Dan Michels is a genius. From the very first moments I spent at the Crystal Creek Lodge I knew I was about to experience something very special. After our first dinner in the lodge with Mr. Michels I had the sense that he is a living legend in his peer group of lodge operators. After our group spent the day with him during our non fishing “adventure” day as he piloted his BOW (Beaver on wheels) I can at least confirm his skills as a pilot, host, and even historian. He landed his BOW in the Valley of 10,000 Smokes, as surreal moonscape of a 106 year old volcanic cataclysm. As we rested on a now long dormant fumarole he pulled out a first edition National Geologic Survey book about the eruption and read contemporaneous first hand native American accounts of the eruption. Amazing!!
CCL runs the largest flight of Beavers in Alaska. The planes are meticulously cared for and are the mechanical heart of the lodge experience. I’m told pilots are some of the most experienced working in the state.
The accommodations are Alaska’s version of the Ritz. The lodge was recently rebuilt on its current location on the Naknek River. “First class” only scratches the surface of how nice the lodge is. The lodge is decorated with some museum quality artifacts that Mr. Michels has collected during his life in Alaska. Each one has a story more fascinating than the next.
The food! Don’t plan on losing any weight while at CCL. Surf and turf night was particularly spectacular. Since it is really 2 main entrees we only received one of the traditional 2 deserts severed after every dinner. The chef, who was recruited from one of Chicago’s finest restaurants announces each course. The wine list is impeccable and compliments each meal like you would expect from a Michelin starred restaurant. And the chef does not even fish; I believe he came to CCL for the opportunity, challenge and free reign to create a world class dining experience in one of the most beautiful and wild places left in the world.
I guess I should mention the fishing. The fishing and the guides are the best in Alaska. Ok, I don’t really know that for sure but I think it would be hard to find a better team of fishing guides in a more productive salmon/trout ecosystem anywhere in Alaska. Each night Alex, the fishing master of ceremonies, helps your group plan the next day’s adventure. You meet your pilot and guides in the morning and fly out to a new river or lake location targeting your fish of choice. One day they packed inflatable rafts into the Beaver and we fished a beautiful lake before rafting down the river for more fishing and an Alaskan wilderness river rafting experience. And do not fret if you are a novice at casting a fly rod as they will teach you right on the river. My friend came with zero fly fishing experience and caught more and larger fish than I did. I did happened to catch a monster 45 inch pike that I will never forget.
