Avens Alaska

Excellent service! The accommodations were perfect. The yurt was large, comfortable and exceedingly clean. Plenty of hot water! And plenty of the heat when it dropped below freezing one night. Comfortable mattresses. The food was excellent with Michael proving he could not only adapt, but adapt well, to our dietary restrictions. Always hot and always prepared perfectly. Although he didn’t have a say in it, the weather was very nice and the scenery even more so. No one seems to want to offer great customer service anymore. NOT SO at Avens. Great customer service from Michael, Victoria and family. We would return for another visit in a second. We stayed at four other venues on this trip to interior Alaska . Avens was absolutely the best spot of all!

Avens Alaska is a gem of a family-owned lodge in a remote area of Wrangell St. Elias NP. It is an off-grid location with a lodge for dining complete with a bar, and various types of lodging accommodations from Yurts to cabins with different levels of amenities. Ours (The Alaskan) included an indoor private bathroom. The wash house is a nice building with two separate bathrooms with showers for accommodations without indoor plumbing. There are lakes close to the cabins within easy walking distance. The beautiful property is conveniently located on Nabesna Road with lots of hiking options. The views of the mountains are amazing. Unfortunately, the Northern Lights were not active while we were there. The cabin we rented was clean and beautiful. The owner personally showed us through the cabin and explained how the pellet heater and appliances worked. There were two queen beds (one in the loft). The bed was comfortable and the plentiful blankets were warm. There is also a kitchen for preparing food. We did not use a hair dryer or curling iron as the wattage usage is very high when power is provided off-grid. The food was amazing! We bought the food package since there are no nearby convenience stores, restaurants, or grocery stores. The owners grow much of the food onsite and source locally. The culinary creations were fabulous with chef level presentation. The homemade desserts were marvelous. Even the boxed lunches were sensational. Their son was our waiter and he did a splendid job. Michael and Victoria were wonderful hosts! We would stay there again.

A fantastic 3 day stay at the start of a 2 week Alaska trip. The cabins were sparkling clean, comfortable with especially comfortable beds. What distinguishes them is the quality of the food--all 3 meals. Simple but elegantly prepared food featuring Alaskan cuisine. Even the box lunches we took on our hikes were superb--don't miss the salmon salad. The staff, the owner and his family were attentive, and more importantly, fun. The lodge is sited perfectly for access to tralils of all degrees of difficulty. The owner provides sound advice on the trails and sights.

We stayed two nights in mid-August in the Ursa Major yurt. It’s only a year or two old and is more spacious than most other lodging. Very clean. Plenty warm with the wood pellet heater. The yurt has a small kitchen with everything that you’d need, but we purchased the meal service and we highly recommend it. The food was excellent restaurant quality — fresh, well-prepared and varied. Beer and wine available too. Michael was a very friendly host and knowledgeable about the area. Overall, a great place to get away from the crowds and enjoy wild Alaska. Although I thought that the road in was passable to the lodge at mile 28 without four wheel drive, you really should have high clearance and four wheel drive to go further south into the park and to access the primary day hikes. The road deteriorates quite a bit after the lodge.

Outstanding experience in every way. Unique accommodations in a lovingly restored historic cabin. Outstanding gourmet meals served in fine style, including a carefully prepared bag lunch. Very friendly owner. Don't miss this hidden gem!

The yurts are really nice! Comfy and cozy and with everything you need. The meal plan is necessary if you aren't bringing food to cook or anything. The meals are great with salad, entree and dessert. The maitre'd was wonderful. This is a family run business and is off grid. Be prepared. The solitude was great - lots of trails near by. Relaxation is what you'll find.