Remote, vast, and breathtakingly wild, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is a backcountry paradise located on Alaska’s rugged peninsula. With no roads leading into the park, most visitors arrive by small plane, landing near Port Alsworth. Once inside, you’ll encounter a diverse landscape where three mountain ranges, two volcanoes, tundra, forests, and glacial lakes converge. Whether you're hiking along scenic trails, exploring historic cabins, or paddling pristine waters, Lake Clark offers one of the most immersive wilderness experiences in the National Park System.

Recommended For

Lake Clark is perfect for:

  • Backcountry adventurers—looking to hike, paddle, or fly into the Alaskan wilderness
  • Wildlife and fishing enthusiasts—drawn to the park’s salmon runs, birdlife, and arctic species
  • History and conservation buffs—interested in Richard Proenneke’s legacy and Dena’ina culture
  • Photographers and nature lovers—seeking solitude, scenic beauty, and panoramic views

Why Visit Lake Clark?

  • Explore volcanic peaks, alpine tundra, and glacier-fed lakes in one extraordinary landscape.
  • Experience the heart of the Bristol Bay salmon fishery—a lifeline for local communities and wildlife.
  • Visit Proenneke’s historic cabin, an enduring symbol of sustainable living and wilderness preservation.

Top Hikes and Trails

  • The only maintained trails are in the Tanalian Trails system, starting near the southern airstrip in Port Alsworth.
  • Enjoy a moderate hike along the Beaver Pond Trail, winding through birch groves and past a beaver pond.
  • For a challenge, hike to Tanalian Mountain—a steep climb with stunning views of Lake Clark.
  • Tanalian Falls offers a 30-foot cascade of glacial water and leads to Kontrashibuna Lake for extended hiking.
  • The backcountry hike to Teetering Rock begins at Proenneke’s cabin and offers solitude and alpine views.

Historic Sites and Cultural Legacy

  • Richard Proenneke’s cabin (built in 1967) is a National Historic Place and showcases a life of off-grid simplicity and conservation.
  • The cabin site includes a raised food cache, woodshed, and outhouse, all preserved for educational visits.
  • During summer, ranger-led tours of the cabin provide a firsthand look at Proenneke’s tools, journals, and pioneering spirit.
  • Learn about Allen Woodward, a WWII veteran and pilot who helped protect the park by selling his cabins to the National Park Foundation.

Fishing and Water Adventures

  • Twin Lakes is a hotspot for sockeye salmon and arctic grayling fishing.
  • Try kayaking, canoeing, or white-water rafting down the Chilikadrotna River for an unforgettable wilderness float.

Where to Stay

  • For those not camping, consider staying at the rustic Priest Rock cabins—8 miles from Port Alsworth on Lake Clark, originally built by Allen Woodward.

Park Museum and Artifacts

  • Visit the museum at the Port Alsworth Visitor Center to explore over 200,000 artifacts including fossils, journals, tools, and personal items from Proenneke.
  • One highlight is a Bristol Bay double-ender wooden sailboat donated by the Woodward family in 2000, once used in Alaska’s commercial fishing industry.

Indigenous Heritage

  • Lake Clark’s original name, “Qizhjeh Vena”, means “place where people gather” in the language of the Dena’ina people.
  • The Dena’ina have lived and hunted in the region for thousands of years, and their traditions remain a vital part of the park’s story.

Planning Your Visit

  • There is no road access to Lake Clark—visitors typically arrive via chartered flights from Anchorage or Homer.
  • Summer is the best time to visit for hiking, fishing, and ranger-led tours—pack for changing weather and bring bear-safe storage.
  • Check the official Lake Clark National Park website for current conditions, air taxi services, and backcountry regulations.

Address: Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Port Alsworth, AK 99653
Phone: 907-781-2118
Website: www.nps.gov/lacl

Plan Your Trip