The lodge contains many old relics of the gold rush era. The population of Gakona is primarily non-Native, but it is a recognized traditional Native village. The community has a commercial district, a non-Native residential area, and a Native village. Economy Gakona depends upon local businesses and seasonal tourist travel. There is a motel, restaurant, bar, newspaper print shop, sawmill and dog sled maker in Gakona.
Summers provide income for local fishing and hunting guides, rafting operations and outfitters.
Four residents hold commercial fishing permits. Some residents rely on subsistence activities and trapping. All residences have individual wells and septic systems and complete plumbing. The school also uses its own well water system. Refuse collection services are available from Copper Basin Sanitation, which hauls waste to the Glennallen landfill.