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Karluk Lake Lodge

Native Owned Sustainable Lodge

Based on dual occupancy, starting at:

$7,850 / 3 Nights, per person, 2 sharing 1 cabin

Book Today

Native Owned, Sustainable Lodge

Exclusive access to wildlife on Karluk Lake in the comfort of cabins and lodge.

Sep 4th - 7th, 2025

Discover the secluded haven of our partner lodge, a sanctuary accessible exclusively by float plane on Karluk lake. 

Situated on Karluk Lake the lodge features 4 cabins with power, heat, running water and all the mod-cons you would expect from a 4 star hotel. 

The Bear Cave, the Lodge’s communal area, offers a laid-back atmosphere for guests to dine, socialize, or simply unwind after a day of activity. Enjoy the serene spectacle of bears strolling along the Karluk Lake shores while taking in the awe-inspiring panoramic vistas of the nearby mountains.

Feel free to use our handy binoculars and scope to spot wildlife passing by.

 

Established in 2020, this communal space is equipped with a commercial kitchen, an entertainment area featuring satellite television, and ample dining space for all guests. Additionally, the Gathering Room showcases local indigenous art, adding a touch of cultural richness to the inviting ambiance.

Even in one of the most secluded corners of the world, our guests enjoy the convenience of home-like comforts. Each cabin boasts a private deck with scenic views of Karluk Lake. Equipped with electricity, full bathroom facilities, wireless internet access, and cozy beds adorned with fresh linens, our cabins provide a welcoming retreat. 

A brief stroll leads to our dining cabin, where our skilled and amiable staff prepares delightful meals for a truly satisfying experience.

 

Stunning Cabins

Everything Included

WiFi Available

Varied Wildlife

Sustainable Lodge

Sustainability Lodge

We unite conservation, research, unparalleled bear viewing, and sustainable fishing experiences in one of the most secluded corners of the Earth. Our actions are rooted in the Alutiiq value that emphasizes, “this is the land that we belong to, not the land that belongs to us.”

This commitment extends practically, as our host lodge has made substantial investments in renewable energy and sustainable business practices. Our power derives from two wind turbines, complemented by a high-capacity lithium-ion battery bank to support our solar panels. This system operates quietly, is bird-friendly, and performs admirably even at low wind speeds.

Our partner lodge proudly holds Adventure Green Alaska certification, recognizing it as an exemplary Alaskan tourism business committed to economic, environmental, social, and cultural sustainability.

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Dan M Lee Professional Photographer

Hosted by Pro Photographers

During your stay, you will not only experience the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness in a way that few have before, but you will also be mentored by one of two experienced professional photographers.

Dan has spent years exploring Alaska and capturing the majesty of grizzly bears in Hallo Bay and throughout Kodiak Island. His passion for the region and his long-standing wildlife photography experience will allow you to capture some unique and memorable shots.

Jessica’s stunning photography has been published worldwide and showcases her exceptional travel photojournalism and film skills, which she will teach you.

All Inclusive Home Made Food

Our culinary approach is rooted in classic Alaskan fare, showcasing the finest locally caught salmon and halibut paired with fresh vegetables. Additionally, we offer traditional American entrees featuring beef, chicken, pork, accompanied by vegetables, potatoes or rice, and bread. Save some room for our indulgent and imaginative desserts!

Your stay includes all meals, served family-style in the Gathering Room, where you can savor breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As you dine, relish the breathtaking backdrop of Karluk Lake and the surrounding mountains visible from the Gathering Room. It’s not uncommon to spot four-legged explorers on the lawn outside, adding to the unique dining experience.

Kodiak Brown Bear Center Community Room
Kodiak Brown Bear Center Cabins

Comfortable Cabins with Lake Views

Nestled within the tranquil ambiance, your cabin offers a snug and unpretentious retreat. Cabins boast a petite deck at the rear facing the lake, framing a picturesque vista of the serene Karluk Lake and the distant majesty of the mountains, enjoy wildlife directly from your deck.

Our modern and private guest cabins were designed with your comfort in mind. Each cabin includes a queen bed, a twin bed and a luxury en-suite bathroom with a large walk-in shower. Private covered patios with outdoor seating and panoramic views of Karluk Lake and the surrounding mountains provide the ideal location for morning coffee or a nightcap under the stars (or midnight sun)

Take a Cabin Tour

Pinch Two Fingers To Zoom In / Out, Click Circles To Move

Do I Need To Be Fit ?

The Center & Lodge campus is on a fairly level grade with groomed walkways, but it is not built to ADA accessibility guidelines. Our lodge and cabins are not handicap accessible.

We offer diverse bear viewing experiences, with programs tailored to suit guests with different levels of physical fitness and capabilities. If walking to the bear viewing areas isn’t feasible for you, you have the option to observe bears from our boat or unwind at the Lodge while using our spotting scope to spot them.

No Mobile Signal

There is no mobile phone access, you may use WiFi calling features or applications such as WhatsApp or Viber etc.

There is WiFi available but speeds are limited, however mobile calling should work fine if your phone supports it. 

If you want connection to the outside world a satellite phone is recommended.

Travel Insurance

YES ! Absolutely. If for any reason we are unable to run the tour due to adverse weather then you will need to make a claim on your travel insurance. 

We recommend using AIG Insurance Travel Guard. Check your policy has trip cancellation insurance covered. Travel Insurance is a good idea anyway in case of injury or additional costs which can occur from basic travel. We also suggest travelguard.com for good insurance too.

Ensure all travel insurance covers cancellation, and delays due to weather. 

Seeing Bears and Wildlife

Observing wildlife in the natural setting of the Center & Lodge is an unpredictable experience.

The visibility of bears is contingent on several factors, including weather conditions, the season, the intensity of the salmon run, and the size of the berry crop.

With exclusive and proprietary access to over 112,000 acres of land (45,000 ha), renowned for historically hosting the highest bear concentrations on the island, your prospects of encountering bears are notably high.

Experience Alaskan Bird Watching

So here is a “shot list” of birds you can expect to see in the area, depending on the season.

Greater White-fronted Goose, Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Tundra Swan, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Redhead, Greater Scaup, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Long tailed Duck, Bufflehead, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Red Breasted Merganser, Spruce Grouse, Willow Ptarmigan, Red-throated Loon, Common Loon, Yellow-billed Loon, Pacific Loon, Horned Grebe, Pied-billed Grebe…

..and much more.

Weathered In

Safety is our utmost priority, and in the event of non-flyable weather conditions, your travel may experience delays. Weather-related setbacks are not uncommon due to Kodiak’s maritime climate.

If you find yourself unable to depart from the Center & Lodge due to weather delays, you will be our guest, and no additional charges will be incurred for your extended stay.

Should adverse weather conditions prevent your arrival in Kodiak or reaching the lodge, our Kodiak staff will assist you in securing alternative lodging. It’s important to note that the Center, Lodge or do We cover expenses arising from weather delays.

We have mandatory travel insurance to purchase to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as weather delays, flight connections, and other potential conditions that may arise.

Award Winners Best Photo Workshop in Alaska

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What Should I Pack ?

  • Good quality waterproof hiking boots with ankle support are highly recommended.
  • Most hiking around the lodge is not on a trail system, and at times the tundra can be like walking on a soaked sponge.
  • Slip-on shoes for around the lodge.
  • Multiple layers of clothing, as the weather can change quickly (polypro long underwear, light wool, fleece, etc)
  • Warm socks and gloves
  • Outer layer jacket
  • Rain gear
  • Hat
  • Binoculars
  • Lots of spare socks
Photography of Fox in Alaska
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