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Chalet

Turnagain View Lodge & Wedding Venue

Photo gallery for Turnagain View Lodge & Wedding Venue

A cozy cabin interior with a fireplace, a wooden bench, and a view of a snowy mountain range.
A cozy living room with a leather sofa, a matching armchair, and a wooden coffee table. A kitchen area with a bar is visible in the background.
A log cabin with a metal roof, a deck, and a gravel driveway.
An open wooden door leading to a covered patio with a table and chairs, a ceiling fan, and a view of greenery outside.
A kitchen with a central island, white cabinets, and hanging pendant lights.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area

Highlights

  • Your own private chef
    One of the few properties offering private chef services.
  • Unmatched views, unforgettable moments
    Guests like the location for the scenic views.
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 12

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Firepit
  • Balcony
  • Internet access
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

View map
Indian, AK
  • Place, Chugach State Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Indian Valley Mine National Historic Site
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Place, Alyeska Ski Resort
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Airport, Anchorage, AK (ANC-Ted Stevens Anchorage Intl.)
    ‪33 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Paper Room

1 Queen Bed

Rock Room

1 King Bed

Scissor Room

+2
4 Single Beds and 2 Queen Beds

3 bathrooms

Paper

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Rock

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Scissor

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Turnagain View Lodge & Wedding Venue

Landing in Alaska and sleeping in a log home, handcrafted from large spruce trees is in itself, a unique experience but when you wake up in the morning and see the view... You will understand why couples get married here!

Conveniently located between Anchorage and Girdwood, AK it's a quick 30 minute drive south of the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. The lodge is situated uphill from Indian Valley Mine, a 1901 National Historic Site where you can learn how to pan for Gold!

With 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 8 beds, it's perfect to set up home base for day trips close by or as a jumping off spot for the Kenai.

Consider using the lodge to host private parties or weddings, white party tents are available with extra fees.

Please note: There is a caretaker and a private caretaker’s area designed to keep the lodge running smoothly. During the time of your reservations, no areas are shared other than the driveway for onsite parking.

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House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
$2,500 Additional Event Fee - 30 guests maximum
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Events and parties are not allowed. We expect your group to keep bathrooms, kitchen, and living area clean during your entire stay.
When reserving the lodge accurately list how many guests in your group. You will not share the rental space with anyone outside of your listed group.
If the house key is not returned there will be an additional charge of $75 for replacement. All garbage must remain inside, call for pick up. Bears!

Important information

You need to know

Property # 1861828vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: $2,500 Additional Event Fee - 30 guests maximum
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Indian

Located in Indian, this chalet is in the mountains and on a river. Indian Valley Mine National Historic Site and Potter Section House State Historical Site are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Chugach State Park and Chugach State Park. Take in the nearby slopes with snowboarding and skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as ice skating and snowmobiling.
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Map
Indian, AK

What's nearby

  • Chugach State Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Indian Valley Mine National Historic Site - 9 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Alyeska Ski Resort - 21 min drive - 35.5 km
  • University of Alaska - Anchorage - 30 min drive - 46.2 km
  • Port of Anchorage - 39 min drive - 51.6 km

Getting around

  • Girdwood Alaska Railroad Depot - 16 min drive
  • Girdwood, AK (AQY) - 21 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Turnagain Fish Co. - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Creekbend Company - ‬74 min drive
  • ‪Dirty Skillet - ‬73 min drive
  • ‪Discovery Cafe - ‬74 min drive
  • ‪Brown Bear Saloon - ‬2 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Turnagain View Lodge & Wedding Venue pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Turnagain View Lodge & Wedding Venue?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Turnagain View Lodge & Wedding Venue?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Turnagain View Lodge & Wedding Venue?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Turnagain View Lodge & Wedding Venue located?

This family-friendly Indian chalet is located on a river, within a 10-minute walk of Chugach State Park and Indian Valley Mine National Historic Site. Penguin Valley Trailhead and Rainbow Trailhead are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 27 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 27 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 27 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 27 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 27 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anthony B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome place
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Aug 2025
Thanks… We look forward to you visiting Alaska again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely amazing place to stay.. beautiful view…. the kitchen, rooms, bathrooms clean and well kept…the location, five stars!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 July 2025
Thank you and please visit Alaska again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

SATHISH N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place and hosts

Unbeatable view from the vacation rental
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

Clean and inviting. Great stay
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Aug 2023
Thank you for visiting Alaska and staying at the lodge. You are welcome back anytime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rafael C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Huge cabin with the most amazing view!

Indian was one stop in our Alaska trip, we wish we had planned more nights at this home. The cabin had so many areas, that the stay was an adventure on its own! The mountain views, from the massive windows, were a dream! Dont miss the gold panning shack and have a great talk with Arlene and Roger when feeling like a true gold miner.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Holly G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Location

The lodge was great…gorgeous view, very comfortable, had everything we needed and the perfect location for all of our excursions. Terrific hosts! We hope to be back again!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Aug 2023
Thanks for visiting Alaska. It was wonderful meeting you.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best view in Turnagain Arm area!!!

Our large family of 12 stayed here and loved the view. Plenty of beds for everyone. It was fun not to have the TV so the kids played games all night. The family that owns this place is so sweet and caring. I highly recommend this for those looking to sleep in a log house and see a bit of history on the walls. Thanks for making this a fun stop on our vacation. Definitely check out the gift shop below the house!!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debbie Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing views and interesting mine

We loved the cabin. The views are amazing and all the Alaskan artifacts in the house were great. The kitchen had everything we needed. It was very clean.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Aug 2023
Thank you and we hope to see you the next time you visit Alaska!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful view

We loved this huge rental. Beautiful view. I’ve read another review about the other person living on site and it didn’t bother us one bit. No different than a hotel but WAY nicer!! Had everything we needed for our stay!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Aug 2023
The ‘other person’ is an on site owner/caretaker who keeps everything clean, neat, and tidy. Thank you for your honest review.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nathan D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place with a great host.

Stunning views and a great venue. We have a group of five that can be hard to accommodate. Especially in places like Alaska. We were more than happy when we pulled up to the house overlooking the mountains. The host was pleasant and accommodating. Would definitely recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Aug 2023
Thank you for visiting Alaska!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

WD M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lawn Boys Plus 2 Alaska Adventure

Breathtaking views from a home that has a great history. Arlene & Roger were wonderful hosts. This home was built and filled with unique touches from the owners hands. Will stay again for sure. And hope to hear more of your life adventures. Gods Blessings to your family.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Aug 2023
Thank you and Hope to see you again on your next fishing trip!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maria P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unforgettable

This is the most picturesque place we have ever been to in our lives and to top that off, the log cabin was exquisite. Everything was placed with so much care. The inside was clean, warm and inviting. The hosts were lovely and made us feel very welcome. We would recommend this property to anyone- in fact the atmosphere really left a beautiful impression of Alaska on us.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Aug 2023
Thank you for visiting and spending some time talking with us at the goldmine! Arlene & Roger
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful cabin with gorgeous view

This cabin was the perfect overnight stay on our trek from Talkeetna to Seward. The cabin itself is very nice and far more spacious than we expected from the listing. The beds were comfortable and everything was clean. It was too cool to sit out on the 2nd floor deck for long. Fortunately the third floor has a spectacular view to enjoy from inside with a wall of windows. Be sure to save time to pan for gold at their mine at the base of property!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

RUSSELL S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Alaska review

The property was clean and beautiful but, a few more cooking pans would be helpful. I didn't realize someone was living in the house during our stay. We heard noises at night of radio or TV and moving furniture.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 4 July 2023
Our VRBO property description includes the following “Please note: There is a caretaker and a private caretaker’s area designed to keep the lodge running smoothly. During the time of your reservations, no areas are shared other than the driveway for onsite parking.” Thank you for staying at Turnagain View Lodge. We are a family owned and operated business. We advertise that we, your hosts/caretaker are on the 11acre historic property for your convenience & safety. We are available to assist you 24/7. We are at the gift shop 7 days a week during business hours and after hours we can be contacted by phone. If you had requested more pots and pans, we would have been able to supply what you needed within 15 minutes. The caretakers area is in the basement/lower level where the laundry facilities are. The lodge has two floors above the basement. The sound of furniture moving, would likely come from the above floors that your other family members were occupying, rather than the basement. Plus, we do not have TV service. We do appreciate the 4 star review and we hope that you will be able to visit Alaska again soon. Thank you, Arlene & Roger Cowles
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeannie F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing view/ amazing house and amazing host

On our way from Anchorage to Seward, we stopped at Arlene and Roger's beautiful home. The views were absolutely breathtaking, and the house itself was stunning. Arlene and Roger remodeled it themselves, and the attention to detail is incredible. Our party of nine had plenty of space, with everyone enjoying their own private area. We initially booked this stop as an overnight rest, but now we wish we had stayed longer. We're already planning to return for a week-long stay to fully relax and enjoy the surroundings. During our visit, we also stopped by their store down the hill. We could have spent the entire day talking with Arlene and Roger, captivated by their life experiences. They are some of the nicest people we've ever met. Additionally, they host weddings on their property, and the setting is unparalleled. If you're considering a visit to their home, do it! It's an experience you don't want to miss
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Peyton R. B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Lodge Better Than Expected

We booked the place and checked in all in the same day from our previous place not working out. We were hosting photographers for a retreat and used the house as a place to welcome students with a nice dinner, teach, eat, and sleep. Shooting around different locations in Alaska in evenings. Arlene was extremely accommodating in the last minute-ness. We were super appreciative of that. In the haste of checking in, there was some miscommunication about overall price and other things that weren't put in writing initally. Upon checkout, rather than working to try to come to a compromise of how we could solve the issue, we were met with brashness, anger, and a demanding nature from her husband Roger who insinuated that the miscommunications were our fault. Reasoning seemed impossible and we gave into what they wanted in the end to avoid the conversation getting any more emotional and seemingly going no where. Which left us pretty bitter about how it went down at the end. All this to be said, the house itself was fantastic. The pictures don't do it justice. It is truly 10x better in person. The view is incredible. Everyone had an amazing time enjoying the house itself. Arlene was extremely communicative throughout the days of us being there as well as helpful throughout. There were plugs beside every bed which was so so nice, and it was clean and well kept. We are extremely sad that it ended the way it did in their choice of handling the situation and their approach when speaking to us (Roger's more specifically). Although we likely won't be back ourselves, we still wish nothing but the best for their business and hope that the situation was a learning experience in the end. We are confident anyone booking in advance would have a fantastic stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Aug 2023
It was a learning experience, surprisingly enough, we learned that some people are unaware of room taxes! We are ‘Super Delighted’ that your Wedding Photography Workshop was a huge success and thanks so much for the compliments on the lodge being a great place for events. Now, can you guess who built that beautiful log lodge? Yep, Roger did! He is one talented guy! We have been happily married for 27 yrs and raised 3 children into happy productive adults!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Alaska250

Beautiful views and a lovely home. Very spacious and close to Anchorage, Alyesksa and Girdwood.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

lindsey b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Lodge

Beautiful lodge, amazing views, and a very enjoyable stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing cabin with spectacular views

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this beautiful, cozy cabin. The views are stunning. The cabin was very clean and comfortable. We hope to return!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Blake W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely cabin with a view

We really enjoyed our time here. Arlene was very hospitable and communicative throughout our visit.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful fun house!

This location was absolutely perfect. Just outside of town and the most amazing view ever. Wonderfully kind hosts and every detail thought out!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Greg C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful slice of heaven

This property has some of the best views. Comfortable and clean accommodations. Check out the gold mine, museum, and wildlife on the property. The owners are very nice and accommodating.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lauren B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Saving Grace!

Arlene and her family came to our rescue with this amazing property. 2 other properties had canceled on us last minute but Turnagain Lodge saved the day! It exceeded all of our expectations and was worth every penny. The views were spectacular, location great and the hospitality very accommodating. We truly lucked out and will come back again/recommend to others.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christopher P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely Amazing

The property was amazing and the owners were so friendly and helpful. Can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2021
Verified

6/10 Okay

Ben W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

can't beat the view!

Amazing view and large property. Owners are very involved in the process and it is not a private place. Make sure you understand you are not in a cabin in any wilderness, you are on a main road below the owners businesses. There are cameras and the property is also used as an event space. The owners will also perform improvement projects during your stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020

About the host

Hosted by Arlene Cowles

Host profile image
Your hosts are long-time Alaskans, Roger & Arlene Cowles. These two are some of the most adventurous people you'll probably ever meet in your lifetime. They met in a most unusual place... Utqiagvik, AK formally known as Barrow.

Roger Cowles, rode a bicycle he custom built, 1,160 miles from Anchorage to Nome, on the Iditarod Trail. This was the first time that any modern day cyclist had ever rode this winter trail of snow and ice.

http://www.frontiersman.com/valley_life/evolution-of-fat-tire-bikes-traces-roots-to-redington/article_70b90e50-9138-11e3-ac20-001a4bcf887a.html

http://www.alaskaultrasport.com/iditarod_trail_invitational/race%20history.html

Arlene Cowles, spent 7 summers kayak touring around the coastal waters of the Beaufort Sea, the Chukchi Sea, and below the Bering Strait, the Bering Sea. Plus, a bit in the Gulf of Alaska. In 1989 her and previous husband, Martin Leonard III, kayaked from Nome to Wales and then cross the Bering Strait to the village of Uelen, then continued southwest along the Siberian coastline ending in Provideniya. They left their kayaks in good hands at the dock and then flew with Bering Air to Provideniya's sister city, Nome, AK.

Why they chose this property

The lodge and wedding venue is in a natural setting with expansive views overlooking the waters of Turnagain Arm and backdropped by the mountains of Chugach State Park.

What makes this property unique

We gift our guests with a free tour around the historic, Indian Valley Gold Mine. There we demonstrate how to pan gold and teach panning techniques to ensure gold recovery. Pick up your complementary bucket of pay dirt from the gift shop and yes, you get to keep all the gold you find!

We also offer a 10% discounted rate for glacier cruises in Whittier and Seward.

If you like to hike, there is a path behind the lodge that connects to the Chugach State Park Turnagain Arm Tails, which will traverse the lower part of Indian Mountain all the way to Windy Point. With less than a mile hike from the lodge you can gaze over the bluff at Hope, Alaska and the tidal water flats of Turnagain Arm.

Call if you have any questions or need help with trip planning. We strive to answer our phone 24/7 907 444 6898

Languages:

English

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