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Gakona

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At the confluence of the Copper and Gakona Rivers, 15 miles northeast of Glennallen but just east of the Richardson Highway on the Tok Cut-off Road, is the twin communities of Gakona and Gakona Junction. Together the villages have a population of only 220 residents but they possess a colorful history and today are often regarded as a paradise for anglers and rafters looking for big fish and whitewater adventure.

The Gulkana River, which runs near Gakona Junction, is a major corridor of the famous Copper River sockeye salmon as well as king salmon as they journey to their spawning grounds near the headwaters of the river. There are 83 miles of Gulkana River between Paxon Lake and Gakona Junction with the Richardson Highway providing easy access to much of it. Many anglers arrange a float to fish the 50-mile stretch of the upper river from Paxon Lake to a boat launch in Sourdough Campground.

Outfitters can also arrange raft trips ranging from an afternoon to a week-long adventure on many rivers in the area including Gakona, Copper and the Tonsina River, famous for its glacier-blue water, Class III whitewater and high cliffs. In winter, visitors can witness the great Alaskan tradition of dog sledding in January during the Copper Basin 300 Dog Sled Race.

Gakona Lodge was built in 1929 and is on the National Register of Historical Places. The lodge still accommodates travelers today who get an authentic glimpse of Alaska's history including relics and equipment from the era. Still standing in Gakona are many other historic buildings, including Doyle’s Roadhouse. Gakona Junction Village, 2 miles south of Gakona, has been a roadside oasis at the juncture of the two highways since the early 1950's and still operates as a summer roadside business for highway travelers.

Gakona

Gakona Junction is at Mile 128.5 on the Richardson Highway at its juncture with the Tok Cut-Off. Gakona is about 2 miles east of the junction at the confluence of the Copper and Gakona Rivers. Both communities are accessible by road from Anchorage, Fairbanks and the Lower 48 via the Glenn/Tok Cut-off and Richardson Highway. Gakona can also be reached by scheduled air service from Anchorage.

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Gakona

Plan Your Trip

Things to Do

Learn More

Attractions

Charter Fishing +

Fishing guides in Gakona can arrange a float for anglers to fish the Gulkana River for king salmon. A popular trip is the 50-mile stretch of the upper river from Paxon Lake to a boat launch in Sourdough Campground.
Copper Basin 300 Dog Sled Race +

High-spirited sled dog racing can be enjoyed in Gakona when the Copper Basin 300 Dog Sled Race passes in January when it serves as the starting point for the. Often referred to as the toughest 300 miles in Alaska, the race follows a loop that begins in Glennallen, passes through Lake Louise and heads north to Summit Lake before passing through Gakona on the return loop to Lake Louise.
Historic Roadhouses +

Built in 1929, Gakona Lodge is on the National Register of Historical Places and still accommodates travelers today who get an authentic glimpse of Alaska's history including relics and equipment from the era. Also in Gakona is Doyle's Roadhouse built in 1904.
Rafting +

Outfitters in the Gakona area can arrange raft trips ranging in length from an afternoon to a week-long adventure. Popular rivers that are floated include the Gakona, Copper and the Tonsina River, famous for its glacier-blue water, Class III whitewater and high cliffs.