Nestled in the pristine wilderness of Halibut Cove, Alaska, Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge offers an intimate eco-retreat overlooking the majestic Kachemak Bay. This hand-crafted timber lodge, adjacent to Kachemak Bay State Park, provides guests with the perfect blend of rustic luxury and authentic Alaskan adventure. Family-owned by Kevin and Lucinda Sidelinger, the lodge specializes in personalized wilderness experiences including glacier kayaking, bear viewing, fishing, and hiking.
Guests enjoy gourmet meals daily featuring fresh Alaskan seafood, comfortable rooms with private baths, and panoramic views of mountains, glaciers, and coastline. With direct access to 150,000 square miles of untamed wilderness, Ridgewood offers an intimate window into true Alaskan living while maintaining the highest standards of eco-conscious hospitality.
Their story
Kevin and Lucinda Sidelinger established the Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge in Halibut Cove, Alaska, combining their extensive 65-year experience in Kachemak Bay. Located adjacent to Kachemak Bay State Park, this intimate timber-framed wilderness lodge offers a complete Alaskan adventure with mountains, ocean, glaciers, and wildlife at its doorstep. After meeting at another Alaskan lodge and managing a Brown Bear Photography business in 1978, they spent 20 years running an oyster farm before creating this lodge. Their son Bowman and his wife Jessica now help manage the property, making it a true family operation.
The lodge serves as a gateway for visitors to experience authentic Alaskan wilderness through activities like bear viewing, fishing, kayaking, and hiking, while enjoying fresh seafood and comfortable accommodations. Read more about them.
Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- The timber-framed lodge was thoughtfully constructed using sustainable Douglas fir and Alaskan wood to minimize environmental impact. The structure complements its natural surroundings with panoramic windows and wrap-around decks that blend into the landscape. The lodge features expansive lawns, ponds and gardens surrounded by native vegetation.
- High-efficiency systems are used throughout, and the property emphasizes locally-sourced materials and food, including seafood from pristine Kachemak Bay waters.
- The design allows guests to connect with nature while maintaining a light footprint on the delicate Alaskan ecosystem.
High level of energy efficiency
- The Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge embraces energy efficiency through its thoughtful architectural design and location. The lodge features large windows that maximize natural light and passive solar heating, while high ceilings with exposed timber beams promote natural air circulation. The building’s strategic positioning takes advantage of natural wind patterns for cooling and ventilation. Custom woodwork throughout provides natural insulation, and expansive decks offer shaded areas that help regulate indoor temperatures. The lodge’s eco-conscious design reduces energy consumption while maintaining comfort in Alaska’s varying climate.
Pioneer in waste management
- The lodge implements comprehensive waste management protocols, including on-site composting of food scraps and organic materials. Recyclable items like glass, paper, plastic and metal are carefully sorted and transported to Homer for processing. Non-recyclable waste is responsibly disposed following local regulations.
- The lodge minimizes single-use items, utilizing reusable dishware and containers.
- Food portions are carefully planned to prevent waste, with any excess donated when possible.
Using organic and chemical-free products
- The Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge prioritizes sustainable practices in their daily operations, maintaining extensive organic vegetable and flower gardens that provide fresh produce for guest meals. The lodge follows natural growing methods without using chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
- All cleaning and maintenance at the lodge is done using natural, biodegradable products to minimize environmental impact while ensuring guest comfort.
Actively protects nature and community
- The lodge carefully manages its surrounding wilderness, protecting native wildlife and vegetation while offering intimate eco-tours that educate guests about the delicate ecosystem. Their sustainable practices include maintaining productive gardens, protecting local marine life, and preserving the natural habitat through mindful development.
- The Sidelinger family welcomes visitors as part of their tight-knit community, sharing their deep connection to the land through guided activities that promote environmental awareness and appreciation of Alaska’s wilderness.
Most Popular Activities Near Ridgewood Wilderness Resort
- Glacier lake kayaking among icebergs at Grewingk Glacier Lake after a moderate hike.
- Marine wildlife viewing tours to spot sea otters, whales, seals and seabirds at Gull Island sanctuary.
- Guided hiking adventures on Alpine Ridge Trail offering panoramic views of Kachemak Bay.
- Ocean kayaking around Halibut Cove in stable inflatable kayaks to observe coastal wildlife.
- Bear viewing excursions via floatplane to Katmai National Park to photograph brown bears.
- Fishing charters for halibut, salmon and rockfish in Kachemak Bay’s rich waters.
- Flightseeing tours over glaciers, volcanoes and mountain ranges with float plane lake landings.
- Tidepooling expeditions to discover marine invertebrates during low tides.
- Jet ski tours along the coastline to spot wildlife and visit remote coves.
- Cultural tours of Halibut Cove’s art galleries and historic sites.
Best Time To Visit Ridgewood Wilderness Resort
- The best time to visit Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge is from mid-June through early September, when Alaska experiences its peak summer season. During these months, visitors can enjoy long daylight hours (up to 19 hours), mild temperatures ranging from 60-70°F (15-21°C), and optimal conditions for outdoor activities.
- June and July are ideal for wildlife viewing and bear watching on coastal sedge flats.
- Mid-July to mid-August brings excellent salmon fishing opportunities.
- Late August through September offers berry picking and continued bear viewing as they prepare for winter. The lodge’s activities like hiking, kayaking, and marine tours are in full swing during these months, with the clearest skies and calmest waters typically occurring in July and August.