Thanks for honoring Rainy Pass Lodge

To the editor:

The Perrins’ family wishes to thank state Sen. Linda Menard for commemorating Rainy Pass Lodge’s 75th year as Alaska’s oldest hunting lodge. On Feb. 24, the 27th Alaska State Legislature commended Rainy Pass Lodge for 75 years of contributing to Alaska’s rich history.

In 1937, Bud Branham established Rainy Pass Lodge, located in the Alaska Range 125 miles northwest of Anchorage. His brother, Dennis Branham, joined him in 1941 and helped develop Rainy Pass Lodge into a world-class hunting destination.

Now the lodge is owned and operated by Steven Perrins (master guide No. 123), his wife, Denise, and their sons, Steve II, Shane, Clayton, Chase and Colton. The Perrins family continues to serve many outdoorsmen and women from around the world. The lodge also serves as a strategic checkpoint for the Iron Dog race, Alaska Ultra-Sport and the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

During the past 75 years, Rainy Pass Lodge has played host to hundreds of sportsmen and women from around the world seeking unique challenges and adventure. Many well-known Alaskans have been associated with Rainy Pass Lodge, adding to its rich history, including Gov. Jay Hammond (master guide No. 9), who worked as a packer and assistant guide in 1946. Buckey Winkley (registered guide No. 34), has been a guide at the lodge since 1964 and now resides there in his on-site museum. Recently, Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell also visited the lodge.

Thank you to our son, Steve II, and Keith Perrins, who worked under the guidance of Senator Menard to award this commemorative citation for Rainy Pass Lodge.

And so, the legend lives on.

Steve and Denise Perrins

Rainy Pass