Tonglen Lake Lodge is Donna’s tribute to her community and to Denali. Idyllically positioned only 10 minutes from the main entrance of Denali National Park, Tonglen Lake Lodge is a wilderness retreat that allows you to escape the crowds and enjoy an authentic Alaskan experience that will leave you in awe.
Created by Hand
From the construction of the log lodge, private cabins, unique doors and furniture, Tonglen Lake Lodge is a celebration of handcrafted talent by local artisans. Everything from the railings, pottery, glassware and sculptures sets Tonglen Lake Lodge apart as a visual feast characterised by a never-ending artistic journey.
The Tonglen Experience
Denali National Park with its expansive 6 million acres of Alaskan wilderness which includes Mount McKinley (Denali), the highest mountain peak in North America, is a wonder of nature that attracts more than 600,000 visitors every year. If you need Denali Park lodging but like the idea of escaping the crowds then consider Tonglen Lake Lodge which offers the space, comfort and peace to recharge while you enjoy an authentic, luxurious Alaskan experience in between excursions.
Our mornings begin with locally brewed coffee and delicious breakfasts that are made in-house to set you up for a day of adventure and when prefer to relax, our private log cabins, common areas and breathtaking scenery of the lake and mountains will ensure your comfort and tranquility.
Apart from our many onsite guest activities, which include local presentations and yoga classes as well as local art and music offerings, our evening campfires and dinners at the Lodge are favorites with our guests. Here, new friends are often made while our guests enjoy the first-hand stories of the area’s unique history shared by the Tonglen Family.
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Photo Gallery
Rooms
Private Cabin
11 Alaskan-style bush cabins that are charmingly rustic and yet fully luxurious. From the king-sized bed, down comforters and Egyptian cotton, our guests do not have to sacrifice comfort and quality for a wilderness experience.
Guest House
The spacious, two-story guesthouse at Tonglen Lake Lodge comprising a North and South Wing of two separate private units, as well as upstairs and downstairs living rooms shared by both is perfect for those searching for Denali hotels.
Three rooms – all have a king-size bed (two have a ½ bath). There is also a private full bathroom off the main hallway.
Tonglen Naturalist Walks
Join our naturalist guide to explore the local trails while you learn about the fascinating fauna, flora, geology and history of the surrounding taiga forest and mountains. Approximately 1.5 miles in distance, requiring moderate fitness. Meet in the Artisan Café.
Tonglen Lake Lodge is much more than just a place to rest your head while you visit Denali National Park. A destination in its own right, Tonglen Lake is a sanctuary from where you can explore Denali while you recuperate from your adventures. If you would like the flexibility of exploring Denali at your own pace, we are here to guide you and ensure that you make the most of the many extraordinary experiences on offer.
Yoga Classes
Upon arrival at Tonglen Lake Lodge, be sure to check out our classroom for our yoga schedule. Classes also take place on the outdoor stage where the clean mountain air will help your body and mind to relax.
A Cultural History
Kianna Carlson speaks about the Athabascan Village of Cantwell, only 20 miles south of Denali, and the history of the Athabascan culture in our area. Her local knowledge, accompanied by her long family history in Cantwell, makes her an excellent resource for our guests to learn about the history of our area.
Climb Denali Presentation
Jimmie Hendricks spent years working as a wilderness guide, unknowingly building the foundation for his life accomplishments of homesteading, building cabins and ultimately climbing Denali. Join him on his journey and be inspired by Jimmie’s eloquent, yet down to earth presentation that entertains audiences from all walks of life.
The Alaskan Sled Dog & The Iditarod
Come and listen to Cali Best speak about growing up at Tonglen Lake and her experiences with the sled dogs that once lived right here! She was the youngest person to complete the Iditarod in 2003, at the age of 18.
Campfire Circle & Lawn Games Every evening at 6:00 pm (weather permitting)
Relax on the swings around the campfire while you roast marshmallows and enjoy the company of fellow guests. This is often a time when Donna will join in to share stories that go back many years about life in Denali.
Tonglen Art & History Tour
Join owner and artist, Donna Gates, for a tour of Tonglen on Tuesday nights while you hear first-hand how Tonglen Lake Lodge was created. As a showcase of local artisan talent, Donna will introduce you to the log artistry, metalwork, pottery, stained glass, and mosaics that are all a part of the Tonglen Lake experience.
Full Service Private Guide Packages
A Multi-Day Guided Activity Package with Traverse Alaska is a great way to experience more of what Denali has to offer, and your local, professional guide will be with you every step of the way. All packages include your own private hiking guide with private transportation available during your entire stay, and plenty of room to add and customize a trip that is tailored for you and your group.
Trips can include: hiking, river rafting, and more adventures that are custom-designed for your group’s interests, activity level, pace and schedule. All Traverse Alaska guides have year-round experience in Alaska. They are professional, well trained in history, culture, flora, fauna, geology and safety (have Wilderness Medical Training). Packages can easily combine Traverse Alaska activities with lodging at Tonglen Lake Lodge.
ELSEWHERE IN ALASKA:
Explore Denali National Park on a narrated bus tour or shuttle to venture deep inside this pristine wilderness.
Experience a premier wilderness lodge experience inside Denali Park with Camp Denali.
See Denali by air with Denali Air or Fly Denali.
Land on a Glacier with Fly Denali.
Experience the mountain tundra with a Heli-Hike.
Go fishing with Denali Fly Fishing Guides.
Experience an historic family homestead and sled dog kennel with Wolf’s Den Kennels or Husky Homestead Tours.
For your stay in Anchorage, the Copper Whale Inn
For wilderness and wildlife river trips around Alaska with Arctic Treks
Experience an historic family homestead and sled dog kennel with Wolf’s Den Kennels
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES FOR INDEPENDENT TRAVELERS
Using our decades of local knowledge and experience, we have created sample itineraries that include a variety of additional excursions and activities to help you explore Denali.
Tonglen Lake Lodge offers: Active Travelers, Adventurous Travelers, Families and Leisure Travelers Sample Itinerary
BIRDWATCHERS
Denali is a birder’s paradise. Depending on the season, it offers over 160 species for observation.
Facilities
GALLERY
Our gallery is the proud host to the work of many talented, local Alaskan artists who embrace a variety of media. Included in the original art for sale is the work of Tonglen Lake Lodge founder and owner, Donna Gates.
MUSIC & PRESENTATIONS
Throughout summer, guests can look forward to an incredible line-up of musical performances at both our indoor and outdoor venues that will enrich their vacation in Alaska.
Cuisine
As a Denali hotel committed to the environment, you can join us by pre-ordering your meals so that we can minimize waste.
Enjoy fresh, locally sourced cuisine from our Artisan Café and Dinners at the Lodge.
THE ARTISAN CAFÉ
The friendly ambience and creative aesthetic of the Artisan Café are a favorite with both Tonglen Lake Lodge guests and locals who love a Denali hotel with delicious pastries, wholesome breakfasts and carefully crafted espresso drinks made with, Alaskan-roasted Kaladi Brothers coffee.
GUEST BREAKFAST
DAILY FROM 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM (AVAILABLE FROM AS EARLY AS 5:30 AM ON REQUEST)
Start the day with the aromas from our on-site bakery and a freshly ground espresso by award-winning Alaskan Coffee Roaster, Kaladi Brothers Coffee.
AFTERNOON TEA
DAILY FROM 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Enjoy afternoon tea and confectionary, Denali hotel style, after an adventurous day of hiking, birding, paddling or looking for wildlife in Denali National Park.
COCKTAIL HOUR
DAILY FROM 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Enjoy this magical time of day when guests share stories over Alaskan-brewed beer, fine wine and cocktails. Here, Tonglen Lake Lodge staff are available to help plan the following day’s excursions and provide complimentary snacks and appetizers.
DINNER AT THE LODGE
The extraordinary dining room at the Lodge, with its wooden interior, double volume proportions and expansive mountain and lake views is the perfect venue to accommodate guests for a three-course dinner, every evening.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Very well ececuted. Hily recomended. Great experiance
Nancy Kaierle
2 days ago
Belize adventures
I've worked with Adventure Life before in planning trips and appreciate the quality of trips they put together. They use knowledgeable local guides, comfortable lodgings, and assist with transportation. I find trip planning stressful, so am happy to turn it over to them. They work within our parameters of time, budget, activity level, and types of activities to give us great experiences!
Kaesa Footracer
2 days ago
I was reading and it was a good story I need to recommend it
Delilah DeLee
4 days ago
We have been working with Adventure Life for 5 years now and it is very easy to plan out our trips. Our holidays include customization of activities and side trips along with the standard packages available on the Adventure Life website. Kevin, Jess, Mary Rose and their teams have many recommendations that have enhanced our travel.
Joe
1 week ago
We went to the Patagonia on the Chile side and Perito Moreno in El Calafate, Argentina. Eric of San Diego handled our trip with expertise. The preparation went smoothly, despite some changes on our part with scheduling conflicts. He offered great advice which made us feel at ease with all decisions on the trip. It was truly a great experience.
