Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
Port Alsworth, AK, 99653
Situated on the western edge of Alaska’s Cook Inlet, Lake Clark National Park is one of America’s most remote and least-visited national parks. With towering peaks, tumbling glaciers, active volcanoes, and glacier-fed rivers that are rich in sockeye salmon; Lake Clark is Alaska wilderness at its finest. Adventurous visitors are drawn to the park’s remoteness and the chance to view one of the park’s many resident brown bears.
The basics
Just getting to Lake Clark National Park is an adventure. Like many parks in Alaska, Lake Clark cannot be accessed by roads, so most visitors arrive by small aircraft. The easiest way to visit the park is will a full-day flightseeing tour. Tours often include a round-trip flight from Anchorage or Homer and a guided bear-viewing hike in the park. Backpacking, canoeing, fishing, and river rafting are also popular activities in the park.
Things to know before you go
- A must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts and outdoor adventure lovers.
- No entrance fee is required to enter Lake Clark National Park.
- Freezing temperatures and snow can occur any time of year; pack plenty of extra layers and rain gear.
- Cell service and W-iFi is unavailable outside the Port Alsworth area.
How to get there
Lake Clark National Park is located in southwest Alaska, about 120 miles (193 kilometers) southwest of Anchorage and 65 miles (104 kilometers) northwest of Homer. The park can only be reached by boat or floatplane; no roads lead into the park. The easiest way to reach the park is via air taxi or a guided flight trip from Anchorage or Homer.
When to get there
The park is open year-round, but visitor services are limited outside the summer season. Most guided flight tours run from late May through early September. Visit in July or August for the most reliable weather and the best chance of seeing brown bears. Wildflowers often peak in late June and Autumn colors are best in mid-September.
Bear Viewing in Lake Clark National Park
During the summer months, brown bears gather in Chinitna Bay, Crescent Lake, and Silver Salmon Creek to feast during the salmon run. Several day and overnight bear viewing trips are available for visitors wanting to venture into bear country with a knowledgeable guide. These tours provide a fantastic opportunity for wildlife lovers and photographers to safely view brown bears in their natural habitat.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!