Alaska heavenly lodge: a slice of sunshine: winter, spring, summer or fall.

• Author: Ellis-Knapp, Jody
• Position: EXECUTIVE GETAWAY

The idea of taking a remote, fly-in fishing trip is appealing to both visitors and locals in Alaska. But it isn't always a feasible plan, as flying in can take more time than most of us have in the busy summer months. For a weekend escape that is equal to a fly-in lodge, Cooper Landing's Alaska Heavenly Lodge is a great option.

Located just under 100 miles (or 2 hours south) from Anchorage and roughly a 1-hour drive from the nearby towns of Kenai and Soldotna, Alaska Heavenly Lodge provides all the amenities of an exclusive fly-in resort, with the convenience of being located just off the highway.

YEAR-ROUND FUN

Open year-round, there are a wide range of activities to choose from. In the summer, guests can enjoy world-class fishing on the Kenai River, as well as rafting and kayaking, or take a hike on the 300 miles of trails in the Kenai Peninsula. The lodge also makes a great home base for driving out to take a cruise in the Kenai Fjords National Park or an afternoon of clamming on the beaches of Clam Gulch. Winter activities include snowmachining, skiing and snowshoeing.

The lodge itself sits on 18 acres at the base of Mount Cecil. Originally built in the 1970s as a private home, it evolved into a bed and breakfast and eventually was re-created as a lodge. Purchased roughly four years ago by New York residents Younghee and Jarrett Wait, the lodge is run by local Alaskan Laura Johnson. Johnson came to Cooper Landing in 2001 to work as a bartender for Princess Lodge. She is the heart of the operation and was the original developer of the concept for the current lodge.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

FACILITIES FOR GROUPS OR SINGLES

There are three cabins onsite: The Main Lodge, the Mount Cecil and the Russian River room. The cabins offer a total...