Avens Alaska (formerly Wrangell Mountains Wilderness Lodge

Stayed here on a family roadtrip in August 2024 and I still rave about it to anyone who will listen. Down the road less traveled into Wrangell-St Elias, this hidden gem is a place of true discovery. The cabin we stayed in was clean and warm, but the real star of the stay was the home-cooked meals from the family who owns and operates the place (and lives on property year-round); the dessert was especially delicious. I highly recommend going off the beaten path to stay a few nights here; the park surrounding it is stunning and uncrowded as well.

Thank you so much for the wonderful stay!! We stayed in the Alaskan Cabin and it was perfect!! Two cozy queen beds, super well appointed kitchen and a great hot shower!! The owner Michael was incredibly responsive and answered all of our questions on road conditions and trail conditions. We stayed at Avens for a night before and after doing the Trail Creek/Lost Creek backpacking loop. We HIGHLY recommend that for anyone doing the trail it's so nice to have such a clean, cozy spot!! We didn't do the meal plan, but for those interested it looks like an awesome option!

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

An extraordinarily special place! We stayed the weekend in Orion’s Yurt to celebrate my 31st birthday. And, what a wonderful birthday weekend it was. The lodge is quite the hidden gem nestled inside the park on Mile 28 of Nabesna Road. The area is quiet and breathtakingly beautiful. We hiked the nearby trails (and were the only ones), paddle boarded around the lake, read, sipped our coffee while listening to the birds chirp, and soaked in all the sunshine. We also got to enjoy dinner at the lodge one night; the food and the conversation were exceptional. The owners, Mike & Victoria (and kids), were so incredibly kind and welcoming to us and our three dogs. You certainly leave there feeling like you’ve gained a friend. They go above and beyond to make sure their guests are well taken care of. The yurt itself was clean, cozy, and well appointed. Equipped with a full kitchen and bathroom. I genuinely wish I could have stayed longer! If you are looking for a place to unplug and explore the great outdoors, this is absolutely the place to stay! It was perfect in every way. We will definitely be back!

From the moment I arrived at the cabins at AVENS Alaska (Mile 28), I was transported into a world where true peace reigns—and it was one of the most restorative stays I’ve ever had. Here’s my take: What made it unforgettable Cabin & amenities: I stayed in one of the fully-furnished cabins, outfitted with everything you need—hot water, a shower, well-equipped kitchen—all the comforts without detracting from the wilderness feeling. Scenery & atmosphere: The surroundings are jaw-dropping: the forest, mountains, sky… at times it felt like I was inside a painting. And the silence… such a powerful contrast with the bustle of regular life. I could feel the stillness. Hospitality: The caretaker family were warm, genuine hosts. Their kindness felt personal, not just professional. Meals they cooked were incredible, rich in flavor and heart. The love they pour into the place shines through every interaction. Sustainability: It’s rare to find a place where the infrastructure supports letting nature speak for itself—this camp is solar and battery powered, with diesel only as backup. Zero wasted energy, maximum respect for the land. Vacationing done right. Why I give it 5/5 Because everything aligned: the setting, the service, the simplicity, and the sincerity. It wasn’t just a getaway—it was a reset, a chance to reconnect with nature and humanity in equal measure.

Don’t miss the Nabesna Road experience if you go to Wrangell St Elias National Park. Stay at Avens Alaska cabins. The hosts are wonderful, the location is ideal and we stayed in the Alaska cabin. It was very well appointed with a great kitchen and comfy beds. We hiked 15 plus miles around this part of the park, but my best outing was a hike to the lakes just behind the cabin. Great wild flowers, beaver dams and a stunning lakes. If I had more time to just chill, I am sure I would have seen moose there. Great job Avens Alaska.

The staff was highly professional, knowledgeable and hospitable. Michael and Victoria’s attention to detail for every facet of the accommodations was outstanding. We (family of 4 with children 15 & 11 years of age) stayed 3 nights with the 3 meals a day option: One night in the cabin loft and two nights in the yurts. The accommodations including bedding, blankets, stove heating, kitchenettes, showers were all impeccable. The meals were plentiful and tasteful with fresh and farm-to-table ingredients, each with art and care. Our three course dinners consisted of homemade dressing salads, main dish (chicken, fish curry and braised beef), wine pairings and dessert options. Our experience at Wrangell–St. Elias National Park was well enhanced by a UTV tour and hiking that wouldn’t have been possible without Avens. We’d highly recommend this lodging for adults and families.

Avens Alaska is a beautiful lodge in one of the most peaceful areas in Alaska. Mike and Victoria make you feel right at home when you arrive and go out of their way to help you enjoy the area! Whatever your reason for being in Nabesna, make sure you take time out of your trip to stay at the Avens Alaska Lodge and enjoy true Alaskan cabins with an amazing family to host you!