| Chelatna
Lake Lodge is one of the oldest lodges in the state. It was built
during the 1940’s when Alaska was just a territory of the
U.S. Its setting is spectacular, situated on the southern border
of Denali National Park with the Alaska Range and Mount Russell
as its backdrop. Mt. McKinley or Denali—the Athabascan Indian
word for “the Great One” is visible from the stream
while fishing.
 The
lodge is remote, accessible only by aircraft, located approximately
100 miles northwest of Anchorage. Because of its location, it is
less than an hour’s air-taxi flight away from Anchorage and
yet worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the state’s
largest city. Chelatna Lake Lodge is the only lodge in operation
on the eight mile lake.
Chelatna Lake
Lodge is owned by Duke and Becky Bertke. In 1974 Duke moved to Anchorage
from Chicago, Illinois. He promptly got his pilot’s license,
and began exploring Alaska. Becky moved to Alaska from Seattle in
1975 and met Duke soon after arriving. In 1988 Duke and Becky purchased
Chelatna Lake Lodge to realize their lifelong dream of owning a
fishing lodge in Alaska.
The lodge has
been owned and operated by Duke and Becky ever since. Since then,
the lodge has had a complete  makeover.
This includes new Justus cedar chalets for the guest cabins, remodeling
the main lodge, adding on to the dining room and upgrading the kitchen
to restaurant specifications. Their attention to detail quickly
made it one of the prestigious resorts in the state.
The Bertkes
continue to be involved in the day to day operations of the lodge.
Pride of ownership is evident everywhere, from the uncompromising
cleanliness, service and accommodations, to the quality of the experiences
they provide to their clients. In asking them what they treasure
most about owning the lodge, they say they take great pleasure in
sharing this special part of Alaska with their guests, and enjoy
the many wonderful friends they have made throughout the years.
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