Lake Clark National Park
Where the Alaska Range meets the sea, with volcanoes, glaciers, and abundant wildlife in pristine wilderness.
Park Overview
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve encompasses four million acres of pristine wilderness in southwest Alaska, where the Alaska Range meets the sea. The park features active volcanoes, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife including brown bears, salmon, and migratory birds. With no roads and limited access, this remote park offers true wilderness adventure for experienced travelers.
Fun Facts
Lake Clark is home to two active volcanoes: Mount Redoubt and Mount Iliamna.
The park protects critical habitat for the largest population of sockeye salmon in the world.
Brown bears gather in large numbers to feed on salmon during the annual runs.
The park has no roads, trails, or visitor facilities—pure wilderness experience.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June – August): Twenty-four hours of daylight. Forty-five to seventy-five °F. Peak wildlife viewing, salmon runs, wildflowers. Mosquito peak, occasional rain.
Fall (September): Twelve to sixteen hours of daylight. Thirty-five to sixty °F. Fall colors, fewer bugs, aurora begins. Cooler temps, some services reduced.
Winter (October – May): Less than ten hours of daylight. Below freezing to thirty °F. Northern lights, solitude. Extreme cold, limited access.
Things to Do
Wildlife Viewers:
- Bear viewing at Chinitna Bay and Silver Salmon Creek
- Salmon fishing in Lake Clark and its tributaries
- Bird watching for migratory species
Adventure-Seekers:
- Backpacking in the Chigmit Mountains
- Kayaking on Lake Clark and surrounding waters
- Climbing Mount Redoubt or Mount Iliamna
Photographers:
- Sunrise over the Alaska Range
- Bear photography during salmon runs
- Aurora borealis in winter
Entry Points & Access
Port Alsworth: Main visitor center and floatplane base. Access via scheduled flights from Anchorage.
Chinitna Bay: Bear viewing destination. Charter floatplane access from Port Alsworth or Anchorage.
Silver Salmon Creek: Prime bear viewing location. Charter floatplane access.
Family-Friendly?
This park is recommended only for experienced families with wilderness skills. The remote location and lack of facilities make it challenging for most families with children.
Accessibility Notes
No developed facilities exist in the park. Access is limited to those who can handle wilderness conditions.
Sample Itineraries
Three-Day Bear Viewing:
- Day One: Fly to Port Alsworth, orientation
- Day Two: Charter flight to Chinitna Bay for bear viewing
- Day Three: Return to Port Alsworth, depart
Week-Long Wilderness:
- Days One-Two: Set up base camp at Lake Clark
- Days Three-Five: Backpack in Chigmit Mountains
- Days Six-Seven: Return to base camp, depart
Planning Tips
Access: Floatplane or boat access only. Book flights well in advance.
Permits: None required for day use. Register backcountry trips.
Bear Safety: Carry bear spray and know proper bear encounter protocols.
Weather: Be prepared for rapidly changing conditions and rain.
Permits & Rules
No permits required for day use or backcountry camping.
Practice Leave No Trace principles.
Respect wildlife and maintain safe distances.
Compare With
Katmai National Park: Similar bear viewing but more accessible by road.
Kenai Fjords National Park: Marine wildlife and glaciers, more developed access.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park: Larger wilderness area with some road access.
Internal Links
Blog → "Bear Viewing in Lake Clark: A Photographer's Guide."
Printable → "Lake Clark Wildlife Checklist."
Printables (coming soon)
Lake Clark Bear Viewing Guide • Backcountry Safety Checklist • Wildlife Photography Tips
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