OVERVIEW

Traveling to Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is a journey into some of the most remote corners of Alaska’s untamed wilderness. But once you arrive, you’ll witness some of the most dramatic landscapes of any US National Park. From granite mountain ranges and colossal glaciers to cascading waterfalls and rugged coastlines, the scenery is breathtaking in every direction. 

Lake Clark is also one of the best parks for wildlife viewing as it’s home to grizzly bears, black bears, moose, caribou, wolves, seals, otters, hundreds of bird species and diverse marine life. The activities available in the park are also endless, with opportunities for scenic flights, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, camping or just admiring the peace and natural beauty of the region.

We had the opportunity to visit Lake Clark National Park and Preserve for four thrilling days in late June. Although the trip required a significant amount of preparation, we had an unforgettable experience filled with constant adventure. Hopefully this guide to Lake Clark will help you plan your own amazing trip to the region.

ABOUT THE PARK

Statistics and History

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is found in southwest Alaska and became the 31st US National Park on December 2, 1980. The park covers just over 4 million acres, ranking as the 7th largest US National Park.

Due to the remote location of Lake Clark and difficulty in accessing the area, the park and preserve only see about 18,000 annual visitors, making it one of the least visited US National Parks. 

The Dena’ina Athabascan people have lived in the Lake Clark area for thousands of years. They depended on the area’s rich natural resources for their way of life and developed a strong spiritual and cultural connection to the land.

Explorers and traders from Russia began settling in Lake Clark during the 18th and 19th centuries, developing trade partnerships with the Indigenous population. The US purchased Alaska in 1867, prompting American prospectors to migrate to the region in search of mining opportunities.

The early 20th century saw an increase in conservation efforts in Alaska due to the heightened interest in the state’s natural resources and beauty. In 1978 Lake Clark was designated as a national monument in an effort to protect the sockeye salmon population that is so important to the subsistence practices of the Dena’ina people.

In 1980, the area was redesignated as Lake Clark National Park and Preserve was established as part of Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA). It is now one of eight US National Parks found in the state of Alaska.

Interesting Fact: One of Lake Clark’s most famous residents was Richard Proenneke. He built a log cabin with only hand held tools on the shores of Upper Twin Lake in 1968 and resided in the area for almost 30 years. He documented his life in the remote wilderness, creating a number of written documents and films. His cabin remains a popular attraction in the park today and is accessible by seaplane.

Layout

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is characterized by its remote location and vast wilderness. It stands as one of the country’s largest, yet most challenging parks to access. The park is divided into two distinct sections, the park in the east and the preserve in the west.

The Chigmit Mountain Range contains two active volcanoes, Mount Redoubt and Mount Iliamna, and connects the Alaskan Range in the north with the Aleutian Range in the south. In fact, Mount Redoubt erupted as recently as 2009. The ranges are renowned for the rugged peaks and are home to numerous glaciers.

A few waterways run through the park and preserve as well. The Kvichak River originates from Lake Clark and is popular with fishermen due to its abundant salmon while the Tlikakila River is popular with rafters and kayakers. Turquoise Lake and the iconic Twin Lakes are found in the western portion of the park while Crescent Lake can be found in the eastern half.

The eastern boundary of Lake Clark National Park is marked by Cook Inlet. Along this passage some of the most popular locations in the park, including Chinitna Bay and Silver Salmon Creek.

The heart of the national park, as its name might suggest, is Lake Clark. The lake is 42 miles long and 5 miles wide, comprising an area of 125 square miles. On the eastern shores of Lake Clark you’ll find the small community of Port Alsworth, the primary gateway to the park and preserve. It’s home to the only park visitor center, two small airstrips, a few lodges, and even some restaurants.

Accessibility

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is located about 100 miles southwest of Anchorage and is only accessible by small aircraft or boat as it lacks any connected roadways. There are a few airstrips scattered throughout the park, the largest being in the town of Port Alsworth.

Port Alsworth receives daily chartered flights from Anchorage and the journey typically takes 60-90 minutes. Visitors also arrive from the city of Homer, located just across Cook Inlet from the park. From Port Alsworth, other chartered flights, seaplanes, air taxis, or organized tours can be booked to access other areas of the park and even nearby Katmai National Park.

Boating is also a popular way of exploring the region, particularly Lake Clark itself. Kayaks and canoes are available for rent from local outfitters such as Tulchina Adventures to navigate the lake as well as the nearby Tlikakila River and some of the other waterways.

Hiking trails and camping expeditions are another way of exploring Lake Clark. A few hiking trails are found near Port Alsworth while overnight backpacking trips are an option for experienced hikers hoping to access some of the more remote corners of the park.

Guided hikes and expeditions can also be arranged, providing expertise of the area and ensuring safety along the way. Bear viewing tours can also be booked to Silver Salmon Creek and Chinitna Bay, where you’ll have the opportunity for a closeup encounter with these fascinating creatures.

LOGISTICS

When to Go

Although Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is open year round, almost all visitors arrive during the more mild summer months. From June through August, the high temperatures usually range from 50 – 70° F while the park sees long daylight hours.

September ushers in cooler temperature and visitors are treated to amazing fall foliage. The dramatic landscapes and vivid colors make this a popular time for photography and wildlife viewing, particularly bears and birds as they prepare for hibernation and migration, respectively.

The inhospitable winter months can see temperatures as low as -30° F, with large amounts of snowfall and short daylight hours. For the few visitors that want to brave this weather, opportunities exist for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and spotting the Northern Lights.

Springtime sees wildlife emerge from hibernation as temperatures rise, snow thaws, and plants return to life. Some of the hiking trails become accessible, although snow and ice may linger in the area until June.

Regardless of the season, Lake Clark can see erratic changes in weather and potentially hostile conditions. Be prepared for the elements with multiple layers, sturdy rain gear, and waterproof boots. 

Where to Stay

Given its remote location with limited infrastructure, there are only a few lodging options in and around Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. As a result, these accommodations are generally quite expensive, often over $1,000 per night.

Port Alsworth is the most popular area to stay and contains several different lodges and resorts. Lake Clark Resort (formerly known as The Farm Lodge) is the most largest accomodation and offers comfortable, private cabins and three meals a day. Other options in Port Alsworth include Alaska’s Back Country Inn, Alaska’s Fishing Unlimited, and Tulchina Adventures.

We stayed in one of the family-owned cabins of The Wilder House B&B, offering privacy and comfort amidst the beauty of Lake Clark. The cabin was spacious and comfortably housed four adults and four children. It was simple but provided all the necessities. The owners were incredibly friendly, helped us book activities in the park, and made our time at Lake Clark truly special. 

Silver Salmon Creek Lodge, located on the shores of Cook Inlet is known for its bear viewing and fishing opportunities while the more luxurious Redoubt Mountain Lodge is found on Crescent Lake and offers gourmet meals, excellent fishing, and an exclusive Alaskan experience.

An alternative option to the lodges are campgrounds and backcountry camping. Tanalian Falls Campground, near Port Alsworth, has primitive facilities and simple amenities but is a great location for access to the trails leading to Tanalian Falls and Kontrashibuna Lake.

It’s important to note that Port Alsworth and all of the areas in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve have limited services and supplies. You’ll need to bring everything into the park that you intend to use during your visit, including food. 

How Much Time to Spend

The remote location of Lake Clark makes it a challenging and expensive national park to access. As a result, it’s worth dedicating at least a few days toward any visit to the area.

We felt that spending 3-4 days in the park and preserve would allow us to hike a few trails, enjoy a scenic flight tour of the park, explore Port Alsworth, and unwind in the region’s serene and tranquil setting.

With more time you could take a guided tour to some of the popular bear viewing spots, go on an extended backcountry expedition or fishing excursion, visit Richard Proenneke’s cabin at Upper Twin Lakes, or explore the lakes and rivers by kayak or canoe. 

When planning your visit to the park and preserve, be sure to factor in the potential expenses. The cost of lodging, chartered flights, and excursions will add up very quickly and you should anticipate spending several thousand dollars for your time in Lake Clark.

BEST THINGS TO DO

Scenic Flight Tour

The immense size but limited infrastructure of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve poses quite the challenge for those hoping to thoroughly explore the region. And although we witnessed some of the park’s amazing scenery during our chartered flight from Anchorage, we were hoping to see much more.

Our hosts at The Wilder House B&B arranged a one hour scenic flight on a small bush plane through some of the most iconic areas of Lake Clark. We were taken over endless evergreen forests, alongside winding riverbeds, and up over giant glaciers and towering mountain peaks.

Our favorite part of the flight was when we flew directly over the shores of Chinitna Bay. We saw dozens of grizzly bears congregating on the beach and digging through the tidal flats for clams. The flight was thrilling, scenic, informative and proved to be a great way to explore Lake Clark.  

Visitor Center

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve’s only Visitor Center is located in Port Alsworth. The center offers comprehensive information about Lake Clark, including its geological formation, cultural history, and diverse wildlife.

The helpful park rangers provided a map of the park and detailed descriptions of the various hiking trails available near Port Alsworth. We explored the various exhibits and interactive displays, highlighting the park’s unique ecosystem and conservation efforts. 

Oliver and Maddie always make sure to grab an activity book when visiting any US National Park Visitor Center. With the help of the ranger’s knowledge, they completed the booklet and were sworn in as honorary junior rangers of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve.

CK’s Food Truck

Having a food truck in the remote Alaskan wilderness might seem unusual, but CK’s Food Truck in Port Alsworth quickly became a staple during our visit to Lake Clark. Open for lunch and dinner six days a week, the beloved food truck is a fixture in Port Alsworth and is a popular place for the residents and tourists to grab a quick and delicious meal. 

Featuring local Alaskan cuisine as well as comfort foods, CK’s Food Truck uses locally sourced ingredients to create incredibly tasty food. You’ll find fresh seafood such as salmon and halibut, tasty burgers and hotdogs smothered with toppings, and sandwiches with hearty stews. Make sure to try one of their delicious milkshakes as well!

We ate three times and CK’s Food Truck and enjoyed every single meal. The friendly staff, welcoming atmosphere, and beautiful natural scenery made this one of our favorite experiences while visiting Lake Clark. 

Dining at Lake Clark Resort

Although CK’s Food Truck was great for a quick and easy meal, we decided to elevate our dining experience one evening by making dinner reservations at Lake Clark Resort. They serve wholesome meals consisting of locally caught fish, game, and homegrown vegetables.

The restaurant’s spacious dining hall is set on the shores of Lake Clark, offering views of the surrounding wilderness. The warm and peaceful ambiance was the perfect place to settle down after a day exploring Lake Clark. 

Tanalian Falls Trail

Despite the immense size and vast wilderness of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, there aren’t many accessible and maintained day hikes available, even from Port Alsworth. 

However, the Tanalian Falls Trailhead leaves Port Alsworth and winds through a lush, boreal forest until reaching Kontrashibuna Lake. You’ll meander through thick vegetation, across boardwalks, and over a bridge or two while hopefully experiencing some animal encounters. The round trip journey is about 5.5 miles.

One of the trail’s highlights is Tanalian Falls, a powerful waterfall that thunders its way over the rocks of Tanalian River. On the return to Port Alsworth, consider taking the alternative Beaver Pond Loop Trail or the three mile extension to the summit of Tanalian Mountain.

Bear Viewing at Chinitna Bay

Chinitna Bay, found on the shores of Cook Inlet on the eastern portion of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, is renowned for its fantastic bear viewing opportunities.

Flight Tours can be arranged from Anchorage, Homer, and even Port Alsworth. The small aircrafts land on the beach where a guide will accompany you to observe black and brown bears as they forage for clams and fish along the beach. 

We considered this experience but hesitated due to the cost. It would have been several thousand dollars for the four of us to fly to the beach and watch the bears in their natural habitat. Instead, we opted for a scenic flight over the park, though watching the bears would have been incredible.

FINAL IMPRESSIONS

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is unlike any other US National Park that we have visited. The lack of roads and basic infrastructure required us to do a lot of research and preparation to figure out how to get there, where to stay, how to get around, and what activities were available inside the park. 

Port Alsworth provided a great base from which to explore the park. The small community contains a few comfortable lodges and B&B’s in addition to food options such as CK’s Food Truck and the restaurant at The Farm Lodge. Flightseeing tours and other excursions can also be booked directly in town through Lake Clark Resort.

Unfortunately, visiting Lake Clark National Park and Preserve was not a cheap. The cost of chartering a plane to the park, staying in comfortable lodging for 3 nights, and booking a scenic flight were extremely high. Arranging other tours such as bear viewing or fishing excursions will make this trip even more expensive.

However, the remote location and absence of large crowds are part of what makes a visit to Lake Clark so special. The park’s serene environment, diverse wildlife, and stunning natural beauty provided the perfect retreat for relaxation and enjoyment.