crystal Creek Lodge is an award-winning Orvis Endorsed Lodge, consistently demonstrating its exceptional guided fishing, facilities and commitment to excellence in service.

Our capacity is 16 guests: we're couple, family and small group-friendly.

The guided field program at Crystal Creek Lodge is about variety. Our guests fish for rainbow trout, char, grayling and up to five species of salmon. As our guest, you will either fish the Naknek river, which runs past our front door, or fly out in a sea plane to visit hundreds of miles of surrounding area rivers and streams.

We also feature a wide variety of guided adventure and nature-related activities, such as bear viewing, walrus and other wildlife viewing, hiking, beachcombing and visiting several nearby national parks, wildlife refuges and national monuments.

Would you like to meet an Eskimo walrus ivory carver at his village home? Can do! There's more here than you can possibly do in several years of visits.

Crystal Creek Lodge is on the edge of the 4.5+ million acre Katmai National Park, world, famous for its concentrations of Wild Alaskan salmon, seafood and extraordinary scenery.

The Brooks River and its legendary waterfall, where the bears catch leaping salmon, is only a few short minutes away from the lodge by seaplane.

Good time to go

Our (approximately) 16 week season runs from early June until early October. Fishing and various activities are excellent throughout, but different from week to week. Please inquire for more details.

Children at the Lodge

Great for children aged 10 and over

The activities provided are recommended for well-adjusted children over the age of 10 who are keen to participate in fishing and outdoor activities, however we welcome children of all ages.

We recommend that parents assess the ability of their child to comfortably participate in the outdoor activities without being a burden to the adults in the party or other guests.

We do not offer childcare services or discounts for children.

All children receive an aircraft seat and the services of a guide, as would an adult.

Baby Sitting Provided By

 

Your Manager, Dan Michels, GM, Heather and Alex Oberholtzer, house and field program managers

Dan is an owner, manager, chief bottle-washer, poet, philosopher, humorist (bad) and visionary at Crystal Creek Lodge. He oversees operations, hosts, flies one of the aircraft and guides at the lodge, too.

Dan is originally from Minnesota, where he lived the outdoor life from a young age and obtained his college degree. He helped build the original Crystal Creek Lodge in 1988 and at that time began guiding in the Bristol Bay Area of western Alaska.

Dan says: “What originally began as a summer adventure has become a life’s work.”

Your manager

Lowdown

  • Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing

  • Types of water

    Streams, Rivers

  • Rivers you can fish on

    The Naknek River is right out our front door and is one of the most famous rainbow trout rivers on earth.

  • Types of Fish

    Rainbow Trout, Arctic char, dolly, Varden, Grayling, northern pike, king, salmon, sockeye, salmon, chum, salmon, pink, salmon, coho, salmon.

  • Fishing Experience Level

    Beginner, Intermediate, Experienced

  • Guided Fishing Included in rates

  • Unguided Fishing not available

  • Fishing Instruction Included in rates

  • You can borrow

    Rods, Flies, Reels, Boots, Waders, Fishing Nets.

  • Bring your own

    Rods, Flies, Reels, Boots, Hats, Waders, A complete pre-trip and packing list is provided at time of reservation or upon request at inquiry.

The Setting

Many of our guests call a visit to Crystal Creek Lodge 'Several trips within a trip'.  

Each day, you will board either a seaplane or river boat at our dock, or a wheel plane at our nearby airstrip and depart for one of 75 possible fishing destinations within a 125 mile radius of the lodge.

This is incredibly remote and wild country, consisting mostly of national park, federal wildlife refuge, or national monument. You will experience everything from mountains and glacial-curved hills, to wide alluvial flats created by glaciers.

The entire country was created by glaciers and thus has optimal spawning gravel that supports millions of salmon that return every year. This habitat also supports some of the most incredible rainbow trout and char habitat on earth.

The overwhelming majority of fishing locations are walk and wade. There is very little lake fishing and there is no saltwater fishing, but we do have boats strategically placed on various rivers and streams for transportation purposes, or for persons with limited mobility.  

The Fishing

Each evening at the lodge a daily schedule is created by our Head Guide, which takes into consideration current fishing, water, wildlife availability and weather conditions, as well as any guest requests.

The schedule is posted after dinner, when our guides meet with each guest for a briefing on the next day’s activities and to discuss equipment needs.

Breakfast is served at 6am, with departures from the lodge by aircraft or watercraft at 7am from the dock.

Schedules are flexible, but most guests return by 6pm. Dinner is served at 7:30pm.

See our sample itinerary page on the Crystal Creek Lodge website for more details.

Lowdown

  • Enjoy

    Gourmet

  • Meals served

    family style, meals roll with days activities, everyone eats together, scheduled meals

  • Alcohol

    wine cellar

  • Enjoy dining in

    dining room (casual attire)

  • You'll definitely love

    locally grown produce

  • Dietary restrictions catered for

    lactose intolerant, vegans, vegetarians, Gluten free

Our food philosophy emphasizes fresh and, whenever possible, local ingredients. We gather the highest quality ingredients available, then prepare and serve delicious meals.

Our chefs have complete freedom to create and they use whatever inspiration hits them for the day, along with the freshest ingredients immediately available from purveyors and our greenhouse.

Foods from the land and seas surrounding Alaska are featured whenever possible. We buy fresh garden vegetables, herbs and potatoes from Alaska farms, as well as fresh Alaskan salmon, halibut, King Crab, Kachemak Bay oysters, Spot Shrimp and scallops.

We also love land meats and feature beef, chicken, duck, pork and lamb from Alaska growers prepared in a variety of fashions and served alongside the seafood.

Being at the apex of the Pacific Rim, we will feature Asian and West Coast culinary styles, along with some twists on classics of continental Europe.

Guest Favourites

  • Salmon Croquettes with Thai spices
  • Pork belly with turnip purée and mushrooms
  • Halibut with chutney

Wines

We have a wine room just off of our bar, featuring a stock of 50 to 75 labels.

There is a tremendous variety between United States wines from California and the Pacific Northwest, along with some of our favorites from France and Spain, as well as quality Malbecs from Argentina.

Your Chef, Brian Sexton

Brian was trained in France on classic French technique and became Chef at Crystal Creek Lodge in 2013.

He has worked across the United States in several avant-garde restaurants and has an uncanny creative streak with a penchant for a learning. We look forward to sharing his creations with you!

Lowdown

  • Address

    46 Big Creek Road
    King Salmon
    Alaska
    99612
    USA

  • Remote Location

    Yes

  • Elevation

    46 ft

Nearest Town - King Salmon Alaska

King Salmon Alaska has a population of 450 (approx), and is situated 6 miles / 15 mins from the Ranch.

Ranch shuttle

Yes

Nearest Airports

King Salmon, Alaska (AKN), King Salmon

Distance

6 miles / 15 mins

Airlines

Alaska

Ranch shuttle

Yes

Private Air Travel

Nearest location(s)

King Salmon (9800 ft runway with precision approaches)

Travel by

Helicopter, Airplane

Distance

6 miles

Ranch shuttle

Yes

Lowdown

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    $2,350 - $3,250

  • Nightly Rates (per child)*

    $2,350 - $3,250

  • Minimum Stay

    3 days

  • Preferred Arrival Day

    Any day is fine

  • Preferred Departure Day

    Any day is fine

  • Style of accommodation

    Luxury 5-Star

  • Packages available

    3 night, 4 night, 5 night, 6 night, 1 week
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Crystal Creek Lodge can cater for up to 16 guests. Accommodation includes Cabins and Lodges. See below for details and indicative rates.

Cabin | Upriver or Downriver Cabins

Rates (Per Room / Accommodation)*

$1
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Rates (Additional Info)

 

Minimum Stay

3 nights

Description

While every one of our rooms offers spacious and luxurious accommodations, the cabins offer a unique opportunity for families to share space and have privacy with multiple rooms within them

See the lodge tour availbale on the Crystal Creek Lodge website for 360° views of every room.

Rooms

3

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

safe, hair dryer, seating area, plush bathrobes

Lodge | Standard Guest Room

Rates (Per Room / Accommodation)*

$1
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Rates (Additional Info)

All inclusive

Minimum Stay

3 nights

Description

All of our spacious guest rooms feature fine furnishings, luxurious bathrooms and two queen-size beds. 

See the lodge tour availbale on the Crystal Creek Lodge website for 360° views of every room.

Rooms

4

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

safe, hair dryer, seating area

Lodge | King Room

Rates (Per Room / Accommodation)*

$1
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Rates (Additional Info)

All inclusive 

Minimum Stay

3 nights

Description

The main feature of the King Room is the king-sized bed. And it also features a walkout porch, an extra-spacious closet, extra-spacious seating area and plus-sized bathroom. There's also an extra twin-sized bed in case of evening arguments.

See the lodge tour availbale on the Crystal Creek Lodge website for 360° views of every room.

Rooms

1

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

hair dryer, seating area

Booking Policy

Reservation, Deposit and Payment Policies:

Space is available on a first-deposit-first-reserved basis. We recommend making reservations more than 1 year in advance.

Prior to October 1, a $500 per person deposit is required to secure space.

The balance of the 50% deposit is due by October 1.

After October 1, a 50% deposit per person is required to confirm a reservation.

The balance of payment is due 90 days prior to the reservation date.

Prices posted reflect current year pricing. Due to the extremely high costs of operating a business of this caliber in remote Alaska, and long-term unforeseeable increases in overhead and operating expenses, Crystal Creek Lodge reserves the right to increase prices in order to operate at a reasonable profit.

Prices for the following year will be posted on October 1. Those with deposited reservations may cancel with notice by October 31 and receive a full refund if the price increase is deemed by them to be unacceptable.

Cancellations: $500 of the deposit is non-refundable after October 1 of the year preceding the trip dates.

A deposit may be transferred to another person who is not booked at the lodge for the current season.

If it is necessary to cancel a reservation, written notice must be received at the Crystal Creek Lodge office by January 1 of the current season year in order to receive a refund of deposits less the $500 per person non-refundable fee.

All cancellations after January 1st will result in the forfeiture of the full deposit and/or payment of the trip unless a substitute is provided. There will be no exceptions.

Included in your stay

meals, activities, ranch shuttle, lodging, tax, Included: Advertised days guided fishing, adventure or hunting activities, advertised nights double-occupancy accommodations, three meals per day, beer, wine & spirits (super-premium labels not included), use of chest waders, fly rods & reels, King Salmon rods & reels, spinning rods & reels, all flies, lures and tackle, fishing and hunting licenses, preparation of all harvested fish & game and an airline-approved non-insulated shipping container, daily housekeeping and midweek laundry services, transfers between the King Salmon Airport and the Lodge, all local taxes, all privileges are advertised within the Crystal Creek Lodge brochure or website.

Extras

Gratuity

15-20% recommended and typical

Massage

Not included

Yoga

n/a

Guided Fly Fishing

Included

Other

Not Included: Airfare between your home and King Salmon, staff gratuities and massage therapy services.

Lowdown

  • Communications

    Wireless Internet/Wifi, telephone, free long distance.

  • Business Services

    computer and fax hookups, Each guestroom has its own private fiber optic high-speed Internet connection.

Onsite

Shopping

Gift shop

Outdoor Activities

bird watching

Water based Activities

hot tub, river floating, whitewater rafting-adventure

Spa

relaxation massage, deep tissue massage, rock treatments

Additional Services

Corporate Retreats

 

Weddings

 

Local Attractions

Katmai National Park

See the world-famous Brooks River and its population of fishing bears, or visit the nearby Valley of 10,000 Smokes. Fish among the brown bears at other rivers, too.

Distance

20 miles / 15 mins

Highs

  • The Katmai region of the Bristol Bay area where Orvis Endorsed Crystal Creek Lodge is located, is heralded to be the greatest freshwater river and stream fishing in Alaska, if not the world. The rivers have the largest Pacific salmon runs on earth and some of the largest trout on earth, too – upwards of 30 inches!
  • If you love wildlife, you won't be disappointed. Spectacular wildlife viewing and adventure activities are available in nearby National Parks; enjoy bear and walrus viewing, beachcombing, rafting and kayaking in some of the most remote and pristine wilderness on the planet.
  • Despite its remote wilderness location, the lodge has plenty of amazing amenities, like a bar and wine cellar, games room, hot tub, fitness center, massage therapist, luxury accommodations, hi-speed internet in each room and more!
  • If you'd like to catch a variety of fish species, this is the place for you! All season long they have rainbow trout, dolly varden, char and grayling available. Throughout the season they have various salmon species to catch as well. King salmon are available from the second week of June to the end of July, silver salmon are targeted from late July through the middle of September.

Lows

  • Many of the incredible wilderness for fishing and wildlife excursions can only be reached by small bush-style plane – an adventure in itself, so bear this in mind if you aren't too keen on flying in small aircraft.
  • If you're looking for last-minute fishing getaways, this may not be for you as the lodge recommends booking at least a year in advance, due to popularity and being able to accommodate just 16 guests.

Visitor Reviews

Dont just take our word for it, see what visitors like you say...

Best experience ever

This is my second time at Crystal Creek and I can safely say that it is the best lodge in Alaska. I went with my family, we are from Argentina and I can't wait to visit the lodge again. The staff, the fishing, the food, the planes and everything you can imagine is the best of the best. Thank you very much Crystal Creek for giving us one of the best experiences of our lives!! we'll be back!!

5 stars

You can find more reviews for Crystal Creek Lodge on TripAdvisor