Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is an American national park in southwest Alaska, about 100 miles (160 km) southwest of Anchorage. The park was first proclaimed a national monument in 1978, then established as a national park and preserve in 1980 by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. The park includes many streams and lakes vital to the Bristol Bay salmon fishery, including its namesake Lake Clark. A wide variety of recreational activities may be pursued in the park and preserve year-round. The park protects rainforests along the coastline of Cook Inlet, alpine tundra, glaciers, glacial lakes, major salmon-bearing rivers, and two volcanoes, Mount Redoubt and Mount Iliamna. Mount Redoubt is active, erupting in 1989 and 2009. The wide variety of ecosystems in the park mean that virtually all major Alaskan animals, terrestrial and marine, may be seen in and around the park. Salmon, particularly sockeye salmon, play a major role in the ecosystem and the local economy. Large populations of brown bears are attracted to feed on the spawning salmon in the Kijik River and at Silver Salmon Creek. Bear watching is a common activity in the park.
No roads lead to the park, which can only be reached by boat or small aircraft, typically floatplanes. The major settled area in the park and preserve is Port Alsworth on Lake Clark. Five other settlements are near the park, populated mainly by Dena’ina natives. Prior to the park’s establishment, isolated cabins were scattered around the region, the most well-known belonging to Richard Proenneke, whose films documenting his solitary life at Twin Lakes were made into Alone in the Wilderness in 2003.
Lake Clark was proclaimed a national monument by President Jimmy Carter using the Antiquities Act on December 1, 1978. Lake Clark’s status was changed to national park and preserve in 1980 by Congress, and about two-thirds was designated wilderness. While both sport and subsistence hunting are permitted in the national preserve lands, only subsistence hunting by local residents is permitted within the national park.
- Accessibility – 1/10
- Recreation – 9/10
- Crowds – 10/10
- Amenities – 1.5/10
- Scenery – 10/10
Getting to Lake Clark National Park
Lake Clark is one of the more remote Alaska National Parks which means getting there is logistically challenging.
There are a few options, all of which require a flight on a small plane.
The gateway town to the park is Port Alsworth which can be reached from Anchorage or another one of the small, nearby coastal towns like King Salmon, Homer, or Kodiak.
- Wheeled plane – take a flight on a wheeled plane to snow strips, beaches, and gravel bars.
- Float plane – take a flight on a float plane to Lake Clark or a different body of water.
Can You Drive to Lake Clark National Park?
No, you cannot drive to Lake Clark National Park as it is too remote with no roads leading into the park itself. The only way to access the park is by air or water, w
Entrance Fees – Lake Clark National Park
Good news here, folks! Lake Clark National Park does not charge an admission fee to access the park.
with flights being the easiest and most popular way.
Best Time to Visit Lake Clark National Park – Seasons & Weather
The best time to visit Lake Clark National Park is during Summer months. We recommend July & August for the best chance of catching some days without rain.
Highlights – Best Things to Do Lake Clark National Park
- Proenneke’s Cabin – Visit this historic cabin featured in a PBS documentary set in the stunning wilderness of Lake Clark National Park.
- Wildlife Viewing – Lake Clark National Park is one of the brown bear viewing capitols of the world not to mention moose, eagles, and all sorts of other spectacular wildlife.
- Canoeing & Kayaking – Lake Clark National Park is home to some of the most breath-taking water activities on the planet. Take a canoe or kayak out onto Lake Clark itself and experience it for yourself.
- Fishing – Wild salmon and beautiful trout are the name of the game in this world-class fishing.
- Day Hikes – Take a scenic
Where to Stay – Camping & Lodging at Lake Clark National Park
Camping at Lake Clark National Park
There are no developed campgrounds or sites in Lake Clark National Park. There is however, an abundance of camping opportunities of the make your own adventure variety.
Lake Clark Backcountry Camping
Backcountry camping & backpacking is the name in Lake Clark National Park as there are no developed campgrounds. For detailed information on backcountry camping guidelines and rules visit the NPS page.
Lake Clark Public Use Cabins
There are a number of reservable public use cabins available in Lake Clark National Park.
- Priest Rock Public Use Cabin
- Joe Thompson Public Use Cabin
Lake Clark Hotels & Lodges
The Farm Lodge
Chulitna Lodge
Redoubt Lodge
Silver Salmon Creek