Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, along the gulf coast of Southwestern Alaska, is the most remote and least visited of the United States National Parks, with a mere 5,000 annual visitors.
Lake Clark's first people are of Alaska Native descent and came to this region a millennia ago. In more recent times, Russian explorers and missionaries arrived in the 18th century, quickly followed by prospectors, trappers, and entrepreneurs from Western Europe, Canada and the United States. Despite this relatively rapid exposure to the wider world, the native communities of the region retain their traditions and languages. Today's Lake Clark is a mix of various ethnicities, founded upon a collaborative history.
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is a place where natural processes dominate. Four of the five biotic communities found in Alaska - coastal, lakes/rivers/wetlands, tundra, and boreal forest - exist in the park. Two active volcanoes - Mount Iliamna and Mount Redoubt - tower above the landscape. Glaciers wind their way down into valleys where the Alaska and Aleutian ranges join.
A full complement of subarctic fish, wildlife,and plant species make their homes in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve's various ecosystems. Salmon pass through tidal estuaries on their way to spawning grounds in mountain lakes and streams, chased by hungry seals and brown bears. Dall sheep share treacherous mountain slopes with delicate alpine wildflowers. Once-endangered peregrine falcons occupy eyries on cliffs where they can easily hunt migrating and nesting waterfowl. Follow the links below to explore the plants and animals of the park and preserve.
Lake Clark has two distinct climate areas: the coast and the interior. The coast is wetter and experiences milder temperatures. The interior gets half to one fourth as much precipitation, but temperatures are hotter in summer and colder in winter. Frost and snow can occur any time parkwide, but are most common from September to early June. Lakes here typically begins freezing in November and melting in April. Ice conditions dictate whether planes need floats or skis to land on lakes.
Almost all visitors must arrive by air. The park's lands and waters are open to fixed-wing aircraft. There are no fixed runways or FBO services within the park. Port Alsworth, immediately west of the park, has two private airstrips (ramp fee will be charged) where fuel is available.
Weather and tides permitting, the coastline may be approached by boat.
There is no car access to any part of the park.
There are no fees or permits anywhere within the park.
Port Alsworth Visitor Center, 60.1974°, -154.3229°. Open in the summer only, the visitor center is located midway up the eastern-most runway in Port Alsworth. Speak with a ranger, receive assistance with any final trip planning needs, obtain free park brochures, purchase a souvenir at the Alaska Geographic bookstore, or watch free films about Dick Proenneke and other aspects of the park. 2020-06-28
Lake Clark, 60.244167°, -154.285278°. 2020-05-01
Iliamna Volcano, 60.0508°, -153.0654°. 10,016 feet tall and covered in glaciers, active Iliamna Volcano is a landmark that displays both fire and ice. 2020-06-28
Redoubt Volcano, 60.4852°, -152.7438°. An active stratovolcano that rises from nearby sea level. Ash fall during recent eruptions has disrupted air traffic and has fallen in southcentral Alaska communities including the state's largest city, Anchorage. 2020-06-28
Richard L. Proenneke Cabin, 60.6465°, -153.8091°. Step into the home of one of Alaska's foremost wilderness icons, Richard L. Proenneke, who built his cabin by hand using his own clever innovations. Located on the south shore of Upper Twin Lake, Proenneke's wilderness home showcases his remarkable craftsmanship and reflects his unshakeable wilderness ethic. 2020-06-28
Backcountry hikers are requested to fill out a free registration form, which can assist rangers in the event of a rescue.
2nd-order administrative division
Primary administrative division