Make Trailside Alaska your home base at Mile 73, perfectly positioned for exploring Denali, Talkeetna, and Willow. Upstairs, enjoy a cozy king bed, a pocket twin, a table for four, and a guest Mac with fast Wi-Fi—plus an elevated viewing space that’s ideal for catching the Northern Lights. Downstairs, you’ll find a fully equipped kitchen, a hot shower, and year-round climate control that makes settling in easy. Step outside onto an expansive deck, knowing the most affordable dog sled tours and mushing experiences are right here on site. You’re not just close to the adventure—you’re already home.
Check out our website (alaskadogcenter.com/tours) and book family and senior friendly dog sled tours.
About the deck: it’s so large—24 by 76 feet—that we call it the SuperDeck. Outfitted with four outdoor seating chairs, a Solo Stove, and plenty of firewood, it’s built for long Alaskan nights. This is the perfect place to watch dog teams go by, take in endless sunsets, look for the Northern Lights, or simply unwind by the fire after a full day of adventure.
Trailside Alaska is also known as “M73 Airbnb”, a name carried over from our original launch in 2020. With easy highway access, private parking for cars and trailers, and a central location near Hatcher Pass, the Nancy Lakes Recreation Area, and Little Susitna Landing, it’s an ideal basecamp for exploring some of the best outdoor recreation Alaska has to offer.
Enjoy the convenience during the summer months of our famous Trailside Cafe @ Mile 73. Order fresh meals, coffee drinks, smoothies, and desserts. The Trailside Vacation Rental is known for its unique location on sled dog training trails in the dog mushing capital of the world. Book your stay today and experience Alaska like never before!
Your hosts - Kale & Carrie
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Amenities
Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Laundry
Parking available
Fireplace
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Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 99 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Willow
Located in Willow, this holiday home is in a rural area. Travellers eager for a bit of culture can stop by Willow Creek Studio, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Kashwitna Lake and Willow Lake.
Is Top King Value • Kitchen • Wifi • Northern Lights pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 99 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Top King Value • Kitchen • Wifi • Northern Lights?
As of 25 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Top King Value • Kitchen • Wifi • Northern Lights on 14 July 2026 start from NZ$155, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Top King Value • Kitchen • Wifi • Northern Lights?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Top King Value • Kitchen • Wifi • Northern Lights?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Top King Value • Kitchen • Wifi • Northern Lights?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Top King Value • Kitchen • Wifi • Northern Lights located?
Set amidst the mountains, this ski-in/ski-out holiday home in Willow is within 6 mi (10 km) of Kashwitna Lake, Willow Lake and Ruth Lake. Willow Creek State Recreation Area and Long Lake are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Great location for a stay on the way to Denali. Our stay was brief but the house had everything we needed!
Faye B.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 1 September 2025
Thank you so much, Faye!
We’re really glad to hear that Trailside Alaska made a great stop on your way to Denali and that the house had everything you needed for a comfortable stay. Even though your visit was brief, it means a lot that you chose to stay with us. We'd love to welcome you back anytime you're passing through Willow again—whether for a longer stay or just another peaceful night en route to adventure!
– Warmly, Carrie, Kale & the Trailside Café / Alaska Dog Center Team 🏔️🐾
Awesome place to stay! Had a great experience and it really gave a “true Alaska vibe”. Very comfortable and cozy. We would stay here anytime!!
Donna M.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2025
Thank you so much Donna! We’re really glad to hear Trailside Alaska gave you that “true Alaska vibe”—that’s exactly what we hope every guest feels. It means a lot that you had a great experience, and we’d love to welcome you back anytime your travels bring you through Willow again.
Cheers to more Alaskan adventures ahead!
– Warmly, Carrie, Kale & the Trailside Café / Alaska Dog Center Team 🏔️🐾
Thanks so much for your great review April! We’re really glad you enjoyed your stay at Trailside Alaska Vacation Rental. It means a lot to hear that the space worked well for you and added something special to your time in Willow. We’d love to host you again if your travels bring you back this way—there’s always more to explore, and as you know our sled dog ambassadors love visitors too! 🐾
Warm regards,
Carrie, Kale & the Trailside Café / Alaska Dog Center Team
Very easy to find. They were very accommodating and go well above and beyond to make sure your stay is enjoyable. Would highly recommend this place!
Suzanne W.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 July 2025
Thank you so much Suzanne! We're so glad you and your family enjoyed your stay at Trailside Alaska. It was a pleasure to host you three, and we truly appreciate your kind words about our hospitality. We take pride in making sure every guest feels welcome and well cared for. It's why we live here in Willow, Alaska!!! Your recommendation means a lot, and we’d love to host you again anytime your travels bring you back to Willow. The Northern Lights are something special here. Cheers until next time - Kale, Carrie and the Trailside Alaska Team
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kathleen
4 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Loved everything. The place was beautiful, clean and warm with great decor! Great location for our visit to Talkeetna and then to Denali. Easy to get to and the hosts are very nice.
Kathleen
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
patty
6 August 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great fun! Unique and fun place to stay. We went on the dog sled ride and had such a great experience with Carrie explaining everything and letting us help with the dogs. They were so great- everything was!
My wife and I stayed here for a portion of our honeymoon. We had a fantastic time here the facility was wonderful, comfortable bed, perfect wood burner for cold nights. The hosts are great to work with and accommodate your needs very well!
Sam J.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 May 2024
Sam - Congrats again and thank you both so much for choosing the Trailside Vacation Rental for a portion of your honeymoon. We're thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic time and found our facilities comfortable and enjoyable, from the cozy and brand new King bed to the Blaze King wood burner for chilly spring nights. Your kind words about our hosting and accommodation of your needs mean the world to us, and we're honored to have been part of your special celebration. We hope the memories made here will be cherished for years to come, and we'd be delighted to welcome you back anytime. The sled dogs loved meeting you as well so thank you for your support with a kennel tour. Cheers until next time - Kale and Carrie
My friend stayed here when they were visiting me in Willow and absolutely loved it. Peaceful and relaxing yet. Conveniently located near delicious food and outdoor enjoyment. Sled dogs were an added bonus?
Karen F.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 July 2025
Thank you so much for the great review Karen! We’re so glad your friend enjoyed their stay here in Willow at Trailside Vacation Rental. Peaceful, relaxing, and close to great food and adventure is exactly what we aim for—and yes, the sled dogs are definitely a bonus! They loved meeting you and yours.🐾 Thanks again for sharing and for being part of the Trailside Alaska and Alaska Dog Center community! Cheers - Kale & Carrie
with all the firewood we could ever need, our stay in Willow was warm and toasty! The perfect place to get away from life for a few days, just to relax and soak in the view!
We had a great time during our stay! Check in/out was super easy, and the property manager came by to show us how to work the stove. The house was beautiful and cozy, and we loved the views out the windows from the second floor. If we come back to the area we will definitely try and stay here again!
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Very dog friendly! Cozy place but light switches are limited for going up and down stairs - need a flashlight.
Rich
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Glenn and Celia
8 July 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Trailside was simply perfect. Spacious, quiet, comfortable, and a great value. Generously and warmly appointed. Super friendly (and inspiring) hosts. Felt like home. Sweet dogs nearby, and a fabulous cafe next store. I wish we were here longer.
My wife and I loved the time we spent in Willow and hope to go back again some day. Next time we hope to do a kennel tour or go for a dog sled tour. This stay was part of a trip we’ll remember the rest of our lives. We loved it.
Kendall E.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Pepper
4 July 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Thank you so much for the wonderful day/night. Kale & Carrie were great at communicating. Check in and check out were a breeze. The place is clean, cozy and just what we needed after a day of travel. And it has the tallest shower I have ever seen.! very dog friendly!! highly recommend
Communication with host was awesome, check in was super easy, and stay was great! Cozy cabin lower level, with a really nice large bedroom upstairs. Large patio for hanging out, and the sounds of howling sled dogs in the morning really accents the Alaskan outdoors.
Johnathan M.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 25 July 2025
Thanks so much for the kind words Johnathan! We’re honored you chose Trailside Alaska for your honeymoon and really glad to hear the cozy space and sled dog ambiance added to the experience. We'd love to welcome you back anytime for more peaceful mornings and mountain air. Wishing you both all the best in your new chapter!
– Carrie, Kale & the Trailside Café / Alaska Dog Center Team 🐾
Nice little cabin that was very clean and warm when we arrived. Fully stocked with anything you would need. The king size bed was very comfortable.There is a Coffee shop next door with yummy shakes, drinks, food options and dog treats too! Located just off the highway but also felt secluded and safe. The owners are very nice and accommodating and we really enjoyed our stay. This will be our first pick when returning to Alaska! Thank you Kale and Carrie!
Tammy L.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 26 October 2025
Thank you so much, Tammy! We really appreciate your kind words and are so glad to hear you enjoyed your stay at Trailside Alaska. It means a lot that you found the vacation rental clean, comfortable, and well-stocked — and that you loved the king bed and nearby Trailside Café (our dogs agree about the treats!).
We’re so happy to know Trailside will be your first pick when you return to Alaska. You’ll always have a warm welcome waiting here with us. Summer is fantastic with the Midnight Sun, and every season is special in Alaska.🐾🏔️
– Warmly, Carrie & Kale
We loved the property and its proximity to family. Host Kale was super friendly and easy to work with. Met a few of the dogs! We will definitely be back. We even saw Denali every day we were here!
The property is quite a lovely place to stay. Plenty of space to hang out and relax, go on a walk about, or relax in the hammock. Always clean, fully stocked kitchen and comfy beds. 10
Della S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 February 2025
Thank you, Della! 😊 We always love hosting you at Trailside Alaska and truly appreciate your kind words. It’s wonderful to hear that you enjoy the space, the peaceful surroundings, and the little comforts that make it feel like home. Looking forward to welcoming you back for another relaxing stay! 🏡❄️✨ All the best until next time - Kale & Carrie
Awesome cabin. If I knew a propane grill was available I would have brought items to grill. Suggest including a picture of the grill. Thanks
Gregg B.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 January 2025
Thank you, Gregg, for your great review and thoughtful feedback! We’re so glad you enjoyed your stay at Trailside Alaska. Normally, there’s so much snow this time of year that we tuck the grill away for winter, but with this unusual year, we’ve kept it available. We’ve already added the grill picture back to the site to make sure future guests know it’s an option. We’d love to host you again, and hopefully next time, you’ll get to fire it up and enjoy some grilling under the Northern Lights! 😊🔥 All the best - Kale & Carrie
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