Stay at “The Nellie,” a self-supported backcountry yurt on Grant Lake, Alaska. Paddle, hike, and camp amid bear country with primitive comforts and historic pioneer spirit.
Stay at “The Nellie,” a self-supported backcountry yurt on Grant Lake, Alaska. Paddle, hike, and camp amid bear country with primitive comforts and historic pioneer spirit.
Book with Moose Pass Adventures LLC
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Moose Pass Adventures LLC · Moose Pass, Alaska
Venture into Alaska’s wild heart with Moose Pass Adventures LLC for an authentic backcountry yurt rental experience at “The Nellie,” perched above Grant Lake. Located just over an hour south of Anchorage, near the gateway town of Moose Pass, this rugged lakeside destination offers a gateway to unvarnished Alaskan wilderness. Grant Lake’s cool, clear waters stretch across a forested basin dotted with spruce and birch, framed by craggy peaks typical of the Kenai Peninsula’s striking landscape.
“The Nellie” yurt blends rustic charm with necessity for backcountry travelers. Named after Alaska Nellie, a pioneering figure known for her grit and hospitality in the early 1900s, the yurt seats up to five adventurers within walls insulated by nature’s own timber and heated by a woodstove. The accommodations strike a balance between pioneer-era nostalgia and practical comfort, featuring sturdy bunks, a handcrafted spruce table, and storage hooks to keep gear off the ground.
Getting here is part of the adventure: guests must paddle roughly a mile across Grant Lake and hike a mile through bear country, making this a self-supported excursion. Rental kayaks are included at the yurt, encouraging days filled with quiet paddling, fishing, and wildlife watching—expect to see eagles, moose, and possibly bears along the shorelines. The site includes essential camp infrastructure like a covered kitchen area, bear-proof boxes, an outhouse, and a greywater treatment system, underscoring Moose Pass Adventures’ commitment to sustainable outdoor stewardship.
This trip is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts comfortable with wilderness travel, cold water kayaking, and responsible camping in bear habitat. The blend of solitude, lake access, and historical roots make "The Nellie" a rare Alaskan refuge—perfect for small groups seeking a low-impact, immersive wilderness experience with the autonomy to set their own pace in one of the state’s most captivating backcountry settings.
moderate.
2–3 days typical stay.
Participants should have moderate endurance for paddling and hiking while carrying gear in backcountry conditions.
No, guests must arrange their own kayak, SUP, or boat transport to reach the Grant Lake trailhead.
The Nellie comfortably sleeps up to five guests with one double bed and three twin bunks.
This is a self-supported rental; guests provide their own meals and navigate independently.
The site has bear-proof food storage boxes, a bear-aware policy, and guests must follow strict wildlife safety practices.
Yes, many guests bring their own kayaks; rental kayaks are also available on request.
There is no electricity or cell coverage—this is a primitive backcountry setting requiring preparation.
The Nellie is named after Alaska Nellie, a pioneering woman who lived in this region and embodied the independent spirit of early Alaska settlers.
Moose Pass Adventures emphasizes Leave No Trace principles and sustainable camping practices to protect this sensitive backcountry ecosystem.
Moose Pass Adventures LLC operates guided outdoor experiences and yurt stays from Moose Pass, Alaska. The company offers multi-day glamping trips, guided kayak tours, day hikes, vehicle transfers, and seasonal yurt rentals tailored to families and active travelers. Trips include overnight wilderness adventures with yurt lodging, guided kayak tours on glacier-fed Trail Lake, guided hikes along the historic Iditarod Trail, kayak-and-hike combinations to Grant Lake, private transfer itineraries between Anchorage and Seward, and winter backcountry yurt rentals. Guides focus on safe, small-group experiences that showcase the Chugach Mountains, Grant Lake, and local wildlife such as moose and bald eagles. Equipment for guided activities includes sea kayaks, basic safety gear, and meal service on multi-day trips; kayak rentals are available for self-guided paddling on Trail Lake. The winter yurt is a self-supported retreat with wood-stove heating, suitable for up to five guests. Moose Pass Adventures emphasizes local knowledge, experienced guiding, and sustainable practices that minimize impact on fragile alpine and lake environments. The business operates from Moose Pass, a small Alaskan community along the Seward Highway, providing convenient access to the Kenai Peninsula, Chugach State Park, and nearby glaciers. Reservations are recommended for peak summer months and special transfers; private and custom itineraries are offered for groups. Reviews and listings on regional travel platforms highlight reliable guiding, immersive wilderness settings, and comfortable yurt accommodations. For travelers seeking active outdoor trips, family-friendly paddling, or rustic glamping in Alaska, Moose Pass Adventures presents a practical, locally based option. Guides maintain up-to-date safety training.
Book with Moose Pass Adventures LLC