Windsong Wilderness Retreat

Windsong Wilderness Retreat, Twin Lakes, Lake Clark National Park Alaska

Of everything we did in the Kenai Penninsula area of Alaska over 18 days, Windsong Wilderness Retreat was by far our best decision. If you are looking for the true Alaskan experience away from the hustle and bustle of society, then this is the real deal. Gary Titus has worked hard to keep his cabin on Twin Lakes a singular experience for his guests, where they can truly connect with the beauty of Twin Lakes and experience it in the way it is intended. It's does not feel like a tourist lodge, but rather a personal visit...

Windsong Wilderness Retreat, Lake Clark National Park, Twin Lakes, Alaska

His cabin provides you with the safety and security of a clean and tidy roof over your head, while allowing you to live off grid and work for your comforts a little bit.  You'll have the opportunity to scoop and filter water from the lake, cook over a propane stove, and hand wash your dishes like momma used to make you. I found myself so much more mindful of my resources, waste, and habits. It was refreshing to simplify the routine tasks of daily living. ​

The dock at Windsong Wilderness Retreat, Twin Lakes, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska

The dock at Windsong Wilderness Retreat, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, Twin Lakes

Some may come to Twin Lakes to simply enjoy the beauty with a good percolated cup of coffee, but if you are like us, you come for adventure. Twin Lakes gave us all we could handle and then some. We took daily hikes ranging in difficulty and level of danger, but always beautiful! With access to the boat, we hiked Teetering Rock, Emerson Creek, Falls Mountain, the Cowgill Benches, and the lake shore from the cabin. Each offered us a different perspective of the area and provided as much or little challenge as we wished to take on for the day. It was as easy as the uphill hike to Teetering Rock behind Dick Proenekke's cabin or the full scale summit of the trail-less Falls Mountain peak. ​

Windsong Wilderness Retreat, Lake Clark National Park, Twin Lakes, Alaska

When at the cabin, we had opportunities to fish off the dock, hand feed the jays leftover pancakes off the front porch, or watch the bears and wildlife through the spotting scope. On a rainy day you can pick a book or compilation of local history from Gary's extensive collection in the cabin while you watch the ducks tool around the dock. There was not one day of boredom or lack of things to do. In fact, we got fogged in an extra day, which we considered a gift. 

The boat at Windsong Wilderness Retreat, Lake Clark National Park, Twin Lakes, Alaska

But the best part of a stay at Windsong has to be learning from Gary's impressive life experiences as a "real" Alaskan. Arriving in Alaska after college with only a backpack, Gary has lived the Alaskan dream that so many seek. His vast knowledge of oral histories, locations, and wildlife can't be quantified. Those who are lucky enough to pick his brain for an hour or two will find as much unique Alaska lore as any book or tv show could hope to provide. 

It was with great effort and resources that we got to Windsong, but we certainly hope to return again one day to hike more of Lake Clark. ​

Windsong Wilderness Retreat, Lake Clark National Park, Twin Lakes, Alaska

The view from our porch at Windsong Wilderness Retreat, Lake Clark National Park, Twin Lakes, Alaska

The loft at Windsong Wilderness Retreat, Lake Clark National Park, Twin Lakes, Alaska