Private Wooded Acres at Fort Alaska - Sleeps 10 comfortably expandable to18 - Big Lake

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Cabin

Welcome to Fort Alaska. This is the creek-side view of our home away from home.

Here you can view the creek straight from the living room.

Meadows Creek next to property with observation deck. Late Fall and first snow!

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10139.4 sq m

Popular amenities

Parking available

Washer

Barbecue grill

Kitchen

Dryer

Outdoor space

Explore the area

Big Lake, AK

Rocky Lake State Recreation Site

11 min walk

Big Lake South State Recreation Site

4 min drive

Big Lake North State Recreation Area

5 min drive

Big Lake, AK (BGQ)

5 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bunk Room

1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Bunk Beds

Downstairs Queen

1 Queen Bed

Upstairs King

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

Lower bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Upper Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Dining Area

About this property

Private Wooded Acres at Fort Alaska - Sleeps 10 comfortably expandable to18

The property was originally built as the "Big Lake Fish Hatchery".
Today some of the historic hatchery still remains but the property has been upgraded to include comfortable natural gas central heating to keep you warm year round and designed to be business traveler friendly with independent Wifi.

The Fort has its own Beaver/Moose Hiking trail.
This trail leads to the "Beavers' playground" and splits off to "Moose Club", a perfect gathering point of moose on Alaska State Lands. Come for a quiet stroll and listen to nature for once.

With close access to the Big Lake recreation area, the property offers a quiet wooded escape with a wrap around deck overlooking Meadows Creek, one of Alaska's anadromous salmon bearing streams.

Being on Meadows Creek, "Fort Alaska" is a natural home to moose, river otter, trout, and salmon. Fish and kayak Meadows Creek within 100 feet of the unit. Situated on a private 9 acre parcel bordered by state owned 400 acre undeveloped forest.
Now known as "Fort Alaska", the property offers the wild feel of Alaska yet is in close proximity to Big Lake and Wasilla. The paved road offers year-round access to Alaskan adventure but being a private 9 acre compound you have your own space to enjoy. Our quote includes a fee for kayaks, bikes and a small freezer for the storage of your fish.

With modern comforts and upgrades completed this single unit can be expanded and opened up to be a large double unit. To reserve this as a duplex unit to sleep up to 18 people please send an inquiry. Fort Alaska provides a nice location to relax and call your outpost to adventure. In Summer of 2024 the second unit can be rented to allow larger parties to stay together, however, it is NEVER rented to separate parties at the same time. We are currently working on our fitness center and Fort Alaska gym will be available to add into your stay. We will be posting pictures as soon as it is completed.

Property manager

Jeff & Carrie Maichel

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Outdoor space

Water view

Similar properties

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 26

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

That means no smoking ANYWHERE on property

Please use cutting boards provided - do not use knives on countertops

No Smoking on property!

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Big Lake

Located in Big Lake, this cabin is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Settlers Bay Golf Course and Iditarod Trail Headquarters are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Big Lake North State Recreation Area and Lucile Lake. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Big Lake, AK

What's nearby

Rocky Lake State Recreation Site - 11 min walk
Big Lake South State Recreation Site - 4 min drive
Big Lake North State Recreation Area - 5 min drive
Lucile Lake - 20 min drive
Settlers Bay Golf Course - 22 min drive

Getting around

Wasilla Alaska Railroad Depot - 19 min drive
Anchorage, AK (MRI-Merrill Field) - 62 min drive

Restaurants

‪Floaters - ‬3 min drive
‪Lumberyard Deli - ‬6 min drive
‪Aardvark Catering and Pizza Thyme - ‬3 min drive
‪Big Lake Family Restaurant - ‬3 min drive
‪Triple J Roadhouse - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Private Wooded Acres at Fort Alaska - Sleeps 10 comfortably expandable to18 pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Private Wooded Acres at Fort Alaska - Sleeps 10 comfortably expandable to18?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Private Wooded Acres at Fort Alaska - Sleeps 10 comfortably expandable to18?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Private Wooded Acres at Fort Alaska - Sleeps 10 comfortably expandable to18 located?

This family-friendly Big Lake cabin is located on the waterfront, 2.7 mi (4.3 km) from Big Lake North State Recreation Area, and within 16 mi (25 km) of Alaska Live Steamers and Lucile Lake. Iditarod Trail Headquarters and Knik Museum and Musher's Hall of Fame are also within 16 miles (25 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Dylan M.

15 Aug 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Fishing Trip

I rented the space for myself and four other work buddies. We realized when we got there that five grown men each wanted their own space. The hosts were kind enough to open an extra bedroom for us to use last minute. The place was extra clean and the beds comfy. We used the heck out of the BBQ, plenty of spices etc to help us cook. We enjoyed fishing on a pontoon boat on Big Lake, and the Nature Conservancy about an hour away. Kobuk the Bear is quite an entertainer when in the mood! The property itself is right on a creek, so we waded in the water to catch a bite. They also have bikes, fishing poles, and kayaks for use which was cool. We were even provided a dozen muffins, coffee and creamer, which was great since we got in at 2am. Oh — also, one of our party forgot their AirPods at the house. They were shipped back to us from the hosts! Thank you, Carrie!

Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Madelyn L.

28 May 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location and property

This property worked well for our stay and travel purposes. Pro: We were able to do the Matanuska Glacier Hike/Tour—highly recommend!! Cons: The house is a duplex so you might have another rental group on the property with you…there was no hot tub, although it was listed as an amenity. More pros: The creek behind the house is beautiful, peaceful, and fun for kayaking/fishing. Would stay here again!

Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kerry M.

31 Aug 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely stay

The house is simply beautiful on the inside. The floors and furniture were a lovely dark wood and the artwork was really pretty. The house is well stocked and very comfortable. There was even a firepit that was all set up with plenty of wood, though it did rain the entire time we were there so we couldn't take advantage of it. The creek is very close and it had many salmon when we stayed in mid-August. The location was great, about an hour from Anchorage, three hours from Denali and 30-40 minutes from a couple of other places we visited. There were also several little towns nearby where we found plenty of restaurants. The owner was responsive and even stopped by to make sure that our stay was going smoothly and that we didn't need anything. She also cared enough to make sure we had contingency plans when she realized that my sister was returning to Florida while a hurricane was hitting the state. One downside was that the road was nearby when outside by the creek and so traffic noise was frequent and louder than we'd have liked. That was a minor issue compared to the positive aspects of the property.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

9 Aug 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent

Top-notch facilities and care. We were able to kayak in Meadows Creek and take full advantage of the centralized location to all that is Alaska.

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brittni K., Worcester, USA

26 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

2nd Time Staying here

This was the second time that we stayed at this property! It is just as beautiful as last time, right on the river! Defiantly rent their kayaks and do on the river!!! Will book again next time we visit!

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephen S.

1 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

My oh my!!

Fort Alaksa was an amazing place to stay and far exceeded our expectations. Space and accommodations. The Fort slept our family of four adults and two children very comfortably. We even had room for more! From pizza pans, games, and bug spray, the Fort really does have it all Location. For us, the location could not have been better. We were there to visit family in Palmer, but also ventured out to Anchorage and other surrounding areas. The property Fort Alaksa is located on is beautiful and secluded. And did I mention the Fort has it all! Bikes, balls, kayaks, fire pit, lots of outdoor seating! Easy access to the creek made kayak launching simple and so fun. We saw what we thought were beavers, but after some googling, we learned they were muskrats. The hosts are really good people. It's obvious they want your stay to be comfortable, enjoyable and memorable. They were available and easy to communicate with when needed. They really did go above and beyond!! We would definitely stay here again and highly recommend as THE place you must stay!!

Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carter W.

31 July 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Area

We had so much fun hanging around the property and exploring. The place was plenty clean and spacious for our group!

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Raymond P.

24 June 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing!!

From the ease of the check in/check out process, location of this property, access to all top of the line amenities as well as bicycles and kayaks, and availability/responsiveness of the property manager; this was by far our most superior stay. Don was outstanding! He went above and beyond by helping to make sure our needs were met on every level. It was our first time to Alaska and this property helped make sure our trip was unforgettable! Thank you for everything. Chip, Sara, and Chris.

Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cindy C.

9 June 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We saw a beaver!

Our stay at Fort Alaska was amazing! The host worked with us for payment options and was available for any questions. They left us some goodies upon arrival and that was so appreciated to have breakfast ready before we went to the grocery store. The girls loved having the lower level of the house to themselves and all being together. The views were amazing, beds were comfortable and the history of the property was interesting. We took the kayaks upstream and were able to see the beaver and a flock of willow ptarmigan (relative to the puffin). We would definitely recommend this home to others. Thank you for a wonderful stay.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Margaret W.

6 May 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome trip!

We had a great time and this property was perfect for my family! Plenty of things to do for the adults and children! Carrie was very accommodating and helpful!

Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jill H.

1 Oct 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

brief but accommodating

Our visit was brief, but we had a great stay. Thanks for the accommodating extras! examples; coffee, shampoo, trash bags. Simple...but VERY appreciated.

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

nazar c.

14 Aug 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Place

This is probably the most cleanest and comfortable house I’ve been so far!!! It feels like home, very peaceful here. Don’t know what else to add, other reviewers described everything already. Highly recommend you won’t regret it. Home owners are truly great people 😊…

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Artur W.

11 Aug 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Convenient and Clean

We booked this duplex for a nearby wedding and could not have been more pleased with this property. The home was exceptionally clean and well cared for. We found it fully stocked with toilet paper, laundry detergent, and other necessities. The fluffy towels were a nice touch! Our week was full of festivities so we didn’t make use of the patio, but it looks like a nice place for an evening fire. Highly recommend to anyone looking to stay in the Big Lake area!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer V.

18 July 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Location!

Fort Alaska was an ideal location for our vacation in Alaska! We were able to drive to Anchorage, Palmer and even Denali without issue. The property is clean, well-stocked and beautiful. Thanks for sharing your Alaska home with us!

Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Taylor W.

11 July 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay

We had a great time. Beautiful property, beautiful home. Lots of space and amenities. Kayaks and bikes were an awesome plus. Close enough to town, yet secluded enough. Saw wildlife on the property. Overall wonderful time.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Robert P.

22 June 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What more do you need?

The house slept 11 adults (3 couples, could have been 4) and were extremely comfortable. Kitchen was nicely stocked with some of the necessities and utensils - there are 12 large coffee cups. Two bathrooms with beautiful showers worked great and we never ran out of hot water. Outside has a nice fire pit with wood, a comfortable seating area under a metal patio. Bikes, kayaks and other equipment is available for use (some for a fee). The location is a former fish hatchery so you'll see remnants of it about. There are some trails, a small creek and a nested pair of Swallows in a bird house. There is a road near the house, but we weren't disturbed by the traffic during the day or night. Like the title eludes, what more do you need? Yes, there's even a variety of mosquito sprays.

10/10 Excellent

Geneva N.

17 June 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place!

Awesome place with privacy! A little out of the way but would definitely recommend.

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Brittni K., Worcester, USA

15 June 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great property!

This property was clean and welcoming, with a great host and quaint views of the river. The check in process was easy and we were welcomed with muffins, Alaskan coffee, a bottle of wine and the history of the property. We didn't utilize the kayaks but did use the fire pit. The bedrooms where set up wonderfully with more than enough room of our group of 6.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Shawn W.

11 June 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Vacation

Our stay at Fort Alaska was awesome!! We loved kayaking the stream and exploring the woods!! It was a great home base for all of our Alaska adventures!!

Stayed 7 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Brad G.

23 Aug 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What an amazing place !!

My family loved this place, in fact we're already planning to come back next year. There's a creek with salmon in it literally steps away from the back door. We kayaked down to Big Lake in the creek. It's four miles each way. The house was fully equipped, and nicely furnished, and we enjoyed eating our meals outside. There's a Three Bears market (mini Costco) right around the corner. Which is a good place to get for food. Did I mention we're already planning to come back next year? Another plus is the Ardvark restaurant, they have good food. The town of Wasilla is just minutes away. Did I mention we're already planning to come back next year?

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Mary P.

8 Aug 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent property for our 1 week vacation

Our hosts were very friendly & accommodating. The age range for this trip was from 19 to 73 & the main activities were fishing & hiking. This location was great for that and also provided kayaks for the stream on the property. Groceries & etc were close by & we even went to Whittier for a day. We highly recommend this property.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Mary C.

15 July 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Staying at the compound.

Great location for our needs and nice set up for our extended family. Private and quiet location without being too remote. Short drive to Wasilla, manageable drive to Anchorage for airport pick up and drop off, groceries and restaurant just around the corner in Big Lake. House was clean and offered all the basics we needed. Enjoyed having access to a washer and dryer, the iron was an added bonus!

10/10 Excellent

John B.

27 June 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A wonderful place to stay in the Mat-Su Valley

This is the third time I've stayed at this property, and I highly recommend it. The house is clean, nicely decorated, very comfortably sleeps 6-9 people, and the property itself is peaceful and picturesque. The Meadow Creek runs through the property, providing access to lovely kayaking. The property owners couldn't be more helpful and accommodating. If you are looking for somewhere to stay that is within a few minutes of the Big Lake area, within 90 minutes of both Anchorage and Talkeetna, and within easy access to other Mat-Su Valley activities, this property is a great choice. The modern kitchen, outdoor grill, and nearby grocery stores provide a great opportunity to cook your own meals if you like.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Monique L., La Broquerie, Mb. Canada

12 Aug 2017

It is a beautiful place to stay at. Our kids and grandkids had an awesome time kayaking on the creek

We had an awesome vacation and would recomend this place to anyone who wants to go vacation in Alaska.

Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2017

About the host

Hosted by Jeff & Carrie Maichel

Jeff Maichel has owned the Fort for 15 years. Semi retired from the pipeline industry Jeff still has a pipeline company that operates and a tool building company in Oklahoma City.
He has spent much time in Alaska and with properties in Ketchikan and Big Lake.
In Jeff's younger years he King Crab fished out of Kodiak and spent time in the gold fields near Denali. The years have settled him down a bit with his wife and partner of 38 years Carrie who manages the details of the Fort. Come visit our beautiful retreat.

Why they chose this property

You can escape from the world at our Fort, but since the owners of this property are business people reliable communication and being able to run a business from the property is a priority. Advanced internet has been installed and is available throughout the whole property.
The property consists of 9 private acres with lots of room to relax and explore.
During the summer watch the wildlife and salmon and during the winter many winter sports and activities are near by.
The property was once home to the Big Lake Fish Hatchery with some of the history remaining.
The property was designed after the owner has spent 25 years on the road at various locations around America. The design offers clean and tasteful accommodations in classy comfort with a semi remote location where you can relax or work if you have to!

What makes this property unique

The Property is on a natural salmon bearing stream and with a private entrance to this natural compound we call "Fort Alaska". It is close to activities yet offers private 9 acres of isolated security.
The property has natural gas central heating for easy temperature control.
Easy access to Big Lake but without the loudness of the lake during the summer months. Downtown Wasilla is 20 minutes away but the Fort is remote enough to still feel like Alaska.