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Overnight paddling trip on Lake Creek from Chelatna Lake Lodge

Paddling at Chelatna Lake Lodge

Nestled on the edge of Denali National Park, Chelatna Lake Lodge beckons adventure seekers to embark on a variety of paddling trips. Take one of our kayaks, SUP boards or rafts out on the water. Chelatna lake truly provides you an opportunity to enjoy nature's solitude, and if you’re looking for it, plenty of adventure. Whether you are focused on fishing after dinner, wildlife viewing during the day, or birding after coffee, we have an option for you.

Kayaking Denali Waters

For those seeking a more intimate and maneuverable watercraft, kayaking on Chelatna Lake might fit your interests. The lodge offers a variety of kayaks suitable for different skill levels, allowing both beginners and experienced kayakers to explore the lake's intricate shoreline. Paddle through narrow channels, navigate down Lake Creek with guides, or find yourself a hidden cove as you immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Denali’s surroundings.

Paddleboarding For Beginners & Experts

When the sun glistens on the surface of Chelatna Lake, paddleboarding emerges as an introspective way to connect with the park's surroundings. It really offers a unique blend of tranquility and adventure, providing paddlers with the opportunity to explore the lake at their own pace. SUP’s or Stand Up Paddleboards have become increasingly popular over the past 5 years. Whether you are inclined to practice yoga on the lake, test your core muscle strength, or give it a try for the first time, our lodge staff will happily join you.

Raft Trips Down Lake Creek

Lake Creek starts at the outlet of Chelatna Lake and stretches over 80 miles to the ocean. It’s well known for its King Salmon Run, and diversity of fish species. It has multiple sections of class IV rapids but the majority of the river is class I and II. Our jet boats operate within the top 3 miles of Lake Creek so we often run day trips with kayaks, paddleboards and of course rafts. We are also capable of hosting guests interested in overnight raft and packraft trips. You can book our air services to fly into Chelatna lake and run a 4-7 night float, get picked up by helicopter, and flown back to our lodge for 2-3 nights to get a more intimate and well rounded experience at the comfort of our lodge.

What Makes Chelatna Lake So Unique?

Beyond the fact that Chelatna Lake Lodge is a stone’s throw away from Denali National Park, we are the only lodge on the lake, making it the most unique park experience you can have without accessing the road system. If you genuinely are interested in multi-excursion packages that offer a diverse range of paddling, give us a call.