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Caribou Lodge Alaska – reviews, photos

P.O. Box 706, Talkeetna, AK 99676
Hotel amenities
Caribou Lodge Alaska
Ranked #2 of 5 hotels in Talkeetna
4.5 of 5 stars 16 Reviews
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16 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    15
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    1
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Date Rating
zeist
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“It's all about needs and desires”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 August 2009
2
people found this review helpful

Our first time to Alaska and we're most fortunate to have a tour operator that highly recommended Caribou Lodge.
So there we were,two Dutchies from far and away ,but we felt home right from the moment we met our two great hosts Mike and Pam.
It's hard to even describe the experience you find in Caribou Lodge;it must be this great mixture of true hospitality ,the wonderful surroundings,(wildlife abound and around,)great food ,the luxury of being disconnected from the rest of the world and meeting other people..
But the special treat are those breakfasts ,lunches and dinners where Mike and Pam bring you back to what really matters.Good fun ,great stories about Ed the mountain man,(no worries you probably are not going to meet him,)are mixed with some lessons in life.Live simply and don't mix needs and desires.
It is now more than 4 weeks and it's still coming back to us.
When we returmed to Talkeetna (great flight with a floatplane),we knew it .Caribou Lodge was the highlight of our holiday.And back home here in the Netherlands ,we think we understand it ,Caribou Lodge is no need but you desire to go back,once you've been there!
And before I forget great sleddogs,great pictures ,in our staircase,proof of evidence of a great 2.5 days in Talkeetna,thank you Mike and Pam

  • Stayed July 2009, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask bolhoofd about Caribou Lodge Alaska
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Philadelphia
1 review
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Amazing place”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 November 2008
2
people found this review helpful

My family went here this summer and had an amazing time. You get to experience solitude and isolation in nature something hard to find in todays world. The lodge was my favorite spot I have ever visited. Be sure to go on a hike with Mike as you head off without a trail into the Alaskan wilderness. It is truly an amazing experience. We saw abundant wildlife (although no caribou) and great views of Mount McKinley. Also, the food was amazing! I was shocked as all the food has to be flown in and Pam does it all in the kitchen of their house. Not only is the food great but there is plenty of it, keeping you well fed for your long hikes. I agree with the one other post it is not for everyone, but if you want solitude, a chance to experience pristine Alaskan wilderness, and a unique perspective on life the lodge is the place for you.

  • Liked — Location, hosts, food
  • Disliked — Everything was great!
  • Stayed June 2008, travelled with family
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Check-in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 5 of 5 stars Business service (e.g., internet access)
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Ask formenwest about Caribou Lodge Alaska
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
SF Bay Area, CA
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“We love Caribou Lodge!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 August 2008

This was our second trip to Mike and Pam's Caribou Lodge--we initially went 3 years ago when our kids were ten. We have absolutely loved both of our trips. It's hard to put into words exactly why--there's just something that deeply nourishes our souls in this place with these people. It's a beautiful setting--the hiking, the scenery, the wildlife, the views of Denali, etc. But even more than that, it's the warmth and care of Mike and Pam, their commitment to the land, to sharing their world and values with others, and their good-humored, gentle way with one another and with their guests that makes our time at Caribou Lodge so renewing, so rewarding.

Our stay this time included 3 other couples/families--all of whom became fast friends despite being from different countries, different backgrounds and different regions of the US. Around the dinner table, one of the guests suggested we share our "top ten" list about the Lodge. One of the children said "Caribou Lodge is the best place to spend your time between past and future." That is so true. A place to be in the now. To delight in a game of horseshoes or badminton. To unabashedly reach for another one of Pam's homemade rolls. To trudge through the bush to pick blueberries. To giggle at Mike's stories.

It may not be for everyone--animal sightings are not guaranteed, the outhouses smell like outhouses, and there isn't a TV or way to recharge the Gameboy. But for our family, Caribou Lodge is paradise--
and we can't wait to go back.

  • Liked — Everything!
  • Disliked — Nothing
  • Stayed August 2008, travelled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Check-in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask cftyler about Caribou Lodge Alaska
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Durango, Colorado
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
47 helpful votes 47 helpful votes
“Hello sourdoughs!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 July 2008
3
people found this review helpful

My husband & I loved everything about the Caribou Lodge! When you walk in the lodge it smells like grandmas been cooking all day long! Thanks Pam! When its time for a hike we got to see some of the most untouched land we have ever laid eyes on.
We saw 2 moose, plenty of bear & 1 big blonde grizzley! Not to mention the Eagles, hawks & the very large owls. Thanks Mike!
I personally didnt think this was roughing it at all. We normally sleep in a tent & have to dig a hole! So the Caribou Lodge for me was great! The cabins were well heated....not that we needed it, the bed spreads are very very warm & cozy. The showers room was also heated with a good supply of hot water. We coudln't get enough of the place. My husband & I went fishing on the back side of the lodge at the bever dams. He actually caught some fish on his fly rod! We have yet to meet better people than Mike & Pam. They provided both the entertainment and the hospitality that you wouldn't expect from people who live there lives "in the bush". We would reccomend the Caribou to anyone looking to get away from it all, relax, take in the Alaskan wilderness & beautiful surroundings. We miss it already & our wonderful new freinds Mike & Pam, we hope to see you someday soon....dont forget about the trip we talked about!!!
Sourdoughs at heart--KNK

  • Liked — The hosts!
  • Disliked — nothing, everthing was perfect
  • Stayed July 2008, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Check-in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 5 of 5 stars Business service (e.g., internet access)
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Ask KnKtravels about Caribou Lodge Alaska
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
United States
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“The AK wilderness lodge”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 March 2008
1
person found this review helpful

Most everything has already been noted by other reviewers.
It is amazing to spend some time in company of these alaskan sourdoughs. It really makes you appreciate the lifefestyle they lead and the nature around.
March still qualifies as winter and winter activities are abound. Scenery is tremendous. Dog-sledding is great. We rarely come back to a vacation spot again, but this one is a keeper. We'll have to try it in the warm season sometime to get a fuller picture.
Highly recommend this place to anyone interested in the real Alaska and how people live in it as opposed to the circus show afforded by a cruise

  • Liked — remote and rustic
  • Disliked — too bad we couldn't stay longer
  • Stayed March 2008, travelled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Check-in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 5 of 5 stars Business service (e.g., internet access)
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask vasechek about Caribou Lodge Alaska
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Caribou Lodge Alaska Also Known As

  • Caribou Hotel Talkeetna
Address: P.O. Box 706, Talkeetna, AK 99676

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