Wood River Lodge

Denali, Alaska

$1,995,000 | 20± Acres

Seller Financing Available to Qualified Buyers

Wood River Lodge | Denali, Alaska

INTRODUCTION

Step back in time and experience the most incredible backcountry in the Alaskan Range. Dating back to 1898, Wood River Lodge has a rich history and features over 30 structures. Buildings include the main lodge, multiple cabins, game room, sauna, lounge, movie theater, and more. Nestled between Mount Anderson and the Wood River, the lodge is approximately 28 air miles east of Denali National Park and accessible by a 33-mile trail or bush plane.

In the early 1900s, during the construction of the Alaskan railroad, the property expanded and was used as a base camp for hunters providing meat for railroad workers. Over the years, building supplies and materials were brought in by horseback and dogsled, setting the stage for the property to become a hunting expedition outpost.

In 1965 world-renowned Alaskan big game hunting guide Lynn Castle bought the lodge, and it became a sporting destination for hunters worldwide. When he passed, the lodge was abandoned and sat for almost 15 years, virtually untouched.

The current owners bought the property in 2018 and started bringing it back to life. They have spent the past four years replacing roofs, updating electrical and wiring, plumbing some of the structures, and more.

The area is the perfect location for getting outdoors. There are so many things to do uninhibited by crowds. With multiple income opportunities available and proximity to Denali National Park and Preserve, it’s easy for visitors to fly in and stay for a few nights. Make this lodge your next business venture, or enjoy it as a vacation home with family and friends.

Now accepting bid offers through August 1, 2024.

QUICK FACTS

• 20± acres

• 30+ structures including main lodge, cabins, movie theater, sauna, and more

• Updated electrical and wiring, plumbing, and roofs on multiple buildings

• Rich history that dates back to 1898

• Big game hunting for moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and grizzly bears

• Surrounded by 2-million± acres of State Land

• Approximately 28 air miles from Denali National Park and Preserve

• Designated trail access from 100+ years ago

• Gravel airstrip 2,400-feet by 80-feet

• Private well, an excellent water source

• Satellite internet

• Sale includes equipment

• Main lodge has commercial kitchen, liquor license, current fire safety review, and large atrium

BUILDINGS

Wood River Lodge | Denali, Alaska

LOCATION

Nestled between Mount Anderson and the Wood River, the lodge is approximately 28 air miles east of Denali National Park and Preserve. Located east of Healy, Alaska.

Wood River Lodge | Denali, Alaska

GETTING THERE

From Fairbanks, you can fly direct from Fairbanks International Airport to Wood River Lodge, an approximately 40-minute flight. Take the train from Fairbanks or drive to Denali, and Fly Denali can fly you into the lodge.

From Anchorage, drive to Healy or take the train and fly out with Fly Denali to the lodge. Approximately a 20-minute flight.

For the advanced traveler, there is a trail that begins at the end of the Healy Spur road, follows Healy Creek, goes over Cody Pass, and follows the Wood River. This 33-mile journey can be made on foot, horseback, ATV, or snow machine.

www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com

AREA HISTORY

During the Alaska Gold Rush of 1898, a mining claim was formed in the Wood River Valley leading to the completion of the first structure, “The Grizzly Cabin,” in 1907. In 1912 formal land ownership solidified along the Wood River. In the early 1920s, during the construction of the Alaskan railroad, the property expanded and was used as a base camp for hunters providing meat to railroad workers. Over the years, building supplies and materials were brought in by horseback and dogsled, setting the stage for the property to become a hunting expedition outpost.

In 1965 world-renowned Alaskan big game hunting guide Lynn Castle bought the lodge, and it became a sporting destination for hunters from around the world. He named it Denali Wilderness Lodge and constructed the remaining buildings, including Cheechako Hotel, Swiss Chalet, horse corrals, and guest cabins, to make it a functional hunting destination. In 1991 Lynn passed away in an airplane accident, and the property was sold. From 1991-2006 the lodge was abandoned and fell into despair. In 2018 the current owners purchased the property and renamed it Wood River Lodge, the term locals use when referring to it. Repairs, restoration, and modernization continue to this day.

ACREAGE

20± acres are located in the Alaskan Range. The property is surrounded by approximately two million acres of state owned land.

Wood River Lodge | Denali, Alaska

CLIMATE

Climate data for nearby Healy, Alaska courtesy of http://www.city-data.com/city/Healy-Alaska.html

Denali has a unique climate. During the summer, temperatures average between 50-60 degrees, although they can climb as high as 90 degrees. Most days are overcast with occasional rainfall. Winters can be long, extreme, and chilly, averaging below freezing temperatures for most of the winter. Denali averages 15 inches of rain and approximately 84 inches of snowfall annually.

IMPROVEMENTS

• Four buildings had roofs replaced last year

• Updated electrical and wiring in two buildings

• Plumbing updated in four buildings

• Repairs, resoration and modernization continues

RECREATION

• Hiking

• Wildlife Viewing

• Fat Biking

• Canoeing

• Flight Seeing

• Stargazing

O ther r ecreati O n

For the advanced traveler, there is a trail that begins at the end of the Healy Spur Road, follows Healy Creek, goes over Cody Pass, and follows the Wood River. This 33-mile journey can be made on foot, horseback, ATV, or snow machine.

Wood River Lodge | Denali, Alaska

h unting & W ildlife

Hunting

• Moose

• Caribou

• Dall Sheep

• Grizzly Bears

• Black Bears

• Birds

Wildlife Viewing

• Eagles

• Swans

• Snowshoe Hare

• Porcupine

• Fox

• Lynx

Wood River Lodge | Denali, Alaska

EQUIPMENT

f O r e quipment l ist , c O ntact a gent

Wood River Lodge | Denali, Alaska

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES

Denali National Park and Preserve is approximately 28 air miles from the Wood River Lodge, with around 600,000 visitors annually.

The park is composed of 6 million acres of land and is home to the tallest mountain in North America, reaching 20,310 feet in elevation. It was the first National Park created to protect wildlife and is home to grizzly bears, Dall sheep, wolves, moose, caribou, and more.

The park is open year-round and is perfect for people of all fitness levels. Visitors can hop on the bus through the park, visit the sled dogs, go hiking, camp, do flightseeing, and bicycle. With so much to do and see, it’s never a boring trip to Denali.

Denali National Park

Wood River Lodge | Denali, Alaska

INCOME OPPORTUNITY

Multiple income opportunities are available.

WATER SOURCES WATER RIGHTS

Private well with no restrictions. It is an excellent water source. The water is pumped into the pump house with four large pressure tanks to supply water to the whole property.

MINERAL RIGHTS

All mineral rights appurtenant to the property and owned by the Seller will convey to the Buyer at closing. Mineral rights are not guaranteed. It is suggested that the Buyer conduct a mineral search with a title company.

CONSERVATION | STEWARDSHIP

Each of us at Fay Ranches 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 Ranches has guided owners toward a legacy of conserving wide-open spaces, enhancing and creating fisheries and wildlife habitats, and implementing sustainable agricultural operations. Fay Ranches 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.

SUMMARY

Dating back to 1898, Wood River Lodge has a rich history and features over 30 structures. Nestled between Mount Anderson and the Wood River, the lodge is approximately 28 air miles northeast of Denali National Park and Preserve and accessible by a 33-mile trail or bush plane.

The hard work is finished with repairs, restorations, and modernization completed by the current owner. Make this lodge your next business venture, or enjoy it as a vacation home with family and friends.

30 Wood River Lodge | Denali, Alaska

$1,995,000

Cash, Conventional Financing, 1031 Tax Exchange

Seller Financing:

• Purchase Price: $1.975M

• Down Payment: $750,000

• Remainder amortized over 15 years

• Interest rate first two years 6% followed by adjustable rate for the remainder of the 15-year term

• No Balloon

• Secured by Deed of Trust

This is an exclusive co-listing with Fay Ranches, Inc and Top Shelf Realty. 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 Real Broker, LLC must be present at all showings unless otherwise noted or other arrangements are made. To view other properties, fly fishing properties, and sporting ranches that we have listed, please visit our web page at www.fayranches.com .

TERMS CONTACT NOTICE

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.

32 Wood River Lodge | Denali, Alaska

River Lodge

Wood River Lodge | Denali, Alaska