We are planning a trip to Alaska in August/September 2008. Currently, I am researching lodging.

Does anyone have any comment on the Point Lodge. This lodge is located off of the Glenn Highway via the Lake Louise Road. It looks very nice on the website.

Also, we are considering the Knik River Lodge. This lodge has cabins they advertise as deluxe with amenities. Any comments would be appreciated.

beckydoodle, I never stayed at the Point Lodge but at the friend's cabin on the other side of the lake. Walked by the Point and it looks very neat, well maintained. Sorry, I cannot give you any more details. As to Knik River lodge, we went there to check it out for our future stay. Well, it is a place away from everything and this is what we were looking for. However, it is not easy to get to anything, and we understand they do not serve meals every day so you still have to drive back to Palmer in the evening. We are very active and spend all day hiking, kayaking, climbing, whatever and I don't want to go out and look for a place to eat when I am tired and want to get some rest. Second, what we really did not like, the cabins are located very close to each other, which seems silly to us since you don't want to hear or see your neighbors on their tiny deck if you are looking for a quiet place. So we decided we won't stay there. This is my personal observation but you may feel differently about Knik River Lodge.

Thanks Way North for your reply. As you can probably tell, we too, like to be away from the main areas. Driving to get to an activity is part of the experience, IMHO.

Interesting that you mention the closeness of each cabin at Knik River Lodge. I too wondered about that. On their website, it is noted that a Continental breakfast is provided and that they will pack a lunch for you. Also, some reference is made about dinner, but it is not totally clear.

We will be in that area for 3 nights, so I'm still undecided. What really makes me hesitate about Knik Lodge is the 60 DAY cancellation policy in which you lose 1/2 of your reservation $. I know that 7-14 days is normal but 60 days?

Becky, are trying to chose between Point Lodge and Knik River Lodge? Point Lodge is very isolated but on the paved road. They have to serve all meals because that would be too far to drive anywhere for meals. Knik River is closer to Palmer but on long not very well (when we stopped there) graveled or maybe it was a dirt road. I didn't know about their cancellation policy. I am so glad we did not consider to stay there. 60 Days and you lose 1/2 of your deposit? I never heard anything like this in small and not a high end places. We made reservations in a couple places where a cancellation fee is involved, in one place it is a 7 days and $10.00 and in the other $25.00 and I think two weeks but we really want to stay in both.
Good luck and I would like to find out where you decided to stay

I gave up on Knik River Lodge and chose the highly recommended Alaska Harvest B & B in the Palmer area. It sounds great and has a view and is close to a lot of attractions.

When we travel over to Glenallen, I am still considering the Point Lodge. There is also the Lake Louise Lodge in that area which has a restaurant. It is remote, but we want at least one Alaska experience off the beaten path.

Have you ever done the glacier trek with MICA guides along the Glenn Highway? We are in our sixties and wonder if it is appropriate for us. We do some hiking, but nothing greatly physical. Just wondering.

Becky, my grandfather was, I think, 84 or 85 when he did the glacier hike and recommended this trip to us. We loved it although we are little younger but our age has nothing to do with it. This is not a demanding ice climbing expedition, it is just walking on a glacier with crampons for your safety. Definitely do it, nothing complicated or demanding. Just listening to your guide and follow his/her instructions closely. You may want to bring your walking sticks, it seems they were helpful to a couple of people who were in our group. As to my grandfather, he is traveling independently all over the world, hiking, climbing and he is now 88. We would be in a big trouble if we try to tell him he should slow down and maybe shouldn't do something like diving, skiing or ice trekking. Don't let your age stop you from doing what you would like to do. Just take your time and follow your guide. We all need challenges at any age. I also know some 30 year olds who will never do what my grandfather does at 88.

Lake Louise is a place where you find serenity and isolation. We loved it there when spending some time at the friend's cabin