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The Best Horseback Hunting Experience in ALASKA
Rainy Pass Lodge is located on the historic Iditarod Trail 125 miles Northwest of Anchorage. The Lodge is situated in a pristine wilderness setting that is unexcelled for its scenic beauty and primitive majesty. Bud Branham, one of Alaska's pioneer Master Guides, came into this magnificent country in 1935 and carved a lodge that became well known to sportsmen and women around the world. Its name is associated with quality and excellence for the wilderness experiences being offered. It is truly a gem spot in the middle of the Alaska Mountain Range.
The hunting opportunities in the surrounding areas are some of the best that Alaska has to offer. It is one of the few areas in the State where six of Alaska's Big Game Animals can be hunted from the same camp, with outstanding trophy quality being available for each species. The photographic possibilities in the area are the finest in Alaska, with the mighty Cathedral Spires rising to the North, like a giant's comb ascending to Mount McKinley. Thousands of migrating birds such as Arctic Terns, Red Throated and Arctic Loons, Swans, Green Winged Teal, Swallows and scores of other species spend their summer months nesting in Ptarmigan Valley.
Wildlife is commonly viewed from the Lodge in August and September as the Grizzly/Brown Bear and Black Bear leave the lower forest and head to the higher elevations to fish the salmon streams and later feed on the succulent blue berries that ripen on the slopes. The Fall Alaskan colors are magnificent in late August and early September and offer superb photographic shots.
Rainy Pass Lodge is located at an elevation of eighteen hundred feet. This is the timberline transition altitude where tundra swamps and bogs give way to firmer ground. It is here that the numerous game trails become hard enough to walk on and give good access for hiking without having to continually negotiate the wet tundra. Access to good trails also means that one can travel comfortably by horseback. This makes summer pack trips more enjoyable as guests are able to ride the Iditarod Trail and make overnight excursions to some of the small log cabins, which are all located on beautiful picturesque lakes.
Winter trips can also be enjoyable for snowshoe hiking, cross country skiing, and snow machine riding. During the first week of March the Iditarod Dog Sled Race stops at Rainy Pass Lodge using it as one of its main check points. Over 70 teams race more than eleven hundred miles from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska. It's a sporting event that pits human and canine competitors against each other in some of the most inhospitable terrain and severe weather conditions to be found anyplace on earth. Excursions are offered for guests who want to be part of this event, yet experience it with all of the modern amenities and the luxury of a warm rustic log cabin.
Most guests like to walk out among the dog mushers and talk with them as they feed and tend to the needs of their dogs. However, if you prefer, you can lounge in the main Lodge and watch the dog teams, through large picture windows, as they head back onto the Iditarod Trai l on their long journey to Nome. Ptarmigan Valley is the setting for Rainy Pass Lodge. Its name is no coincidence. During February and March thousands of Willow Ptarmigan can be found near the Lodge. It is not uncommon to see so many of these Ptarmigan that the whole mountain side appears to be moving as these stately white birds feed through the willows. Excursions can be arranged for some fine wing shooting.
Rainy Pass Lodge has undergone may changes and improvements over the years. The main hunters lodge is a deluxe facility that is modern and comfortable in every way. The central Grand Room is heated by a cozy wood stove. It is a comfortable and inviting area where clients congregate to talk about the day's events, contemplate tomorrow's adventures, and reminisce about safaris past. It is here that they gather to toast the day' s successes and eat hors d'oeuvres as they anticipate the succulent Alaskan cuisine soon to be served by warm hospitable people.
The main lodge has two wings with 4 double guest rooms that are provided with modern living amenities for your comfort and convenience. Included are generated electricity, hot and cold running water, for complete sanitary facilities, and regular telephone service. The staff at Rainy Pass Lodge is dedicated to providing quality service in a cordial and friendly manner. It is their goal to cater to your needs and help you fulfill your dreams. |