Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is a composite of ecosystems representative of many regions of Alaska. The spectacular scenery stretches from the shores of Cook Inlet, across the Chigmit Mountains, to the tundra covered hills of the western interior. The Chigmits, where the Alaska and Aleutian Ranges meet, are an awesome, jagged array of mountains and glaciers which include two active volcanoes, Mt. Redoubt and Mt. Iliamna. Lake Clark, 40 miles long and many other lakes and rivers within the park are critical salmon habitat to the Bristol Bay salmon fishery, one of the largest sockeye salmon fishing grounds in the world. Numerous lake and river systems in the park and preserve offer excellent fishing and wildlife viewing.
History & Culture
The year 2000 was a big year for people in Alaska. It was twenty years ago that the Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act (ANILCA), was passed by Congress and signed by President Carter. This legislation set aside over 50 million acres of land as National Parks and Preserves. Over 104 million acres total were protected as National Parks and Preserves, National Wildlife Refuges, National Forests, Bureau of Land Management and National Monuments. Ten new National Park areas were set aside and others expanded for a total of fifteen National Park Service sites in Alaska. The park lands in Alaska are special. They are different from National Park sites in the Lower 48. Most of the National Parks here are National Parks and Preserves. The National Park portion of the units in Alaska are similar to those anywhere else in the country for the park visitor. However, they allow a very important activity to continue that is not allowed in other parks, subsistence. This allows Alaska residence to hunt, fish and use the resources in the park as they traditionally have. The National Preserve is an area adjacent to the park where sport hunting is allowed.
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve was set aside to maintain its wilderness qualities. It was also established to protect a portion of the Bristol Bay watershed for the perpetuation of the Sockeye salmon fishery. Four of the five biotic communities found in Alaska are within Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. A visit to Lake Clark is an experience that will afford you a rare opportunity in today’s world, the opportunity to experience to solitude and grandeur in the same moment. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve belongs to all of us, past, present and future generations. Everyone is responsible for protecting it.
Recreation
A serendipitous feature of Lake Clark National Park is its varied topography. There is something here for everyone. Contrast seashores with glacial valleys, gentle tundra foothills with colorful, glacier fed, alpine lakes. Adventures here await those who take the first step. Entirely trailless; the park and preserve’s western parts generally offer the easiest hiking. The drier, brush less tundra plateaus enable hikers to go where ever they chose. Farther south, there is more timber and brush along the drainages, hence more bushwhacking and tougher going if one leaves the ridges. This area is still good hiking and is less frequented by the public.
Hiking
Hiking in the wilderness brings with it its own rewards for those willing to partake in the adventure. Wilderness travel, backpacking, crosscountry hiking, rafting/kayaking, wildlife viewing, hunting and fishing are the primary activites in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve.
Day hiking opportunities are endless. Alpine lakes, tundra meadows, river gravel bars or a challenging bushwhack up to a seldom visited waterfall. A drop off by boat or a plane ride out from Port Alsworth will definitely get you into the country. There are few if any trails in Lake Clark’s wilderness. Game trails abound, but where they go and who you’ll bump into traveling them lends an air of mystery to that type of day hike adventure.
Getting There
By Plane
Access to the Lake Clark region is by small aircraft. Float planes may land on the many lakes throughout the area. Wheeled planes land on open beaches, gravel bars, or private airstrips in or near the park. A one to two-hour flight from Anchorage, Kenai or Homer will provide access to most points within the park and preserve.
By Car
There is no highway access to the park and preserve.
By Public Transportation
Scheduled commercial flights between Anchorage and Iliamna, 30 miles outside the boundary, provide another means of access.
Getting Around
There are no roads in the park. A two and one half mile trail to Tanalian Falls and Kontrashibuna Lake is accessible from the town of Port Alsworth. The 50 mile Telaquana Trail depicted on maps is an undeveloped historic route from Lake Clark to Telaquana Lake.
Traveler Facts
Contact Information
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
1 Park Place
Port Alsworth, AK 99653
Phone: 907-781-2218
Fax: 907-781-2119
Operating Hours & Seasons
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is open year round.
Weather/Climate
June through August temperatures average between 50 and 65 F with considerable precipitation. Weather conditions in the region change suddenly and proper equipment, rain and cool weather gear, extra food and extra cooking fuel, are essential for any back country travel. Frost and snow can occur in September and October and in mid-summer evening frost should be expected. Strong winds can occur at any time. Winter temperatures can sink to -40 degrees F.
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