Place · 11.3 mi away
Overview
A true Alaskan roadhouse on Meier’s Lake at Mile 170 of the Richardson Highway, this is a go-to base or pit stop for travelers heading to or from the Denali Highway’s eastern end near Paxson. Expect a quiet, lakeside compound surrounded by forest and big-sky views—more wilderness lodge than town stop.
What You’ll Find
- Lodging: motel/lodge rooms, rustic log cabins, and a group-friendly bunkhouse.
- Camping/RV: tent camping and dry pull‑through RV sites (arrive self‑contained).
- Services: on‑site restaurant and bar, fuel, a small store for basics, hot showers, laundromat, and an RV dump station.
- Year‑round operation with a relaxed summer vibe and an active winter crowd.
Why Stop Here
In a long, sparsely serviced stretch between Glennallen and Paxson, this roadhouse bundles the essentials—beds, meals, gas, and a place to reset—right on the water. It’s popular with road‑trippers, motorcyclists, hunters, and RVers precisely because it’s remote and reliable.
Scenery & Wildlife
Set on the Copper River Valley side of the Alaska Range foothills, the setting is all lake reflections and boreal forest calm. Caribou frequent the broader area, drawing both hunters and wildlife watchers.
What It’s Not
It’s not a luxury lodge or a full‑hookup RV resort. The charm is rustic comfort and essential services in a beautiful, isolated spot.
Best Times to Visit
- Meals: Late morning to early afternoon can be the lunch rush in peak season; aim for early breakfast or a late lunch for faster service.
- Day of week: Midweek is generally calmer than weekends, with Friday midday often the busiest window.
- Seasonal hours: In summer, plan around daytime hours (e.g., 9am–8pm in June, with potential extensions as the season ramps up). In shoulder seasons, expect shorter hours.
Who Will Love It
- Travelers connecting the Richardson and Denali Highways who want a stress‑free refuel and real bed.
- RVers and tent campers who don’t need hookups and appreciate showers, laundry, and a dump station on site.
- Anyone who values lakeside quiet over in‑town convenience.
Practical Notes
- Bring specialty groceries or gear; nearby options are scarce.
- Top off your tank—distances between services are significant on this corridor.
- If you’re camping or in a rig, plan for dry camping and arrive self‑contained.
Pros
- Quiet lakeside setting in the Alaska Range foothills
- Multiple stay options: rooms, rustic cabins, bunkhouse, RV and tent sites
- On-site fuel, restaurant/bar, showers, laundromat and RV dump station
Cons
- Remote location with minimal nearby services
- Dry pull-through RV sites (no hookups)
- Rustic, functional lodging rather than luxury
Tips
- Top off your tank here; services are sparse for long stretches.
- If you’re RVing, expect dry pull‑through sites—arrive self‑contained.
- Hit breakfast early or do a late lunch to dodge the midday rush.
- Bring any specialty groceries or meds; there’s not much nearby.
- Pet friendly—choose cabins or rooms accordingly if traveling with animals.
