Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is on the Alaska Peninsula north of Katmai National Park about 120 air miles southwest of Anchorage. Like many areas in Alaska, Lake Clark cannot be accessed by roads, but is easy to get to by air or sea. Lake Clark is a backcountry park where the beauty and grandeur of Alaska are on display. There are volcanoes, mountain ranges, and wild rivers all around this stunning lake to explore on foot, kayak, raft, boat, or small plane. Don’t hesitate because of the air taxi, just head to Lake Clark this summer, an underrated Alaska lake that’s perfect for a day trip.
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
Port Alsworth, AK99653
This remote and beautiful lake is one of the most pristine places in Alaska. It is accessible by small plane or boat on the east side of the park on the Cook Inlet coast, weather and tides permitting.
Lake Clark is absolutely stunning, and off the beaten path. There are 7 miles of maintained trails, but no other amenities, roads or campgrounds. If you are well-prepared, it's an absolute paradise.
You can easily access the lake from anywhere on the Kenai Peninsula with a short flight. Two hours from Anchorage will get you to this slice of heaven.
Air taxis are common and can take you and pick you up anywhere you want to go in the park. Chartered boats are also available when conditions are right to access to the dock.
Advertisement
The glassy waters lap gently on the sandy beaches that surround the lake. There are miles of shoreline to wander as you spend a day relaxing at the lake.
Bring your inflatable kayak or other flotation devices to relax on the turquoise waters of the lake. The lake is about 40 miles long and 5 miles wide, so there is plenty of surface area for cruising around.
Measuring 42 miles long, the lake is 870 feet deep at it's deepest point. Mostly created by glacial run-off, the water is cold and clear, and safe for swimming, boating, fishing and relaxing on the beach.
Inhabited for more than 10,000 years, the Lake Clark area is a taste of Alaska without the business of modern day civilization. Escape the hustle of the city at this truly protected place, a safe haven for nature lovers.
There are multiple routes for back country backpacking. The adventurous will find this a spectacular place to get in touch with the natural world and see abundant wildlife, mountains, and wide open skies.
Read up on bear safety before you go. Follow "Leave no Trace" guidelines and you can have a safe and wonderful time in the park. Backcountry knowledge and common sense will go a long way in ensuring a great trip off-trail.
