Alaska's Stonewood Lodge

Overview

A true fly‑in wilderness stay on Lake Clark, this family‑hosted lodge delivers the rare combo of backcountry access and creature comforts. Expect big living spaces with views across the water, home‑style meals, and a curated, small‑group feel—more like being welcomed into a well‑run expedition house than checking into a hotel.

What You’ll Do

Fishing is the headliner: seasons bring all five Pacific salmon species, plus trophy rainbow trout, northern pike, Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden, Arctic char, and lake trout. Guides handle logistics and gear, with a catch‑and‑release emphasis. When you’re not on the water, the lodge flies guests to brown‑bear hotspots on Lake Clark’s coast and over to Katmai for close, respectful bear viewing. Closer to home, plan waterfall hikes, kayaking, and classic day trips like visiting Dick Proenneke’s handcrafted Twin Lakes cabin.

Rooms & Amenities

Inside a 10,000‑square‑foot lodge, rooms come with private en‑suite bathrooms and heated floors, plus Wi‑Fi and 24/7 electricity—luxury touches that matter after long field days. You’ll find a sauna, a fly‑tying area, laundry access, and in‑room conveniences like a fridge and flat‑screen TV. Meals are included and communal (think free breakfast, complimentary tea, and BBQ facilities rather than a formal restaurant). Groups can book the entire lodge and make use of a large conference room.

Setting & Access

You’re on Dice Bay across from Port Alsworth, roughly 200 air miles from Anchorage, in a roadless corner of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. Packages typically include the air charter, park/land‑use fees, guiding, and fishing gear. The remoteness is the point—expect eagles over the lawn, bears on the coast, and that quiet, big‑country feel the Bristol Bay watershed is known for.

Seasons

Peak season runs May–September, aligning with salmon runs, prime bear viewing, and the most flyable weather. Winter is also possible here, with snowmobiling, ice fishing, and even Iditarod‑season experiences available through the same outfitter.

Wildlife

Brown bears are the marquee wildlife draw, with flight‑assisted access to coastal meadows and salmon streams in Lake Clark and across in Katmai. Around the lodge, expect frequent eagle sightings and, depending on your outings, moose and other boreal regulars.

Costs & Inclusions

Packages vary by length and focus. Recent indicative ranges: roughly $3,500–$4,000 per person for 4–5 days, $5,500–$6,000 for 6–7 days, and a sample 7‑day/6‑night package at $8,500 per person. Rates commonly include lodging, meals, guiding, gear, air charter from Anchorage, and fees. Exclusions typically include fishing licenses, personal clothing, tips, and optional add‑ons.

Best Time to Visit

• Late June–September: Best overlap of salmon runs, stable weather, and bear viewing.
• Shoulder season (May, early June): Quieter feel and early season fishing; more weather variability.
• Winter: Choose it for snow and solitude rather than fishing variety.

Good to Know

• The lodge intentionally runs small weekly guest counts (often around a dozen) to keep guiding personal and logistics nimble.
• Flightseeing and coastal bear days are weather‑dependent; the team is experienced at reshuffling plans when needed.
• Meals are home‑style and included—there isn’t a separate restaurant to order from.

Who It’s For

Travelers who want top‑tier fishing and bear viewing without sacrificing hot showers, heated floors, and a sauna at day’s end. If you’re after road‑accessible budget lodging, this isn’t that; if you want a seamless, guided Alaska week that maximizes time on the water and with bears, it’s a bullseye.