Summer Activities
Summer time fun in Cantwell Alaska and Denali National Park
Denali National Park
Denali National Park is the number one attraction the vast majority of our guests are here to experience. It is home to the tallest peak in North America, Mt. Denali, which is visible in Cantwell, weather permitting of course.
Photography
Cantwell is a small community, but the scenery is big and spectacular! You can view Mt. Denali right here in Cantwell. Cantwell is also surrounded by the Alaska Range which makes for some awesome photography opportunities.
Hiking & Biking
Hiking and biking opportunities are numerous in our vast trail-less wilderness in the Cantwell area. At the Backwoods Lodge we can point you in the right direction for whatever kind of hiking or biking adventure you are looking for, especially if you are seeking solitude. We have open tundra, mountains and rivers ready for you to explore. There is still gold in the mountains and streams!
Fishing
Artic grayling, whitefish, northern pike, burbot, lake trout, king, chum, and silver salmon are all found in our rivers and lakes. One mile from the Backwoods Lodge is Fish Creek, aptly named for the many Artic Grayling found in this water. Denali Fly Fishing Guides is located in Cantwell.
Flightseeing
We would highly recommend a flightseeing tour of Mt. Denali. There is no better way to see Mt. Denali and its surrounding glaciers. We would recommend Talkeetna Air Taxi.
Summer Dog Mushing Tours
Join veteran Iditarod and Yukon Quest mushers, Paige Drobny and Cody Strathe on a summer mushing experience near Denali National Park. Tour the kennel and meet the amazing canine athletes who run the world’s most challenging dog sled races. Help hook up a team to a 5 passenger ATV and ride along.
White-water Rafting and Scenic Float Trips
New Wave Adventures LLC is an adventure company specializing in rafting, hiking and Pack Rafting trips in Denali National Park, Alaska. New Wave sets its standard by striving for the best trip every trip. Our core values are what drives a culture that displays our commitment to excellence, while our dedication to detail allows us to create the best customer experience.
Kayaking & Pack Rafting
For those serious adventurers there are many opportunities to kayak or pack raft on the Nenana and Jack Rivers in the Cantwell area
Zipline
Experience life above the trees ziplining just outside of Denali National Park! Your adventure begins with a three mile trail ride through the scenic Alaskan wilderness. After gearing up, certified guides will lead you along 6 suspension bridges and 7 thrilling zip lines, including the dual racer finale!
ATV & Jeep Tours
Scenic Denali Jeep tours on the Denali Highway! Step into a 4-door 4x4 Jeep Wrangler® that hugs the dirt road and explore the amazing beauty and wildlife of the Denali area. Denali, glaciers, and wildlife sightings are possible.
Wildlife Viewing
Cantwell is home to numerous wildlife, including: grizzly & black bears, caribou and Dall sheep that roam the mountain sides. Moose, wolves, fox, coyotes, lynx and snowshoe hares are only a few of the animals that visit our woods. We can see caribou grazing on the lichens of the tundra, either in small groups or by the thousands traveling by.
Berry Picking
Cantwell, Alaska is a berry picker's paradise, with wild blueberries and cranberries ripening across the surrounding tundra and boreal forest starting in July. The area's open tundra and mountainous terrain provide ideal growing conditions for these native berries. Visitors can spend an afternoon foraging low-bush blueberries and tart cranberries alongside the same trails used for hiking and biking, making it a favorite late-summer activity for guests staying in the area.
Temperature and Precipitation
