PAINTER CREEK LODGE
Pilot Point, Alaska
$2,500,000
15± Acres
INTRODUCTION
Painter Creek Lodge is a rare and unforgettable retreat deep in the heart of Alaska’s remote Peninsula. Set on 15± acres of private land and surrounded by more than 4 million acres of protected wilderness, this full-service lodge has stood as a quiet outpost since 1983. Located 100± miles south of King Salmon and nearly 400 miles from the nearest road, it is one of Alaska’s most isolated locations.
The lodge is positioned beside a pristine 40± mile river and creek system that flows into the renowned Bristol Bay. With no road access and no neighboring lodges or camps, the area offers unmatched privacy and a profound sense of solitude. Clear, winding streams course through the landscape, framed by sweeping tundra and low alpine ridges.
A 4,000± foot airstrip allows direct access to the property, which sits beneath the towering Aleutian Range. Glacier-capped Mount Chiginagak rises to 7,000± feet nearby, creating a dramatic backdrop for the surrounding terrain. Throughout the summer, the landscape is alive with vibrant energy and changing light, from long golden evenings to misty mornings over the river.
The main lodge is a welcoming space with a fireplace, fly-tying corner, library, and a dining room offering expansive views of the wilderness beyond. Accommodations include three duplex guest cabins, each with a twin and double bed, private bath, modern heating, and generous room for gear and comfort.
Additional fly-out locations within 20 miles offer access to remote areas rarely seen or touched. These locations provide an opportunity to connect with vast, untouched parts of Alaska that remain unchanged by time.
In a region where much of the backcountry has grown increasingly trafficked, Painter Creek Lodge continues to offer rare and authentic isolation—a place where the landscape speaks louder than the world beyond.
1 Painter Creek Ranch | Pilot Point, Alaska
QUICK FACTS
• The lodge sits on 15± acres of private land
• Surrounded by over 4 million acres of Federal Wildlife Refuge, including the Alaska Peninsula Wildlife Refuge
• Located 100± miles south of King Salmon and nearly 400 miles from Anchorage
• Exclusive access to a 40–50 mile river and creek system flowing into Bristol Bay
• The lodge’s “home waters” are considered a private fishery, as no other operators have access
• The lodge is built next to a 4,000± foot private airstrip
• The surrounding landscape includes the 7,000± foot, glacier-capped Chiginagak Volcano, often seen venting steam
• Ocean-fresh salmon and char travel from Bristol Bay into the river system, which is only 20 miles away
• Fishing begins in late June and peaks in August and September
• Painter Creek supports king, silver, and chum salmon, plus trophy Arctic char in crystal-clear waters
• The main lodge includes a cozy fireplace, a fly-tying area, a library, and large windows with scenic views
• Three duplex guest cabins offer comfortable accommodations with private bathrooms, heaters, and hot water
• Rooms feature twin and double beds, plenty of storage, and gear space for anglers and hunters
• The area offers fly-out trips to additional pristine rivers and creeks within a 20-mile radius, many of which are rarely visited
• Unlike many crowded destinations in Bristol Bay, Painter Creek offers true solitude, with no towns, camps, or lodges nearby
• The lodge is currently not operating and has not been operational for the past 2 years
Painter Creek Lodge | Pilot Point, Alaska
SCENIC VISTAS
Painter Creek Lodge is nestled in one of Alaska’s most breathtaking and untouched landscapes, offering guests an unparalleled visual experience. Surrounded by over 4 million acres of protected wilderness and framed by the dramatic peaks of the Aleutian Range, the scenery is nothing short of aweinspiring. Towering above it all is the glacierdraped, 7,000± foot Chiginagak Volcano, often seen venting smoke against the backdrop of endless sky. The lodge is perched alongside a 40± mile private river system winding through tundra and valleys, delivering crystal-clear views at every turn. Whether casting a line into a pristine stream, watching wildlife from the porch, or relaxing inside the lodge with its panoramic windows, guests are immersed in raw, remote beauty. This is a place where nature dominates the horizon, and every angle feels like a postcard brought to life.
5 Painter Creek Lodge | Pilot Point, Alaska
INCOME OPPORTUNITY
Painter Creek Lodge presents a rare and compelling income opportunity for investors seeking entry into Alaska’s world-class fishing, hunting, and ecotourism markets. Though the owners have not hosted guests for the last two years, the lodge has a long-standing legacy dating back to 1983, when it hosted small groups of anglers and wilderness travelers drawn to one of the most remote and pristine regions in the state.
The property includes exclusive access to a 40± mile river and stream system flowing into Bristol Bay—home to one of the most productive freshwater systems on Earth. With no nearby lodges or camps, this nearprivate wilderness offers exceptional potential for those looking to revive or reimagine a high-end, off-grid experience.
Set on a 15± acre private inholding within more than 4 million acres of protected land in the Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge, the site is accessible via a 4,000± foot airstrip—making travel to and from the property feasible despite its extreme isolation. The surrounding landscape is defined by dramatic mountains, untouched waterways, and complete seclusion, setting the stage for premium adventure tourism.
As demand for remote, nature-based experiences continues to grow, Painter Creek Lodge offers a unique chance to reestablish a luxury backcountry destination or just hold as a private lodge in the wilderness for friends and family. With virtually no local competition, ample room for seasonal or service expansion, and a rich operational history as a catch-and-release fly fishing-only fishery, this property represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own and develop a wilderness business in one of Alaska’s last true frontiers.
7 Painter Creek Lodge | Pilot Point, Alaska
BUILDINGS LODGE
Painter Creek Lodge features a thoughtfully designed collection of buildings that blend rustic charm with modern comfort, creating a welcoming retreat deep in the Alaskan wilderness. At the heart of the property is the large main lodge, a warm and inviting space complete with a living room, fireplace, sitting room, library, fly-tying area, dining room, and kitchen. Large picture windows frame stunning views of the surrounding landscape, allowing guests to relax indoors without losing touch with the beauty outside.
Painter Creek Ranch | Pilot Point, Alaska
BUILDINGS CABIN
Nearby, three cozy duplex cabins offer comfortable accommodations. Each is equipped with a twin and double bed, a private bath, a table and chairs, plenty of gear storage, and its own hot water heater. Stateof-the-art heaters keep the cabins warm, even in cooler weather. These thoughtfully spaced buildings provide guests with the perfect balance of privacy, comfort, and connection to the remote, untouched wilderness that defines Painter Creek Lodge.
Painter Creek Ranch | Pilot Point, Alaska
FISHING
Fishing at Painter Creek Lodge is nothing short of legendary. Set deep within the remote Alaska Peninsula wilderness, the lodge offers exclusive access to a pristine 40± mile river and stream system that flows into the iconic Bristol Bay— recognized globally as one of the finest fisheries on Earth. With no public access and no neighboring operations, Painter Creek’s watershed has remained virtually untouched for over four decades, offering an unparalleled, private fly-fishing experience. Since 1983, the lodge operated as a fly-fishing-only, catch-and-release fishery, preserving its extraordinary ecosystem and ensuring trophy-quality fishing for generations to come.
From late June through September, the river comes alive with powerful, ocean-bright fish making their annual migration from Bristol Bay, just 20 miles downstream. Anglers can target a diverse range of sought-after species, including chromebright silver salmon, aggressive chums, 30-pound king salmon, and vibrant Arctic char and Dolly Varden in gin-clear tributaries. With full run of the river—from tidewater estuaries to alpine-fed headwaters—each trip is tailored to the timing of fish runs and individual angling styles.
Fly fishing lies at the core of the Painter Creek experience. Whether skating topwater flies for silvers or swinging deeprunning streamers for kings, anglers are rewarded with explosive takes and powerful fights in one of Alaska’s most visually striking and structurally diverse fisheries. The river’s blend of intimate channels, classic riffles, and broad swinging runs caters to all skill levels, making it a true fly angler’s paradise.
Beyond the home waters, nearby fly-out options provide access to even more secluded streams and rivers—virtually untouched by other anglers. These additional fisheries offer the rare chance to pursue fishing in some of Alaska’s most remote and breathtaking settings.
13 Painter Creek Ranch | Pilot Point, Alaska
At Painter Creek Lodge, fishing is far more than a sport—it’s a fully immersive journey into the wild heart of Alaska. With no roads, no crowds, and no distractions, this is a rare opportunity to experience fly fishing in its purest form. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just discovering the art of the cast, Painter Creek offers solitude, scenery, and world-class fishing that’s truly second to none.
King Salmon (Chinook)
• Season: Late June through July
• Size: Often 20–30+ pounds
Silver Salmon (Coho)
• Season: Mid-August through September
• Size: 8–15 pounds
Chum Salmon (Dog Salmon)
• Season: July to early August
• Size: 8–20 pounds
Sockeye Salmon (Red Salmon)
• Season: Late June through July
• Size: 6–10 pounds
Arctic Char
• Season: All season, peaking in late summer
• Size: Up to 10+ pounds
Dolly Varden
• Season: Throughout the summer
• Size: 2–6+ pounds
Painter Creek Ranch | Pilot Point, Alaska
HUNTING & WILDLIFE
The region surrounding Painter Creek and Pilot Point, Alaska, offers rich hunting and wildlife in the rugged, remote wilderness of the Alaska Peninsula. Hunters in this area can pursue a variety of big game species, including moose, caribou, and brown bears, with the best hunting seasons occurring in late summer and fall. The area is also home to smaller game, making it an ideal location for both big-game and upland bird hunters. Wildlife such as beavers, river otters, and even walrus can be found in the area. With its diverse ecosystems, the area is a hunter’s paradise and a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
• Brown Bear
• Moose
• Caribou
• Beaver
• River Otter
• Fox
• Wolf
• Eagle
Past volcanic activity, along with the effects of shoreline erosion and glaciers, makes the Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge one of the most scenic refuges in the state. The area is also known for its great variety of wildlife, including marine species like seals, sea otters, and whales. For many hunters, a dream hunt here would be for brown bear, but hunters looking for a less expensive hunting adventure often come for caribou and moose. A popular subsistence hunting area, the refuge also attracts many nonresident hunters, who can find guide services, air charters, or boat rentals available, depending on the type of hunt they prefer. The northern Alaska Peninsula caribou herd is one of 13 major herds within the state. Herd size fluctuates naturally and has varied from 2,000 to 20,000 animals in recent decades. The herd migrates up to 200 miles each year. As with most Alaskan refuges, the seasons for black bears, wolves, and wolverines overlap with the caribou and moose season, so hunters may want to consider a tag for these species.
www.fayranches.com | 800.238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge
Painter Creek Ranch | Pilot Point, Alaska
AREA HISTORY
Painter Creek and Port Heiden are located on the remote and rugged Alaska Peninsula, an area rich in natural resources and steeped in a long history of indigenous culture, subsistence living, and eventual development into a hub for outdoor adventure. The region has long been home to the Alutiiq (Sugpiaq) people, who lived off the land and sea for thousands of years, hunting caribou, fishing salmon, and gathering plants across the vast tundra and along the Bristol Bay coastline. The people of this region developed deep knowledge of the seasons, wildlife patterns, and waterways, and their cultural heritage remains rooted in a close connection to the natural environment.
Port Heiden, known historically as Meshik, was originally a small Alutiiq village situated near the mouth of the Meshik River. During World War II, the U.S. military established a base at Port Heiden due to its strategic location on the Pacific front. The base brought temporary growth and infrastructure, but after the war, it was largely abandoned, leaving remnants of runways and buildings that still exist today. The community was relocated slightly inland due to coastal erosion, and Port Heiden became a quiet, rural village focused on subsistence living, commercial fishing, and preserving its cultural traditions.
Painter Creek, located roughly 100 miles south of King Salmon and near Port Heiden, became known for its exceptional fishing and hunting opportunities. In 1983, Painter Creek Lodge was founded on a rare parcel of private land surrounded by millions of acres of federal wildlife refuge. Recognizing the uniqueness of the untouched 40-mile river system that drains into Bristol Bay, the lodge was established to offer guided fly-fishing and hunting experiences in a setting virtually untouched by modern development. Over the decades, it has become renowned for its exclusivity, solitude, and world-class fishery—drawing sportsmen and nature enthusiasts from around the world.
Today, both Painter Creek and Port Heiden stand as gateways to one of Alaska’s most pristine and wild environments. While Port Heiden continues to support a small, closeknit community dedicated to cultural heritage and sustainability, Painter Creek Lodge offers a rare glimpse into a wilderness that remains largely as it has been for centuries— raw, beautiful, and wild. Together, they represent the enduring spirit of Alaska’s remote frontier.
CLIMATE
The climate around Port Heiden, Alaska, is classified as subarctic, characterized by cold, snowy winters and mild, rainy summers. Winter temperatures typically range from -5°F to 25°F, with heavy snowfall and short daylight hours leading to extended periods of twilight. Spring and fall bring cooler temperatures and increasing precipitation, while summer temperatures stay mild, ranging from 45°F to 60°, though occasional rain and fog are common, particularly in July and August.
Climate charts courtesy of https://www.city-data.com/city/Port-Heiden-Alaska.html
Painter Creek Ranch | Pilot Point, Alaska
LOCATION
Painter Creek Lodge is located near Pilot Point on the Alaska Peninsula, approximately 84 miles southwest of King Salmon. King Salmon is a gateway to the region, with the nearest major airport. Compared to Anchorage, Painter Creek Lodge is about 300 miles southwest, across the Cook Inlet and the rugged terrain of the Alaska Peninsula. The lodge is relatively remote, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an isolated wilderness experience, yet it is accessible via air travel from King Salmon or Anchorage.
GETTING THERE
Charter air services are available from King Salmon, Alaska, to Painter Creek Lodge, providing a convenient and scenic way to reach this remote destination. Several local operators offer air charter services, typically using small aircraft like floatplanes or bush planes, which are well-suited for navigating the rugged terrain and isolated location. These charters can be arranged through the lodge or local aviation companies, ensuring personalized service and flexible schedules for guests traveling to the lodge.
AIRPORT SERVICES
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport serves as a hub for various commercial airlines, offering flights to King Salmon.
21 Painter Creek Ranch | Pilot Point, Alaska
CONSERVATION | STEWARDSHIP
Each of us at Fay loves the land and wants to see it remain a productive agricultural ground and a quality fish and wildlife habitat. Through promoting thoughtful land stewardship, Fay has guided owners toward a legacy of conserving wide-open spaces, enhancing and creating fisheries and wildlife habitats, and implementing sustainable agricultural operations. Fay is proud to say that since our company began in 1992, our clients’ conservation ethics and land-use practices have significantly enhanced our work landscape.
25 Painter Creek Ranch | Pilot Point, Alaska
Painter Creek Lodge, located in the heart of the Alaska Peninsula, offers an exclusive and remote fishing and hunting experience on a rare parcel of private land surrounded by over 4 million acres of Federal Wildlife Refuge. Since 1983, the lodge has provided small groups of guests access to its pristine 40± mile river system, which drains into Bristol Bay and supports a worldclass fishery. This private system ensures that most guests never encounter another angler, offering a truly secluded wilderness experience. The lodge, with its comfortable accommodations and a 4,000± foot airstrip, sits near stunning peaks of the Aleutian Range, including the glacier-covered Chiginagak Volcano. Guests enjoy exceptional fishing for species like king salmon, trophy char, and silver salmon, with easy access to the river system via jet boats. The lodge also offers fly-out options to nearby rivers, further enhancing the fishing experience. At Painter Creek, visitors can enjoy the tranquility of a pristine, untouched environment, making it a rare and coveted destination for avid anglers.
Painter Creek Lodge | Pilot Point, Alaska
This is an exclusive co-listing with Fay Ranches and Top Shelf Realty LLC. Please contact Troy Dana at (360) 402-5500 | tdana@fayranches.com or Yvan Corbin at (907) 301-0875 | yvan@alaskatopshelfrealty.com to schedule a showing. An agent from Fay Ranches or Top Shelf Realty must be present at all showings unless otherwise noted or other arrangements are made. To view other properties we have listed, please visit our web page at www.fayranches.com.
$2,500,000 Cash
Conventional Financing 1031 Exchange
Offer is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information regarding land classification, carrying capacities, maps, etc., is intended only as a general guideline and has been provided by the owners and other sources deemed reliable, but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to research the information to their own satisfaction.
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