Crystal Creek Lodge

Crystal Creek Lodge sits on the Naknek River near King Salmon in Bristol Bay. Owner Dan Michels helped build the original lodge in 1988 and began guiding there that year, won the Orvis Endorsed Guide of the Year award in 1993, and bought the operation in 1995; Alex and Heather Oberholtzer joined as partners and lodge managers in 2014.

Guests fly out in the lodge's fleet of four de Havilland Beavers to waters across Katmai, Lake Clark, and the Bristol Bay region, fishing for salmon, rainbow trout, char, and Dolly Varden from a fleet of 20 river boats with Coast Guard-licensed guides. The Orvis-endorsed lodge pairs fishing with bear viewing, adventure trips, and fine dining under the mission 'Inspirational Alaska Adventure, Exceptional Hospitality.'