Important information about visiting: United States
If you are NOT a US CITIZEN and are planning to visit to work, volunteer or study, YOU WILL NEED THE CORRECT VISA. To find out more information you need to contact the embassy in your home country BEFORE travelling.
LONG TERM EMPLOYEEMENT. 3+ months.
Looking for fall/ winter help.
Our lodge is located in a beautiful river valley at the end of the Matanuska Glacier. We provide food and lodging for visitors of the glacier. We are looking for outgoing adventurous folks to help us by cooking in our restaurant. We are more than happy to teach someone the necessary skills to succeed. The lodge has a dining room, hotel rooms, gas station, as well as a state park that we take care of. Our location allows our employees to spend their free time hiking, ice climbing, glacier trekking, four wheeling, flight seeing, skiing & enjoying nature. Ultimately we hope to pass along our love for the outdoors and encourage the next generation to protect and share the natural resources that surround us.
We pay our staff at least $13.00 per hour (more based on experience). Cooks and waitstaff share tips. We offer free housing as well as one free meal per shift.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Light maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We try to share our love of outdoors with our staff by going on hikes after work to help them explore the glaciers, rivers, mountains, wildlife, geology, and natural history of our area.
Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage
This host offers accommodation and payment.
Help
Workers are required to be US citizens or have the ability to obtain a US work VISA. We are willing to teach the skills needed to be successful. We just need detail oriented hard workers who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty. We will be hiring waitstaff, cooks, and maintenance workers. We ask workawayers to put in 35 - 40 hours per week. Your days off and evenings are yours to discover and explore Alaska to your fullest ability.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Our staff is provided housing free of cost. We have simple cabins with shared kitchen and bath facilities. Our staff often have moose, fox and other wildlife walking past their windows in the early mornings.
What else ...
Our location offers an endless Alaskan back-country to explore. Those who love to hike, mountain bike, kayak, ice climb or run around with a camera, will find an endless playground outside their door. We do recommend that you bring or buy a vehicle so that you can explore the state on your days off.
Happy adventuring
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
We have space for campervans and small motorhomes if you would like to bring your living space with you.
Having Riley work with us felt less like hosting a Workaway and more like having family around. He jumped in, cared about the work, and truly became part of our day-to-day life. He started off as our baker with no prior experience and was quick to pick up the new skill. He then moved to am waitstaff and managed the state park of about 5 arces+ in… read more the afternoon. He was always willing to help unload food trucks and organize those storage areas. We are forever grateful for his willing heart, easy to laugh attitude and his organization. Riley took a few months away from us to visit Czechia and then came back home to us at the lodge to work through winter and our busy summer. He is wonderful with customers whether it is with menu questions, an easy smile, or even giving aerial directions. Riley's reliability, work ethic, kindness, and positive attitude made a lasting impact, and we’d welcome him back again in a heartbeat. It is so sad to see him go.
It’s hard to put into words just how much you’ve come to mean to us over the past three years. What started as a Workaway traveler and turned into a true friendship—and honestly, you’ve felt like family from the very beginning.
Your kindness, work ethic, and easygoing nature brought so much light and warmth to the lodge. You’ve helped us in so… read more many ways, but more than that, you've shared memories, laughs, and stories that we'll always treasure. It’s been a gift having you return year after year. You have made it through so many changes from working with difficult staff, helping train new staff, and so much more. We can't thank you for everything as there is not enough word available to express it.
Just know there's always a spot for you here— your place at the table, spot at the fire and your space in our hearts will always be waiting.
I came here in the summer of '23 for the first time, fresh off backpacking through Central America and absolutely fell in the love with the place and the surrounding nature and people, so much so that after some more months of backpacking, I returned last summer as well, and had an even more amazing experience glacier trekking, white water… read more rafting, bonfires through the night with lovely people, and so much more. Now I have returned a third time, with no plans of leaving anytime soon. This place has become something like a home for me, which after many years of backpacking, is quite nice. Anyone lucky enough to spend a summer out here might also become enchanted, and have some trouble leaving as well.
(Excellent
)
22 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Andrew)
We were extremely lucky to have Andrew join us for a snowy Alaskan winter. He was always more than willing to help with any task and went above and beyond what was asked of him. He is a highly responsible and caring individual. We have enjoyed sharing our world with him. He has such a passion to learn and explore. We wish him all the luck in the… read more world on his next adventure!
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
23 Jan 2026
Left by host for Workawayer (Riley)
Having Riley work with us felt less like hosting a Workaway and more like having family around. He jumped in, cared about the work, and truly became part of our day-to-day life. He started off as our baker with no prior experience and was quick to pick up the new skill. He then moved to am waitstaff and managed the state park of about 5 arces+ in… read more the afternoon. He was always willing to help unload food trucks and organize those storage areas. We are forever grateful for his willing heart, easy to laugh attitude and his organization. Riley took a few months away from us to visit Czechia and then came back home to us at the lodge to work through winter and our busy summer. He is wonderful with customers whether it is with menu questions, an easy smile, or even giving aerial directions. Riley's reliability, work ethic, kindness, and positive attitude made a lasting impact, and we’d welcome him back again in a heartbeat. It is so sad to see him go.
It’s hard to put into words just how much you’ve come to mean to us over the past three years. What started as a Workaway traveler and turned into a true friendship—and honestly, you’ve felt like family from the very beginning.
Your kindness, work ethic, and easygoing nature brought so much light and warmth to the lodge. You’ve helped us in so… read more many ways, but more than that, you've shared memories, laughs, and stories that we'll always treasure. It’s been a gift having you return year after year. You have made it through so many changes from working with difficult staff, helping train new staff, and so much more. We can't thank you for everything as there is not enough word available to express it.
Just know there's always a spot for you here— your place at the table, spot at the fire and your space in our hearts will always be waiting.
I came here in the summer of '23 for the first time, fresh off backpacking through Central America and absolutely fell in the love with the place and the surrounding nature and people, so much so that after some more months of backpacking, I returned last summer as well, and had an even more amazing experience glacier trekking, white water… read more rafting, bonfires through the night with lovely people, and so much more. Now I have returned a third time, with no plans of leaving anytime soon. This place has become something like a home for me, which after many years of backpacking, is quite nice. Anyone lucky enough to spend a summer out here might also become enchanted, and have some trouble leaving as well.
(Excellent)
22 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Andrew)
We were extremely lucky to have Andrew join us for a snowy Alaskan winter. He was always more than willing to help with any task and went above and beyond what was asked of him. He is a highly responsible and caring individual. We have enjoyed sharing our world with him. He has such a passion to learn and explore. We wish him all the luck in the… read more world on his next adventure!
(Excellent)
27 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Marina)
We were lucky to have Marina join our lodge for a summer. She came with a little experience, and a whole lot of desire to learn. She wasn't afraid to try new things, get her hands dirty, or put in a hard days work. It was refreshing to have someone just out of high school with such a great work ethic. Anybody would be lucky to have Marina join… read more their team. She always came to work with a smile and a great story about the last adventure she went on. We wish her the best in life and hope that someday our paths will cross again.
(Excellent)
8 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Marina) for host
Working up in Alaska was undoubtedly the best summer I've had. Kate and Russ were always patient and took time to answer all my questions and explain the tasks. I learned a lot about working at a restaurant and at a state park and these places became my second home in no time. Because of the variety of tasks I was given, I felt like there was a… read more new challenge waiting for me every day. I'll always have a smile on my face when I think of the days spent cleaning the state park or joking around in the kitchen (while working hard). I grew so much as a person thanks to this experience and the people I have met working here:) Not to mention the activities you can do in your free time! Whether you want to go hiking, fishing, ice climbing, rafting or on a helicopter tour this little community has it all!
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
21 Jan 2022
Left by Workawayer (Josi) for host
Kate and Russel run a lodge/restaurant that is so beautiful and so respected by them and the community it deserves the upmost care and energy put into it. If the great Alaskan mystic doesn’t inspire you enough to put all the soul and energy you got into the lodge, Kate and Russel’s charisma and passion for all things lodge and life will. Working… read more for them and getting to know them was an honor I am grateful for always. I have never felt more valued, supported, and motivated by my bosses before in my life till this job and I hope to continue coming back to work for them as long as they’ll have me!
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
5 Sep 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Josi)
Josi was a great addition to our summer team. She had endless energy and was always willing to help out with any project we had to complete. She would show up every morning with a great story to share. We enjoyed hearing about her hikes, encounters with wildlife, and road trips she took on her days off. I don't think she every sat still! We will… read more definitely miss her and hope that some day our paths will cross again.
(Excellent)
14 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Josue) for host
This was my first experience with workaway I know it could sounds as a cliche but I couldn't ask for a better host. Honestly. Kate and Russel are a wonderful couple who enjoy their work and they really want to make you feel comfortable all the time. They are able to give you a hand anytime you need and from the very beginning they teach you how… read more everything works. It is a very nice place with a great vibe and food of course!! The local people are super nice and friendly for sure you're gonna spend a beautiful time up there whenever you visit them. And of course.... Alaska is a lovely state. Do not miss it.
I am so grateful with these guys since I learned a lot with them even tho I struggle with the language but they make the things easier with patience and love for what they do and how they treat their guests. Amazing people. Thank you guys
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
23 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Josue)
Josue came to us on a quest to improve his English. He arrived as a quiet yet extremely hard worker. He was wonderfully self motivated and picked up the daily routine around the lodge in no time. His determination to learn and perfect his English was noteworthy. All his coworkers and us enjoyed teaching him all the english slang and terms needed… read more in casual conservation. He soaked up the info like a sponge and in turn Josue took the time to teach us about his home country Venezuela. We had so many eye opening wonderful discussions comparing our politics, economies, oil dependence, cultural similarities and differences. Josue is a priceless wealth of knowledge and enjoys teaching and sharing with everyone around him. Josue's english skills flourished during his stay here and he shed the shy reserved manner he arrived with. He became an outgoing, adventurous, talkative, funny guy. We are so thankful to have had the chance to share our summer with Josue. We hope someday our paths will cross again.
(Excellent)
18 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Timothy) for host
This workaway was one of the many hidden gems in Alaska. I can’t put into words how special Alaska and this lodge really is. I spent the summer working at the lodge and honestly couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I was able to learn so much from my experiences here and see and travel all around the beautiful state of Alaska.
Kate and… read more Russel the owners are some of the greatest people you will ever meet who were always their to help and teach me. It also helped that they had the same sarcastic humor I ( and the rest of my coworkers) have and we really had fun in the workplace. They picked a great team for the summer we had a great culture and everybody working really got along. It went so far beyond just learning to work at the restaurant any question I asked they really took the time out to help me learn it and really fully understand. Which was great for me because I love to learn. They went out of their way to teach me how to change oil in my car, brake pads, some of the business side of things and many other things. They also took time out to make me feel comfortable, show me around the area and make all the different people working at the lodge really fit in. They really boosted my confidence and now I feel like I can attack any project with the right resources.
I really enjoyed the actual job especially during the super busy months of summer.if you love to keep moving and working this job is great because there is usually always something to do at the lodge. Working as a server will really change the way you interact with people and I can say after this summer my conversations skills have drastically improved. Some of the tasks I got to enjoy were serving, very basic bartender, cleaning lodge rooms, making deserts or whatever was needed in the kitchen, basic maintenance and cleaning around the lodge and so many other tasks. This job also really help me save up and fund some of my future travels.
Going into town will take over an hour either way but the drive is amazing and hard not to enjoy. If you need a lot of people around this might not be the best place for you as most people only come to visit local area for a day. But this was great for me because I really enjoyed disconnecting and just enjoying nature and living. It helps to be self sufficient to live in area. The local area is full of hikes and many tours and things to do. If you enjoy nature like me you will never be bored especially during the summer with the excess of sunlight. I can go on and on about this experience as it really has help shape the next chapter of my life. If you have the oppurtunity to work at the lodge I highly recommend it. I also can’t thank Kate and Russel enough for everything they did for me and everything I was able to learn from this summer. I will definitely be back to Alaska as it has a special place in my heart.
Hope to see you guys soon. Thank you again.
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
7 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Timothy)
Tim arrived at our lodge after a 4000+ mile road trip from the East Coast to Alaska with a grin on his face more than ready to get to work. He is a highly independent traveler spending most of his days off exploring the miles and miles of Alaska's road system. I believe he even drove through an active forest fire just to make sure he got to… read more explore Denali National Park. Tim has a work ethic that is becoming rare these days. He worked just as hard on his last day as he did on his first. He is not afraid to try new things and has a great ability to gain new skills. He was a wonderful addition to our summer team. We loved having Tim around this summer and have definitely missed his sense of humor and hard work. Who ever he joins next will be very lucky to have him help out.
(Excellent)
7 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah & Gabriel)
Sarah and Gabe arrived on their first day after a long road trip with smiles on their faces and great stories to share. Sarah walked into the kitchen with a full set of skills and within a few days was cooking like she had been there for years. She is a wonderful, mature, highly organized worker. We were luck to have her join our team for an… read more entire summer. Gabe helped out developing new campgrounds at our local state park. His endless enthusiasm and hard work created three new wooded camp sites that will be enjoyed by so many for years to come. We were happy to see Sarah and Gabe spend every chance they got exploring Alaska, bringing back wonderful stories about their adventures. It was hard to say goodbye to these two after getting to enjoy their company for an entire summer. They are a wonderful couple, and whoever they join next will be just as lucky as we were to get to know them.
(Excellent)
6 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Sarah & Gabriel) for host
Our time in Alaska was everything we could have asked for! Kate and Russell are amazing people to work for and the area they live in is not only beautiful but also super convenient for exploring the state! They were both very helpful both during and outside of work and were so knowledgeable and helpful in the advice they gave us about touring the… read more state.
The accommodations are perfect, especially as a couple. This was one of the best workaway gigs we've found in terms of what is provided and how giving Kate and Russell are with their things and advice. Their place is a bit far away from the nearest town, which was great for us but if you're the type of person who leads a big party life, this might not be the place for you. However, if you want to get out and explore the area, go on great hikes, and check out a ton of great spots Alaska has to offer, then this area is perfect!
The lodge is busy in the summer but both Kate and Russell provide a great working environment and make themselves available whenever you need an extra hand (although, being self sufficient makes things run a lot smoother for everyone!)
I could go on about our time there but all in all if you're a traveller, looking to make good money at an amazing place, take cool road trips or go on stunning hikes during your down time, and have a good work attitude conducive to working as a team with other cool people: this is a perfect spot for you.
Thanks again for an amazing summer, guys! We hope to see you again soon :)
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
22 May 2019
Left by Workawayer (Reid) for host
I spent a wonderful couple weeks up at the Matanuska glacier with Russel and Kate. They were outgoing and approachable from the moment I arrived. I learned a lot about working in a restaurant and it was great to be part of their lodge if only for a short while! Go for the adventure, the wilderness, the animals, and stay for the welcoming,… read more positive, and hardworking nature of these two hosts. Thank you for a great stay!
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
18 May 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Reid)
We were so lucky that Kathryn contacted us. She arrived at a time when we usually don't have any workawayers but she proved to be an extremely valuable extra set of hands to have on board. She picked up the skills to wait tables in no time. Kathryn's cheerful attitude made my customers feel welcome and well taken care of at the restaurant. We… read more would love to have her back again!
(Excellent)
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If you are NOT a US CITIZEN and are planning to visit to work, volunteer or study, YOU WILL NEED THE CORRECT VISA. To find out more information you need to contact the embassy in your home country BEFORE travelling. Do NOT attempt to enter the USA without the correct visa!
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Light maintenance
