Bear Track Inn

Family-owned and operated, the intimate, 14-room Bear Track Inn sits serenely on the shimmering waters of Icy Strait in Gustavus, next door to Glacier Bay National Park. Featuring classic log construction, spectacular views, a welcoming environment, and lots of activities, it’s the perfect spot to experience authentic Alaska.

The cozy main lodge features two large outdoor decks, a recreation room, yard games on a huge lawn, and a big outdoor firepit that’s perfect for making s’mores. Comfortable rooms feature views of either a meadow and mountains or the gorgeous waters of the Icy Strait. Each comes with two queen beds, an armoire, table, chairs and a private bath with shower and tub.

Delicious Meals, Made to Order

All meals are included in the full-service restaurant. Mornings begin by fueling up with a breakfast that includes a fruit and yogurt bar, hot buffet line and eggs to order. Return for a savory mid-day meal or pick up a packed gourmet lunch to take out on activities. Dinner is the main show: The executive chef prepares amazing dishes in an open kitchen so you can watch all the action. Then dig into delicious meals that include fresh local seafood like prawns, salmon, halibut, black cod, or Dungeness crab, along with steaks and other options. Pair it with beer or wine from the extensive list. The chefs can also accommodate any food or dietary restrictions.

Excursions for Every Traveler

You’ll find plenty of options that begin right at the lodge. Take a hike up into the mountains to check out dramatic waterfalls, or walk down to the beach for an up-close view of Icy Strait. Love to fly fish? Rent a rod and reel and walk to a river right on the property to cast for pink or silver salmon and Dolly Varden.

With Glacier Bay National Park so close, the Bear Track Inn is an ideal spot to stay when filling up your national park passport. The inn can take you there and back and set you up with a boat tour into the park to see glaciers and marine wildlife, or drop you off where you can explore beautiful trails, check out glaciers and visit a museum.

If you want to head further afield, the inn can help you arrange the adventures of your dreams. Go kayaking with whales, salt or freshwater fishing, bear-viewing, or sample the sport of packrafting as you hike alongside a river then float back down. You can also go on guided hikes, flightseeing trips, and photography tours, or rent an E-bike and explore on two wheels.

History

This land was perfect for building an authentic log cabin lodge. The story began a generation ago, when John and Janie Olney dreamed of building a lodge — but only in a location that fit a long list of criteria. Their son Mike found a magical original Alaskan homestead that checked all the boxes: at the end the road, overlooking the water, amid old-growth forest. John — a civil engineer — designed the lodge, which he and his sons Mike and David help build in 1996. John passed away in 1999, and Janie continued to run it for 25 years fulfilling their dream; now David and his wife Michelle own and run it and have continued the tradition of warm and friendly lodging. The lodge now sits on 97 acres of untamed wilderness ready to be explored! While you are relaxing after one of your daily adventures, ask to see the picture book that tells the story of the lodge while sitting around the massive fireplace in a comfortable leather chair or sofa.