An Interview with Katherine Ellis, who co-owns Gold Creek Lodge with her husband, Rob.
Q: How many years ago did you come to the lodge, and what was it like before you took over?
Katherine Ellis: 2024 is our 10th season. We bought the lodge in 2015. It was started by someone else but never completed, so it was just a shell with no business in place. We finished the construction and started with just lodging while we fixed everything up. By 2016, we launched our all-inclusive packages.
Q: What motivated you and Rob to start this venture?
Katherine Ellis: Rob had always dreamed of doing something in Alaska. We put our businesses in Utah up for sale, and surprisingly, both sold quickly, which felt like fate. I had never been to Alaska before, and the first time I set foot here was the day we walked through the lodge.
Q: What’s the connection between Gold Creek Lodge and Brooks Falls?
Katherine Ellis: Early on we realized what a big deal Brooks Falls is. And there are so few places to stay to see the bears and it’s hard to get to the park! People save for their whole lives just to get to see the bears. We knew we wanted to provide the ideal Brooks Falls experience so we created our all-inclusive Brooks Falls Bear Viewing packages. We also started another company, Katmai Water Taxi. We saw a need for an alternative to the float plane option. The water taxi has opened up opportunities for those afraid of flying, campers, and those with mobility issues to access the park. It’s a great way to see the park from a different perspective. It’s also one of the easiest ways to get to Katmai National Park!
Q: What sets Gold Creek Lodge apart from other lodges in Alaska?
Katherine Ellis: We wanted to create a hybrid lodge that offers a variety of adventures for everyone, not just fishing. We offer a range of excursions, including backcountry ATV tours, kayaking, and the guided Riverwalk at Brooks Falls, which is geared towards photographers. Our aim is to provide a luxury base camp for adventure, where guests can enjoy outdoor activities and return to comfort.
Q: What has surprised you the most about owning the lodge?
Katherine Ellis: The variety of people we get from all walks of life. It’s amazing to hear their travel stories and to be a part of their bucket list. We also get to host people on their last wish trips, which is incredibly meaningful. We’ve had several terminally ill guests this year, and it’s an honor to help them fulfill their dreams.
Q: What are the top tips you give to anyone visiting Alaska?
Katherine Ellis: Be prepared for constantly changing weather and be flexible. Your trip might not go perfectly, but that’s part of the adventure! Also, plan to visit multiple places to get a true sense of Alaska’s diversity. Highlights often include whale watching in Seward, bear viewing at Brooks Falls, and exploring Denali. Lesser-known gems like Valdez are also worth a visit.
Q: If I was coming to stay at the lodge, what are the top three things you’d recommend?
Katherine Ellis: I have four, actually! Brooks Falls for bear viewing is a must. I also love the Valley of 10,000 Smokes tour for its natural history and stunning landscapes. Our Backcountry ATV Tour is fantastic for experiencing the vast and beautiful tundra, full of fragrant plants, berries, and unique scenery. Lastly, exploring the Naknek River. The fishing is some of the best in the world, but there is amazing wildlife viewing, too. It’s like a freshwater safari. You can feel the energy of the natural world like nowhere else.
Q: Any final thoughts or advice for visitors?
Katherine Ellis: Alaska is incredibly beautiful but can be challenging if you’re not prepared. It’s like Mother Nature’s passive-aggressive beautiful sister—stunning but demanding. Come with an open mind and be ready to embrace the wildness and beauty of this amazing place.