Denali Southside River Guides Byers Lake Tours & Rentals

From their base at Byers Lake in Denali State Park, Denali Southside River Guides offers guided kayak­ing tours and kayak, canoe and stand up paddle board rentals as well as a trailhead shut­tle ser­vice along the 25 miles of hik­ing trails in Denali State Park along Kesu­gi Ridge.

Sit-On-Top Kayak Trips on Byers Lake

Byers Lake, in Denali State Park, is just an hour drive north of Talkeetna about the half way point to Denali National Park. Drive yourself, or request a pick up from the McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. Denali Southside will provide you with everything you need to enjoy your tour and they carry only the highest quality gear. The sit-on-top-style kayaks are very stable and easy to maneuver. Each tour begins with brief paddle instructions to get you on your way. They enjoy frequent wildlife encounters from resident trumpeter swans and loons to river otters, beavers, moose, and the occasional bear looking for a cool spot to swim and a hearty snack of Salmon or other fish. Byers Lake hosts all 5 species of salmon which migrate through the lake to spawn each year so you can get up close and view hundreds of salmon in the lakes crystal clear waters. Plan 2.5 to 3 hours for the tour, with 1.5 to 2 hours spent on the water. Tours depart daily at 9:00 am and 12:30 pm daily.

Kayak, Canoe, Stand Up Paddle Board Rentals

Rather go out exploring on your own? You can rent a kayak, canoe or paddle board hourly or overnight (if camping at Byers Lake) and paddle the lakes on your own. Rentals include boat, paddle, and life-vest, out-riggers are optional for canoes. A brief orientation to the lake and safety instruction is personal and delivered to all guests.

Shuttle for Kesugi Ridge Trail in Denali State Park

Denali Southside also offers a trailhead shuttle service from Byers Lake to trailheads along the 25 miles long Kesugi Ridge in Denali State Park.

About Denali Southside River Guides

Denali Southside River Guides was established in 2002 with the goal of providing an opportunity for more people to experience the pristine wilderness of the south side of Denali. Shelis and Craig are resident Alaskans and well-versed in the history and culture of the area. Their team of local guides all share a passion for Alaska. Their services offer easy accessibility to a bit of ‘untouched’ wilderness right off the road.

If you find yourself in Talkeetna, look them up for a guided kayak tour or rental on X Lake from the Talkeetna Lakes Park.