Things to do in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
A roadless Alaska park of turquoise lakes, volcanoes, salmon streams, brown bear coast, mountains, tundra, and the historic Dick Proenneke cabin.
Best months: June, July, August, September
What is worth your time in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
Port Alsworth Visitor CenterDo not miss
The visitor center is the best orientation stop for conditions, bear safety, cultural history, and local day hikes.
Ranger Program · 1.1 hr4.8
Richard Proenneke Historic CabinDo not miss
The hand-built cabin at Twin Lakes tells one of Alaska's most beloved wilderness self-reliance stories.
Ranger Program · 3 hr4.8
Chinitna Bay Bear ViewingDo not miss
The coastal sedge meadows are one of Alaska premier places to watch brown bears feed and move through tidal flats.
Wildlife · 7.5 hr
Crescent Lake Bear ViewingDo not miss
Crescent Lake combines bear viewing, salmon streams, mountain scenery, and fly-in wilderness.
Wildlife · 7.5 hr
Tanalian Falls Trail
This Port Alsworth trail reaches a powerful waterfall and lake views without needing another flight.
Hike · 3.3 hr5
Silver Salmon Creek
The coastal area is known for bear viewing, salmon streams, and remote lodge-based wildlife trips.
Wildlife · 7.5 hr4.9
Iliamna Volcano View
Clear days can reveal Iliamna Volcano and the volcanic backbone of the park from air or lake viewpoints.
Viewpoint · 1 hr
Kontrashibuna Lake
The extension beyond Tanalian Falls reaches a quiet turquoise lake backed by mountains.
Hike · 5 hr
Lake Clark Backcountry Backpacking
Remote backpacking opens tundra, passes, lakes, and coast for self-reliant wilderness travelers.
Hike · 10 hr
Lake Clark Fishing
Fishing is a major local activity when done with current Alaska regulations and bear-safe handling.
Other · 3 hr
Lake Clark Flightseeing
Flightseeing reveals the park scale: turquoise lakes, volcanoes, glaciers, coast, and wilderness.
Viewpoint · 2.8 hr
Lake Clark Night Sky
Late summer and shoulder-season darkness can bring stars and aurora over the lake.
Stargazing · 1.4 hr
Lake Clark Paddle
Paddling near Port Alsworth gives water-level views of the lake, mountains, and shoreline habitat.
Water Activity · 3 hr
Teetering Rock
This short steep climb near Port Alsworth gives a quick viewpoint over Lake Clark.
Hike · 1.5 hr
And 1 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Lake Clark is famous for bear viewing at Chinitna Bay and Crescent Lake, turquoise Lake Clark, the Proenneke cabin at Twin Lakes, volcanoes, and fly-in wilderness.