My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to Alaska. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars! I always use Expedia's to compare the best rates & stays in the state. If you're traveling internationally, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required). For fun things to do, I recommend Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours in the area. Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance. Lastly, my packing list for your travels to the great state of Alaska.
About Emerald Ridge: Homer, Alaska's Fly-In Cabin
Getting to Emerald Ridge + Logistics
Located just outside of Homer, Emerald Lodge is the newest Airbnb stay that just opened at the beginning of this summer. Owned and operated by husband and wife Ashton & Amanda (and their kids), the cabin is actually located on their off-grid homestead that also has its very own private grass airstrip. To get there by car, you'll first have to make your way to Homer, and from there continue down the East End Rd about 15 minutes. You'll be driving on some dirt & gravel roads, so you'll want to have a car that can handle the terrain, especially if you're visiting in the winter when roads are a bit more rugged. If you're one of the lucky ones who has access to your own plane, then you can also fly right to the property and park your plane onsite. Of course, you'll want to get prior permission and arrange specifics with Ashton (the owner) before you touchdown. For logistics and planning, the FAA Airport Identifier for the airstrip is 02AN and is 1,500 feet in length, with fuel (100LL) and tie-downs available.
What to Expect at Emerald Ridge
Technically, Emerald Ridge has two different stays - the "Control Tower" which is where I stayed, and the nearby A-Frame which is a completely dry cabin on the property. The Control Tower sleeps 4, with 2 queen size beds, has a full bathroom and kitchen, and a cozy fireplace in the living room. It's worth keeping in mind that in order to reach the beds, you'll need to climb a steep set of stairs to get to the bedroom/loft area. There's also a deck in the front with cozy seating, an outdoor grill, and even though it's an "off-grid" stay, it still has electric, plumbing, and Wi-Fi thanks to a mix of solar power and batteries. Plus, they're currently in the process of adding a sauna room right next to the Control Tower.
My Favorite Tours from Homer :
- Grewingk Glacier Lake Hike - Brooks Falls Bear Viewing - Kachemak Bay Wildlife Tour
My Experience Staying at Emerald Ridge
Arriving at Emerald Ridge
Like I mentioned above, there are two drastically different ways to arrive at Emerald Ridge, driving or flying. After making the turn off East End Road, you'll turn onto a few different gravel roads before making it to their homestead. Once onsite, you'll drive past their house, barn, and greenhouse before arriving to the Control Tower. On the other hand, if you fly in then you'll simply land and park just feet from the Control Tower cabin. As soon as you head inside you'll immediately feel how cozy the stay is. There's a cozy loveseat, a small fireplace, comfortable beds with soft linens, and the views are incredible. I stayed during peak fall colors, and just over the tips of the fall foliage I could see Kachemak Bay and the mountains and glaciers in the background. Even though the Control Tower is located on the family's homestead, the surroundings are so peaceful and quiet, and it feels like you have the entire place to yourself. 
Exploring the Property + Things to Do
I've already mentioned how the Control Tower is located on the family's homestead, what I haven't mentioned are all the unique amenities, or should I say animals, that come with it. You can find their cows, chickens and ducks all just a short walk from the cabin, and Ashton is pretty open with letting guests visit with them. They also have a dairy cow that wanders around eating fresh grass along the airstrip, and if you're really lucky you might see some wild animals on the property too like moose, bears and foxes. The other major draw to staying at Emerald Ridge is having the option to fly in and out. Even if you don't have your own plane, there's a small chance Ashton might bring you up in his plane if he has time, and the views of Kachemak Bay, the Homer Spit, and Grewingk Glacier from the air are absolutely incredible. Even more so if you happen to stay during peak fall colors (I visited in mid-September). And of course, if you want to find something to do in the town of Homer, then you're always just a 15 minute drive away. 
Is Emerald Ridge Worth It?
If you're planning a trip to Homer, the truth is you have quite a few options on where to stay, so you might be wondering if staying at Emerald Ridge is worth it. And if I'm being honest, I think this is one of the coziest and most unique stays I've been to. It's perfect for small families or couples, and even on a rainy weekend it was the perfect place to cozy up by the fireplace, chow down on some home-cooked meals, and enjoy the amazing views. Of course, it's also perfect for any local pilots who want a unique fly-in getaway or anyone who's interested in off-grid stays. Being able to fly-in and land right at your stay is a characteristic you won't find anywhere else in Alaska, and in my personal opinion, that alone makes Emerald Ridge 100% worth it.
Watch My Stay at Emerald Ridge Here!
Coming Soon!
Other Alaska blog posts you might be interested in :
-> 11 Best Places to Eat in Homer -> Best Things to Do in Homer, Alaska -> Homestead Tour in Homer
Pin this Emerald Ridge Stay for Later!
|
Hi, I'm Deborah! In 2022 my husband convinced me to move to Alaska. After living here for a year (then leaving to take a year long world trip) we realized there was no place we loved more. So now we're back - and I'm here to share all my best tips and hidden gems to make Your Alaskan Adventures the best they can be. \\\ My blog is free to read, but some links may be affiliates. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. Learn more here. \\\ 
|
|
©COPYRIGHT 2026 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
|