Tangle River Inn

Tangle River Inn is a remote lodge and roadhouse on the Denali Highway at mile 20, across from Round Tangle Lake near the Delta River's headwaters. The Johnson family homesteaded here in 1953, and Jack and Naidine Johnson established the inn in 1970. Confirm services before planning around them; this is a remote stretch with long gaps between stops. The similarly named Tangle Lakes Lodge is a separate business at mile 22.

Round Tangle Lake lies across the road. From the cafe windows, the view takes in the water, Landmark Gap and the surrounding mountains; binoculars kept on the windowsill made it easy to scan the distant slopes. The cafe has been known for home-style meals and fresh pies, muffins and cookies. The setting and lake view are the inn's main draw.

Jack Johnson and his father laid many of the area's trails for hunting, fishing and recreation. In 2001, Naidine Johnson's name was given to a nearby mountain; the lodge displayed the original markers and a plaque commemorating it. The story ties this roadhouse to the people who built routes through the surrounding lakes and hills.

The nearby lakes form the headwaters of the Delta River. Lake trout, grayling, whitefish and burbot are found in the lake system; moose, caribou, grizzly bears, ptarmigan, beavers, bald and golden eagles, and swans are possibilities in the wider area rather than guaranteed sightings at the inn. The nearby hills are blueberry country in August and September.

From Paxson, the inn is about 20 minutes along the highway, near the start of the gravel stretch. The Denali Highway is mostly gravel beyond the paved approach and typically closes over winter, with dates that vary. Plan fuel and meals before leaving the paved road; dependable services are sparse along the highway.