As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
Just outside of Fairbanks is a beautiful area up in the rolling hills of interior Alaska. At Just Short of Magic Dog Mushing Tours and Yurt Bed & Breakfast, you can get a taste of life in rural Alaska. Meet the resident team of eager and happy Alaskan Huskies on a summer educational kennel tour, take a dog sled ride in winter and watch the aurora borealis (northern lights) from your own private deck at this unique yurt bed & breakfast. This place is very Alaskan, and you’ll love the setting in the peaceful boreal forest. If you crave a wilderness adventure, but also wants the comforts of a cozy cabin combined with the joys of sled dogs, visit this country retreat in the woods for a true taste of life in Alaska.
Just Short of Magic lies on 5 secluded acres in the Alaskan birch tree forest on Chena Hot Springs Road about 30 minutes outside of Fairbanks. The yurt is a nestled in a meadow, surrounded by towering birch and spruce trees.
Yurts were traditionally used by Mongolian nomads as portable housing, but in recent years modern yurts have become popular, especially in Alaska. You'll love the style of this unique, round dwelling.
There is only one yurt on the property and no neighbors nearby, providing peace and privacy for your wilderness escape.
The inside is comfortable and spacious with an open floor plan and plenty of room for 1 to 4 quests, including a queen and sofa bed. They also offer air mattresses and sleeping bags for up to three more guests for camping around the wood stove.
You'll love the crackle and warm glow of the traditional wood stove on cool nights, keeping the yurt homey and comfortable. Plenty of split, dry firewood is provided.
Staying at the yurt is the ultimate glamping experience. Although there is no running water, the floor is carpeted and the interior is decorated elegantly with Alaskana decor.
Guests can head to the main house for a shared bathroom and shower. There is also a clean, new outhouse behind the yurt for the true Alaskan experience.
The area is pastoral with a private deck to relax on and bask in the midnight summer sun, watch the autumn leaves fall, or enjoy the snow falling on the meadow in winter.
Carey Seward
The winter nights bring fabulous displays of Aurora Borealis when conditions are right.
Forty-four cheerful Alaska huskies live in the open dog yard at the property. These are Alaskan sled dogs, born and raised to run through the wilderness pulling a sled.
Robert Peterson
Advertisement
The dogs are impeccably trained and quiet at night, and visitors find them to be a joyful addition to their experience.
Each dog has it's own umbrella for shade on hot summer days and a dog house filled with straw to stay warm in the winter. These dog teams don't race, they exclusively run tours for visitors.
Each morning, your hosts cook up a hot, homemade Alaskan breakfast delivered to the yurt. From December to April, visitors can experience a real dog sled ride on a piece of the 1000-mile Yukon Quest sled dog race trail route.
You can also hit the beautiful trails available in the area for hiking or head up the road to Chena Hot Springs Resort for a soak.
Robert Peterson
Advertisement
A new visitor lounge was just completed in August of 2017. This large, open lodge is a place visitors can gear up for adventure and or relax with a hot drink after a dog tour. Here you will find winter gear so you can stay toasty on the trail.
Robert Peterson
Business owner and dog mushing guide Eleanor Wirts welcomes visitors to share the beauty of the land she calls home. Stay at this yurt, watch the Aurora, and go dog mushing for a true taste of life in interior Alaska.
