The Tradition
I touched down in Alaska with my stepmom, family, and a crew of friends who’ve been going on fishing and hunting trips traditionally. For them, this was another chapter in a well-loved tradition. For me, it was the first time being apart of the tradition.
First Stop, Denali National Park
We boarded the Denali Star Train and spent the day gliding through Alaska’s wild heart, watching endless spruce forests give way to wide valleys and braided rivers. For a couple of days, we stayed inside the park, exploring trails and soaking in as much as we could. Wildlife seemed to appear at every turn—moose grazing in the distance, caribou crossing the tundra, even a bear lumbering across the hillside. The biggest surprise came when the clouds cleared and Mount McKinley (Denali) stood tall in front of us. Locals say it’s rare to catch the mountain on a clear summer day since the season is so short and rain so common, but we got lucky—it felt like Alaska was giving us a quiet welcome before the next leg of our journey.
Fishing in Cordova
From Fairbanks we boarded a small plane to Anchorage, then on to Cordova, a quiet little fishing town tucked between mountains and the sea. For the week, we stayed at Orca Adventure Lodge, a family-run spot where the pace slows down and life feels simple. The lodge is run by a husband-and-wife team, along with their kids and extended family, and on the day I joined my family to fish, their son was our captain. Out on the water, the group hauled in salmon, halibut, and rockfish, each catch celebrated with cheers and a quick photo before the crew whisked the fish away to be processed. By the time we got back to shore, the fillets were already neatly packaged—ready to travel home in coolers on the airplane. Back at the lodge, evenings were filled with fresh-caught fish for dinner, endless cups of coffee, and the kind of quiet you can only find in a place like Cordova. When I wasn’t out fishing, I filled my days with slower moments: reading on the porch, slipping into the wood-burning sauna, taking photos along the rocky shore, and watching otters, seals, bald eagles, and salmon leaping from the water just steps away. A short walk next door led to a small café that quickly became a favorite—serving up salmon bagels and strong coffee while locals and fishermen drifted in and out. Between the lodge’s peaceful charm, the bustle of visiting anglers, and the rhythm of the ocean outside, it felt like stepping into a world that was both vibrant and deeply restful.
The Fishermen
On the trip, our group of fishermen included my stepmom, Teresa; her parents, Jim and Cherlyn; and three close family friends — Mike, Charlie, and Ryan.
Taking Alaska Home
By the end of the week, our coolers were packed with fresh fish and our cameras full of photos from both the water and the shore. Between exploring Denali, fishing out of Cordova, and relaxing at the lodge, the trip had a little bit of everything that makes Alaska so unique. It was the perfect mix of adventure and downtime, and a great way to experience the state alongside family and friends.
Chelsea Blake
The Four Stories Company, LLC
