You’ll Want To Spend All Day At This Waterfall-Fed Pool In Alaska
By Carey Seward
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Published June 30, 2018
In a remote spot in Alaska lies this roaring waterfall that leads to a peaceful lake. About 100 miles southwest of Anchorage is Port Alsworth in the Lake Clark National Park & Preserve. Nearby, Tanalian Falls is a beautiful tumbling waterfall that leads to the stunning Kontrashibuna Lake. It’s remote, so you’ll want to plan a full day to hike, paddle, fish, and just relax by the waterfall and feel the mist on your face. You’ll love this gorgeous waterfall-fed pool in remote Alaska for an amazing adventure in a beautiful place.
Lake Clark National Park
Spruce Road
Port Alsworth, AK 99653
Port Alsworth is a village of about 150 residents on private land within Lake Clark National Park & Preserve. The park headquarters is located in the village and that is where you will want to begin your journey to Tanalian Falls.
In this remote part of Alaska, you must fly in by small plane from Anchorage or the Kenai Peninsula. Air taxi rates are fairly reasonable as small plane travel is common in rural Alaska.
Find the Visitor's Center in Port Alsworth and they will direct you down the road to the trailhead. The trail winds through birch groves and dwarf dogwood as it heads to the falls and then the lake beyond.
Tanalian Falls is a beautiful spot with cold glacial water falling over a 30-foot cliff of ancient lava. The hike from town takes about an hour.
The hike is moderately difficult and pets are allowed on a leash.
Continue a mile further to the lovely waterfall-fed pool. Kontrashibuna Lake strikes a scenic pose as you emerge form the the tree-lined path onto the shores of the pristine glacial lake.
The full hike is a moderate out and back type trail that is about 7 miles from the village to the lake. Head out early and spend the whole day fishing, relaxing on the shores, or hiking in the area.
Fishing is popular in the area, both at the falls and in the lake. Bring your rod and reel and try your luck!
Plan a trip anytime you are looking for adventure in spring, summer or fall. The falls are stunning any time of year.
There are beaver ponds and shorebird nests lining the trail. In the summer, the area is lively with animal action.
In the fall, the colors are gorgeous and the trees come alive in the Alaskan gold of the birch forests. This is a beautiful autumn excursion.
Even when frozen in the fall and early spring, the falls are amazing. Head to Tanalian Falls and Kontrashibuna Lake for a day relaxing at a waterfall-fed pool.
If you love hiking to water features, Take This Beautiful Hike In Alaska Past Glaciers And Waterfalls For The Ultimate Adventure . This Magical Waterfall Campground In Alaska Is Unforgettable , and it truly is.
Have you been to Tanalian Falls? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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