Southcentral Community: Gakona
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Gakona and Gakona Junction are two small highway community located where the Richardson Highway and Tok Cut-Off merge. They are near the confluence of the Gakona and Copper Rivers. Though small in size, the Gakona area is big on history as well as an angler's paradise. The Historic Gakona Lodge resides here and has the distinction of being one of the only original remaining roadhouses in Alaska. Gakona Junction Village 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 began as a wood and fish camp serving the Ahtna Indians of the Copper River basin thousands of years ago, eventually becoming a permanent village. When the discovery of gold brought 'civilization' to much of Alaska, roadhouses were built to accommodate travelers along established routes. In 1904, Doyle's Roadhouse was built in Gakona and was a main stop for the Orr Stage Company. The lodge is no longer in use but is still standing along with other historic buildings.
Gakona Lodge was built in 1929, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is still in use today. Along with 11 other buildings also listed on the National Register, visitors get an authentic glimpse of Alaska's history including relics and equipment from the era.
The Gulkana River, which runs near Gakona Junction is a major corridor of the famous Copper River Chinook (King) and Sockeye (Red) salmon as they journey to their spawning grounds near the head waters of the river. Some of the better sports fishing found along the highway system of Alaska is found in this famous river, a destination of dedicated fishermen from around the world.
In winter, visitors can witness the great Alaskan tradition of dog sledding in January during the Copper Basin 300 Sled Dog Race. This race serves as a qualifier for participants in the 1,100-mile Iditarod Race from Anchorage to Nome.
Details
Two rafts drifting down an Alaska river at sunset
Population: 222
Location: 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 about 15 miles northeast of Glennallen.
Access: Road access from Anchorage, Fairbanks and the Lower 48 via the Glenn/Tok Cutoff and Richardson Highway. Air access is available at the Gulkana Airport on the Richardson Highway at Mile 118.5. Private aircraft and scheduled flights to and from Anchorage are available at this facility owned and operated by the State of Alaska. Flightseeing and charters are available from various private companies, as well.
Accommodations:
As one of the gateway communities to the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Gakona offers visitors to the Copper Valley hotel and cabin accommodations, fuel, salmon charters, restaurants, grocieries, RV parks, Post Office, river rafting and access to a variety of exciting wilderness activities.