03/29/2026
Dear Friends, family and especially to all our wonderful past guests of Cold Bay Adventure Lodge that have continually supported us and helped make us Cold Bays Premier full service Lodge. We want to personally thank you as we never could of done it without all of your help. I canāt name all of you but you know who you are, So thank you again for putting your trust in us.
Today is a bittersweet day, As Helen, our family and I have decided to sell out and start down the path of limited retirement in bush Alaska.
As Helen and I reflect on the past 40 wonderful years in total in Alaska, and the past 9 years at Cold Bay Adventure Lodge, we are filled with gratitude for every guest who has walked through our doors and shared in the experiences that made this place so special.
From early mornings heading out on the lagoon to hunt brant, to evenings spent around the dinner table sharing stories, laughter, and enjoying Miss Helen, Stephanie and Samanthas homemade meals and desserts or just laughing at the lodge and playing with little Charlie. The memories weāve made with all of you will stay with our family memories and legacy for many years to come.
It has truly been an honor for our family and our staff to host you and build so many lasting friendships along the way. Your support, kindness, and enthusiasm have meant the world to us. We also want to extend a special thank you to all of our past guides and staff who helped make Cold Bay Adventure Lodge what it is today. Including Brandon Miller, Justin Bleicher, Jack Nelson, Jennifer Platt, Dan King, Richard Charlton, Gavin webster, Daryl and Tracy Melancon, Joel Campbell, Nate Sanocki and Michael Ashley. And a huge thank you to Bill and Lillian Sager our neighbors and close friends who have always been there for us. As you all contributed greatly in your own ways and we truly appreciate all the hard work that you put into treating our guests with the utmost personal service.
As Helen and I step back away from the lodge and move into a limited retirement unfortunately we not be at the lodge this summer and fall as we will be spending more time with our close family and other projects.
Effective April 15, Cold Bay Adventure Lodge, along with its entire guide service, fleet of boats and equipment and the complete operations, will transition to Cold Bay Safaris under the ownership of Hugh Clark.
Cold Bay Safaris is part of the Willow Air Alaska family, a veteran-led, Alaska-based big game guiding and air transport company with a strong reputation for professionalism, safety, and delivering high-quality wilderness experiences across the state.
Trace and Hugh bring decades of combined experience in Alaska hunting, aviation logistics, and remote operations. Their team is well-equipped to continue building on what weāve created here, while elevating the overall experience for future guests.
While it is bittersweet for us to step away from this chapter, we are confident Cold Bay Adventure Lodge will continue to thrive and provide exceptional experiences for years to come under their leadership.
Helen and I will continue operating in Alaska and focus our energy on Aleutian Island Waterfowlers specializing in our Sea Duck and King Eider hunts on Island X, along with Pioneering Some new International Hunt Destinations to be announced soon including Russia, Mexico, Africa and Caribbean winter vacations. While also continuing and expanding our Wilderness Camp at Volcano Bay for fishing, wildlife photography, and adventure trips each summer from July 1 through October. The same location that we were Featured on the hit series āLife on the Edge season 1-2ā , that now plays on Amazon Prime and showcased on the Outdoor channel if you have not seen it we encourage everyone to watch it. Or check us out at www.volcanobayalaska.com
As of April 1st, Cold Bay Safaris will be handling all new reservations and assuming full operational control, including a new management staff, social media platforms, and website presence associated with Cold Bay Adventure Lodge, including ColdBayOutfitters.com website as we will not be there this summer or fall in any capacity.
For all future bookings or questions regarding Cold Bay Adventure Lodge and Cold Bay Safaris operations, please contact:
Hugh Clark
Cold Bay Safaris
907-600-2586
[email protected]
For guests who already have trips booked for this season, we will be reaching out personally by phone and email. All existing reservations will be transferred and honored. Should any guest choose to make changes during this transition, deposits will be refunded in full by Helen and myself no questions asked.
Thank you again for being part of our journey and for the friendships and memories we will always cherish.
We wish each of you a wonderful year ahead and many great adventures wherever your travels may take youāand we wish the new team continued success in this next chapter.
We will greatly miss everyone
Sincerely Capt. Charlie & Helen Summerville
Ph:907-512-6344 [email protected]
ā The OG Fun Guides of Cold Bay ā
