.webp)
Find Your Place to Settle In.
Choose from four short-term rentals across Hyer Road Estates and Hatcher Pass Estate, each with its own character and connection to the land.
.webp)
Gather Somewhere Meaningful.
Plan an outdoor micro-wedding or elopement for up to 30 guests, with two very different Alaska settings to choose from.
.webp)
A Little Wild.
A Little Refined. Entirely Alaska.
There is something different about a place with a story behind it.
At Gilded Fern, mountain views, quiet woods, family history, and thoughtfully cared-for spaces come together in two distinct Alaska settings. Come for a peaceful stay, an intimate celebration, or simply a little more room to gather somewhere meaningful.
Hyer Road
Mountain Views & A Piece of Family History
Hyer Road is home to the Farmhouse, Knik Bungalow, and Chugiak Bungalow, all gathered on the property where the Mahler family built a life together. The farmhouse was Dave and Dorinda Mahler’s family home, and today the property pairs that history with open lawn and views toward Pioneer Peak. Stay in one rental or bring more of your people together across the property.
.webp)
Hatcher Pass
40 Private Acres in the Woods
Near Hatcher Pass, Little Susitna Hideaway offers a different kind of escape. The one-bedroom cabin sits among 40 private acres, surrounded by woods with open grassy space, a fire pit, and sauna access. It’s a quieter, more tucked-away setting for guests who want their Alaska stay to feel a little farther from everything else.
Two Properties,
Two Ways to Get Away
Gilded Fern’s four stays are tucked across two family properties, each with its own side of Alaska to settle into. Choose the open views and shared history of Hyer Road, or trade the mountains on the horizon for 40 private acres in the woods near Hatcher Pass. Both properties have been part of the Mahler family story for generations and are now places guests get to make part of their own.
.webp)
The Farmhouse
A two-bedroom family farmhouse with room for up to five guests and a Pioneer Peak view every morning and evening.
Chugiak Bungalow
Private bungalow available on its own or paired with the other Hyer Road Estates rentals.
Knik Bungalow
A cozy private bungalow that can be booked independently or alongside the other Hyer Road Estates rentals.
The Hideaway
A one-bedroom cabin for up to four guests, set among 40 private acres near Hatcher Pass with sauna access.
Find the Stay that Fits
Small Weddings & Elopements
Gather Close. Celebrate Fully.
Some celebrations are meant to feel a little more personal. Gilded Fern offers outdoor Alaska micro weddings and elopements for up to 30 guests, with overnight accommodations and two distinctive settings: open mountain views at Hyer Road or a quiet woodland retreat near Hatcher Pass.
Engagement
& Elopment
A 10-hour setup and event window with a one-night stay, tables, chairs, reception tent, porta potty, property access, and on-site support.
.webp)
Signature
Micro-Wedding
A two-night experience with additional time for setup, celebrating, and gathering with your guests.
.webp)
A Few Extras For
Your Celebration
Depending on the property, additional options include camping, bungalow stays, a canvas get-ready tent, and a wooden bar.
Intimate Celebrations
Make a Little More Time for It
Your wedding does not have to begin and end in a few hurried hours. Gilded Fern's wedding packages pair your celebration with overnight accommodations and practical event essentials, giving you more space to arrive, settle in, and enjoy the people who came to gather with you.
Gilded Fern Estates is a beautiful place! Between the cozy interior of the house and cabins, the quiet area, and breathtaking views- this will always be my favorite and first option for small intimate weddings. I feel like the owner puts so much thought and effort into making sure her guests stay is comfortable and enjoyable! And with all the hassle that weddings can be nowadays, I truly believe you won’t regret picking Gilded Fern Estates for a more memorable, serene wedding.
-Amazing Grace Photography
.webp)
.webp)
Find the People Who Fit Your Day
A beautiful setting is only one part of the celebration.
​
Connect with local professionals who can help bring the rest together, from the photographs you'll keep to the flowers, drinks, hair, makeup, and finishing touches that make the day feel like yours.
​
Explore photographers, florists, bartenders, hair and makeup artists, and more.
Bring Your Best Friend
Some Guests Have Four Legs
At Hatcher Pass, your dog can be part of the celebration too.
​
Up to two dogs are welcome for engagements, elopements, and micro weddings at the property. Dogs must remain leashed, are not permitted inside the cabin, and need to leave after the event.
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
Create Somewhere Beautiful
Brands & Creators Welcomed
The landscapes at Gilded Fern can also become the backdrop for engagement sessions, styled shoots, photographer workshops, and other creative collaborations.
​
If you're a photographer, creative, or brand looking for a meaningful Alaska setting, we'd love to hear what you're imagining.
.png)
A Dream Carried Forward
Long before Gilded Fern became a place for guests and celebrations, these properties were simply home.
In the 1970s, Dave and Dorinda Mahler purchased their Hyer Road property and began building a life there with their two young boys. Dave built the farmhouse piece by piece, creating a home filled with hard work, memories, and love.
​
In 1975, Dave purchased land in Hatcher Pass and drew plans for a cabin he dreamed of building. Dave and Dorinda eventually made Hatcher Pass their home, and both properties were later passed down to George. Years later, his son George and daughter-in-law brought those drawings of his dream cabin to life.
​
Today, these places carry the family's story into another generation and are being shared in a new way. We hope you feel a little of that history while you're here and create special memories of your own.
