25th Annual Chili Cook-Off May 16-17th | Specials up to 50% OFF

Welcome to

McKinley Creekside Cabins

Name: McKinley Creekside Cabins, Café & Bakery
Address: 224 Parks Highway, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK, 99755, US
Telephone: 907-683-2277

Located 15 minutes south of Denali National Park. We offer lodging and cabin accommodations, dining options, customized itineraries, and gift shop with locally crafted items for our guests.

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Lodging, Dining, Tours, and Excursions

Discover the heart of Alaska at McKinley Creekside Cabins, Indulge in the culinary delights of our Creekside Cafe', and explore all of the tours and adventures Denali has to offer.

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Alaskan Hospitality in Every Detail

A small locally owned and operated boutique Alaskan lodge, restaurant, bakery, and gift shop.

McKinley Creekside Cabins and Cafe is located 15 minutes south of Denali National Park on beautiful Carlo Creek.

At the core of McKinley Creekside Cabins & Cafe' is our dedication to our guests, staff, and community. Our knowledgeable crew is passionate about sharing the wonders of Denali National Park, from encounters with native wildlife to awe-inspiring views of the iconic mountain itself.

Whether you're a solo traveler or a group of explorers, our commitment to exceptional service ensures that your stay is as enriching as the landscapes that surround us. Book your stay today and let McKinley Creekside Cabins be your home in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness.

About Us

People mining for gold in Kantishna Alaska

Historical Mt. McKinley National Park Sign

Cabin & Lodging Options

Latest News

Top 7 Hiking Trails outside the boundary of Denali National Park, Alaska.

Here are seven amazing hikes in Denali outside the boundary of Denali NP.

How to Stay Safe Around Alaska’s Giant Moose

Alaska is home to some of the biggest moose in the world—mature bulls can stand over 7 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh more than 1,500 pounds!

Is Alaska really that big?

Is Alaska really that big? Alaska is massive when compared to the entire United States. Here are the facts..

#goodeatsalaska #denalidining #comfortfood #primeribnight #denalinationalpark #mckinleycreeksidecabins #mckinleycreeksidecabinsandcafe #primerib

Wildlife Wednesday: Meet Denali’s Dall Sheep!

Perched high on Denali’s rugged cliffs, Dall sheep are some of the park’s most iconic and elusive residents. These snow-white wild sheep thrive in Alaska’s high-altitude terrain, where their keen eyesight and agility help them evade predators like wolves and bears.

Fun Facts:
✅ Male Dall sheep-rams, grow massive curling horns that can weigh up to 30 lbs!
✅ Females, or ewes, have shorter, more slender horns but are just as skilled at climbing.
✅ They prefer steep, rocky slopes—a natural defense against predators.

Where to Spot Them in Denali: Look up toward the high cliffs!

Sheep-Spotting Tips:
✅ Use binoculars or a zoom lens—they blend in well against the rocky terrain!
✅ Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best lighting for photography.
✅ Look for small white dots high on the slopes—Dall sheep rarely come down to the lowlands.

Have you ever spotted Dall sheep in Denali?
Please share your photos & experiences below!👇

#WildlifeWednesday #DallSheep #DenaliNationalPark #ExploreDenali #alaska #denali #wildlife #mckinleycreeksidecabins

Happy Mother’s Day!

Today we honor the strength, love, and endless sacrifices of mothers everywhere. Whether you're a mom, stepmom, grandma, or a mother figure — your impact is immeasurable. Thank you for the hugs, the late-night talks, the guidance, and the unconditional love.

Here’s to the women who made us who we are. 💖

#MothersDay #ThankYouMom #LoveYouAlways #mckinleycreeksidecabinsandcafe #mckinleycreeksidecabins

We NEED you and your chili! May 17th-One week and counting until the 25th Annual Chili Cook-Off!
DETAILS:
4PM-6PM: Bring Your Chili & Happy Hour.
6PM: Judging Begins.
7PM: Chili Feed, Live Music with the DENALI COOKS, Dancing, Beer, Wine, & Creek Cider.

CONTESTANT INFORMATION:
Each entry gets two drink tickets!
Grand prize for best chili!
No cost to enter, just extra chili for the feed!!
Condiments allowed for the chili feed.

We still have a couple rooms www.mckinleycabins.com

#ChiliCookOff2025 #chilicookoff #mckinleycreeksidecabinsandcafe #mckinleycreeksidecabins #goodtimeswithgoodpeople #LIVEMUSIC

Did you know that Denali's Base-to-Peak Rise Surpasses Everest's?

Yep, while Mount Everest boasts the highest elevation above sea level, Denali's rise from base to summit is more dramatic. Denali ascends approximately 18,000 feet from its base, compared to Everest's base-to-peak rise of about 12,000 feet. This makes Denali one of the most prominent mountains globally in terms of vertical relief.

#denali #TheGreatOne #denalinationalpark #Alaska #mckinleycreeksidecabins #mckinleycreeksidecabinsandcafe

Wildlife Wednesday: Meet Denali’s Wolves!

Denali’s gray wolves are among the most elusive and fascinating predators in the park. As top carnivores, they play a crucial role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Seeing a wolf in the wild is a rare and unforgettable experience!

Fun Facts About Denali’s Wolves:
✅ Pack Life: Wolves are highly social and live in packs of 2 to 15 members, working together to hunt and protect their territory.
✅ Big Territory: A single wolf pack’s home range can cover up to 500 square miles!
✅ Silent Hunters: Unlike coyotes, wolves rarely bark—they communicate through body language, scent marking, and their legendary howls.
✅ Speed & Strength: Wolves can run up to 35 mph in pursuit of prey and can take down animals much larger than themselves, like moose and caribou.
✅ Coat Colors: Not all wolves in Denali are gray! Some are black, white, or a mix of brown and tan, blending perfectly into the landscape.

Where to Spot Wolves in Denali:
📍 Teklanika River – Great areas for tracking wolf movements.
📍 Savage River – Wolves have been seen hunting here.
📍 Early morning & late evening – The best times for sightings.

Wolf-Spotting Tips:
✅ Look for tracks in fresh snow or muddy trails—wolves travel in a straight line.
✅ Listen for distant howls—wolves are most vocal at dawn and dusk.
✅ Use binoculars or a long camera lens—wolves are shy and tend to stay far from human activity.

Have you been fortunate to see a wolf in Denali? Please share your experience or best wolf photos in the comments!

#WildlifeWednesday #DenaliWolves #DenaliNationalPark #bucketlist #ExploreDenali #alaska #denali #mckinleycreeksidecabins

Alaska’s state flower is the beautiful dainty Forget-Me-Not! 💙You will find these along Carlo Creek beginning in late May and the blooms can last up to a month!

These tiny blue blooms are tough little survivors, just like Alaskans — thriving in the wild and bringing pops of color to our rugged landscapes. Chosen as the state flower even before we became a state, the Forget-Me-Not symbolizes enduring love, remembrance, and the spirit of the Last Frontier.

Next time you're out exploring, keep an eye out for these delicate wildflowers — they’re a small but mighty part of what makes our great state special.

#AlaskaLove #ForgetMeNot #StateFlower #ExploreDenali #denalinationalpark #mckinleycreeksidecabins #creekside #mckinleycreeksidecabinsandcafe

Experience Denali Like Never Before with Denali Backcountry Guides!

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Alaska's wilderness with Denali Backcountry Guides. Since 1997, they've been offering immersive experiences that go beyond the ordinary, including:

1. Guided interpretive hikes showcasing Denali's rich flora and fauna
2. Heli-hiking adventures that take you deep into untouched terrains
3. Packrafting trips for the thrill-seekers

We Love This Tour because Denali Backcountry Guides offers more than just a tour; it's an educational and transformative experience. Their seasoned guides, with decades of Alaskan wilderness experience, share deep insights into the region's ecology and history, making every step of your journey enlightening and memorable.

Flexible Booking Options with our Book Now, Pay Later option. https://www.mckinleycabins.com/guided-hikes or call 1.907.683.2277.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to explore Denali's backcountry with experts who know it best. Secure your spot now and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!

#Denalibackcountryguides #ExploreDenali #besttoursindenali #denalinationalpark #mckinleycreeksidecabins #mckinleycreeksidecabinsandcafe

Ready for a real Alaskan adventure? Hop into a Denali Fat Truck and explore the wild side of Alaska like never before!

You’ll ride in a climate-controlled, amphibious SHERP vehicle built to handle anything — mud, snow, rocks, and rivers. This isn’t just a tour — it’s a full-on backcountry experience!

Here’s what you’ll experience:
1. Trek through rugged mining trails and along stunning lakes and creeks.
2. Climb to epic viewpoints with breathtaking panoramas of the Denali region.
3. See unique landscapes like permafrost cliffs — and maybe even spot moose, foxes, or caribou along the way!

Stay cozy and connected with noise-canceling headsets and live narration from expert local guides.

❤️ Why we love this tour:
You get to explore places you could never reach on foot or in a regular vehicle — all while staying warm, dry, and comfortable. It's adventure without limits, giving you an authentic Alaskan experience that's thrilling, educational, and just plain fun!

Book Now & Pay Later https://www.mckinleycabins.com/denali-fat-truck-tour or by calling us at 1.907.683.227

#DenaliFatTruckTour #ExploreDenali #besttoursindenali #denalinationalpark #mckinleycreeksidecabins #mckinleycreeksidecabinsandcafe #Alaska

"Alaska is so big, we call anything under 50 miles away 'right next door.'"

#WorldLaughterDay #mckinleycreeksidecabins #mckinleycreeksidecabinsandcafe

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Contact McKinley Creekside Cabins

We are here to help and assist with your planning and happy to answer any questions you may have. Please don't hesitate to give us a call, send an email, or fill out the contact form provided. Thank you!

907-683-2277

info@mckinleycabins.com