The Alaska Range is one of those magical places that should go on everyone’s “Someday” list. Even most Alaskans don’t take the time to explore this amazing zone. While most know that the Alaska Range is the home of the biggest mountain in North America and the second highest peak in the world, Denali, few are aware of the immensity and diversity of this range. It’s truly like all of the worlds best ranges wrapped into one. Containing the Triumvirate, Hayes and Trimble Glaciers (The Triumvirate can be seen from Space), multiple active volcanoes and amazing granite spires, the scale of this place is almost impossible to wrap your mind around. In addition, this massive range feeds some of the most diverse and exciting river systems in Alaska.
A couple of days ago I had the opportunity to guide a long time Alaskan family on a five day multi-sport explosion of non-stop activity in the area. While the main objective was fishing, we also took the opportunity to get into the Tordrillo Mountains above the Triumvirate Glacier and the incredible iceberg choked Strandline Lake.
Starting with a 45 minute floatplane flight from Anchorage, we arrived at the Tordrillo Mountain Lodge in the morning. After a quick tour of the lodge and a safety orientation, we jumped right on the fishing in Talachulitna Creek working the waters right in front and within a mile of the lodge. At this time of year the Talachulitna River (right next to the lodge) is packed with an incredible run of Sockeye salmon. For the last 3 years, the Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association has counted more than 60,000 Sockeye each season passing by the front door of the lodge. The system is also packed with Silver Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Grayling, Dolly Varden and Arctic Char. Although we have been seeing a bit of rain and the water was high, the fish are in and we were catching Sockeye and Rainbows immediately. Mike Kruse also caught a REALLY nice Grayling. We polished of the day with some foil boarding on the lake and some Arctic Char fishing after dinner at one of the nearby creek inlets.
Fishing for evening Arctic Char
Following a big breakfast the next day, we decided to stay on the fishing track and float directly out of the lodge by kayak, working the holes along approximately 15 river miles of Talachulitna Creek. With the high water, it was definitely “Adventure Kayaking” with fast water and tight turns. Everyone got the hang of it very quickly. We picked up salmon and trout all along the way and had a helicopter pick us up for the return to the lodge at the end of the day. We finished out foil boarding on the lake after a King Crab dinner at the lodge.
Kayaking on Talachulitna Creek
Next, on to a full day of heli-fishing. Here’s how this works. We load kayaks into the baskets of the helicopter and drop into stretches of river that simply couldn’t be accessed any other way other than by hiking for 2 months. We land on a loaded fishing hole, remove the kayaks and work 10 to 15 miles of river at our own pace, stopping where the fishing and vistas are best. It’s a rock star way to get at the best fishing and see an amazing amount of country in “Deep Alaska”. Then, it’s a heli pickup at the end of the day to return to the lodge for a soak in the wood fired hot tub and a gourmet meal.
At last the weather cleared enough to commit to a day in the mountains so we jumped in the helicopters and landed at a prime spot overlooking both the Triumvirate Glacier and Strandline Lake. We landed right below an incredible hanging glacier in between two large peaks. Although we originally intended to have a primarily downhill hike, the granite of the Alaska Range was calling to us and we decided to alter the plan and summit a nearby peak before dropping down the other side and continuing to Strandline Lake for some views of the icebergs and calving at the foot of the glacier. I like climbing and hiking in this area because the giant slabs of granite are very “grippy” and easy to climb. As we descended toward Strandline the amazing variety of boot top high flora (no bush whacking) continued to change with every few hundred feet of elevation.
Hiking above Strandline Lake
Although this group was comprised of seasoned Alaskans, all of our jaws were consistently dropped throughout the duration of this trip. The diversity and magnitude of this area is something that you can never take for granted or get used to. Every trip is different and incredible in it’s own way. I’m truly lucky to be able to share this range and river system with the fortunate guests who decide to come out here and take a bite out of life.
Check out the slide show from this trip below:
