Naynachen (nay-nah-chin) means “our side” in the Dena’ina language. Here, it refers to our side of Lake Iliamna—a place deeply rooted in tradition and connection. Lake Iliamna is the ancestral homeland of three Native groups: the Dena’ina, the Yup’ik, and the Alutiiq people.

The south side of the lake, "Our Side," is known for its wild character. Winds funnel in from Cook Inlet, making this the windier, more rugged shoreline. It is also remote—the nearest village lies over 15 miles away by air or boat. Steep hills rise sharply from the water, often with no shoreline at all, and the land is thick with spruce, birch, willow, and alder.

Each year, thousands of sockeye salmon return home, passing the lodge as they enter the Copper River. Their arrival brings the entire ecosystem to life. From early spring through late fall, bears and wolves gather at the river’s mouth, feeding on roots, waterfowl, and the abundant salmon.

In spring, the Copper River becomes a crossroads for migratory birds. White-fronted (specklebelly) geese, swans, cranes, and a wide variety of ducks rest here for days, filling the grasslands and shallow waterways at the river’s entrance.

For thousands of years, people have also been drawn to this place. The Copper River has long been a breadbasket of Intricate Bay and of Lake Iliamna. Oral histories, along with stone arrow and spear points, suggest that people have harvested food here for 3,000 to 7,000 years. Families once maintained seasonal camps along the river, passing them down through generations.

Today, Naynachen Lodge continues that tradition of connection—offering a place to witness the rhythms of the land, the wildlife, and the enduring story of this remarkable region.

​