Plan Your Visit
Getting to a working sled dog kennel in the Alaskan backcountry is part of the adventure. We’re located on Montana Creek Road, between Willow and Talkeetna, about two hours north of Anchorage. Here’s everything you need to find us, get settled nearby, and make the most of your trip.
Getting Here
Address: 17930 Montana Creek Rd, Talkeetna, AK 99676
Map pin: 62.11399, -150.0215
We sit just off the George Parks Highway (Route 3), between Willow and Talkeetna, about 2 hours (roughly 115 miles) north of Anchorage.
Driving from Anchorage (~2 hours): Head north on the Glenn Highway, then continue onto the George Parks Highway (Route 3) toward Talkeetna. Turn onto Montana Creek Road and follow it to the kennel.
From Wasilla or Palmer: about 1 to 1.5 hours.
From Denali National Park: about 2 hours south.
From downtown Talkeetna: we’re about 15 minutes south of town.
Winter driving: Highways are plowed and maintained, but conditions can be icy and daylight is short in deep winter. Give yourself extra time, keep your gas tank topped up, and start early so you’re not driving the final stretch in the dark.
Tip: Download your route for offline use before you leave. Cell service gets spotty north of Wasilla.
Getting Around
Nearest airport and cruise port: Anchorage, about 2 hours away.
By car (recommended): A rental car is the easiest way to reach us and to explore the area. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are not reliably available around Talkeetna, so plan to drive yourself or arrange a local taxi in advance.
By train: The Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star stops in Talkeetna seasonally, and the ride north is one of the most scenic in Alaska. Keep in mind the kennel is about 15 minutes outside of town, so you’ll still need a car or taxi for the final stretch.
By small plane: Talkeetna has a state airport served by regional and charter flights, popular with travelers connecting to Denali flightseeing trips.
No car? Reach out before you book and we’ll help you figure out the last mile.
Where to Stay
Many guests turn a tour into an overnight or a long weekend. Here are a few places we recommend nearby, plus our own backcountry lodging option.
Stay with us in the backcountry
Through our partnership with Gate Creek Lodge, we offer overnight and two-night backcountry adventures that include full lodging and a private cabin. It’s the most immersive way to experience the dogs and the wilderness. Explore our overnight backcountry adventure.
Recommended Airbnb partners nearby
Rustic Red Retreat
A cozy tiny cabin tucked among spruce and birch trees just off Montana Creek Road, only minutes from the kennel. Inside you’ll find a comfortable bedroom, a cozy living area, a screened porch, and a kitchenette for simple meals, all in a private setting on the owners’ property. A charming, low-key home base for your tour, with excellent fishing and Talkeetna attractions close by.
Book on Airbnb →
Talkeetna Backcountry Hideaway
A cozy one-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath home set on nine wooded acres just outside Talkeetna, across from Montana Creek, one of Alaska’s most celebrated fishing spots. It comfortably sleeps a small group with a king bed, a large sectional, and a queen air mattress, plus free Starlink internet for streaming and staying connected. Quiet woods, clean air, and a real taste of backcountry Alaska life, about 20 minutes from historic downtown Talkeetna and a short drive from the kennel.
Book on Airbnb →
Availability and pricing change with the season. In peak periods (March Iditarod season and summer) we recommend booking your stay early.
What to Wear and Bring
Alaska weather rewards good layering. Here’s how to be comfortable from the first photo to the last run.
Winter tours:
- A thermal base layer (top and bottom)
- A fleece or wool mid-layer
- A waterproof, windproof outer layer
- Insulated, waterproof boots
- Warm gloves or mittens, a hat, and a neck gaiter or scarf
- Hand and toe warmers are a nice extra on the coldest days
- Sunglasses for snow glare, and a charged phone or camera
Summer cart tours:
- Dress for the day’s weather with a light, layered approach
- Closed-toe shoes
- A light rain layer and bug spray
Not sure you packed right? Reach out and we’ll point you in the right direction.
When to Visit
Winter sled dog tours (late November to early April): the classic experience, riding behind a real team on a sled across the snow. Snow conditions permitting.
Summer cart tours: when there’s no snow, the dogs pull a wheeled cart, and you get up close with the team at the kennel.
March is special. It’s Iditarod season, the heart of Alaska’s sled dog calendar, and the energy around the sport is at its peak.
Northern lights: winter’s long, dark nights make the area a strong spot for aurora viewing on clear evenings.
Denali views: on clear days, North America’s tallest peak is visible from the region, often at its best in the morning.
Make a Weekend of It
The historic town of Talkeetna is about 15 minutes north of the kennel and makes an easy add-on to your visit. It’s a small, walkable river town with a surprising amount packed into a few blocks.
Food and drink: You’ll find local cafes, a couple of breweries, and casual Alaskan spots, everything from hearty roadhouse-style breakfasts to fresh local fish. Most are clustered in or around the historic downtown, so it’s easy to wander and pick a favorite.
Things to do: Flightseeing tours to Denali, jet boat and riverboat trips, guided fishing on the surrounding rivers, art galleries and gift shops, and riverside views of Denali on a clear day. Talkeetna is also the historic staging point for Denali mountaineering expeditions, so there’s real climbing culture woven through the town.
Most of this sits within a 15 to 30 minute drive of the kennel, which makes a one or two night stay easy to fill.
Know Before You Go
- Arrival: Plan to arrive about 15 minutes before your scheduled tour.
- How long to allow: Tour lengths vary, so check your booking confirmation, and leave a little extra room for photos and meeting the dogs.
- Cell service: Spotty in the area. Download your directions before you head out.
- Restrooms: Please note that our bathroom facilities consist of a traditional, rustic Alaskan outhouse. It’s all part of the backcountry experience.
- Families: Kids are welcome and our tours are family-friendly.
- Weather: Tours run in a wide range of conditions, so dress warm. If weather forces a change, we’ll be in touch.
- Questions or changes: Check your booking confirmation or contact us anytime.
Find Us
Address: 17930 Montana Creek Rd, Talkeetna, AK 99676
Phone: (907) 502-0247
Email: susitnasleddogadventures@gmail.com
Hours: Daily, 10am to 6pm