Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
The wilderness that comprises Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
is a composite of ecosystems representative of many diverse regions
throughout Alaska. Covering four million acres, the spectacular scenery
stretches from the shores of Cook Inlet, across the Chigmit Mountains, to
the tundra covered hills of the western interior. The Chigmits, where the
Alaska and Aleutian Ranges meet, are an awesome, jagged array of mountains
and glaciers which include two active volcanoes, Mt. Redoubt and Mt.
Iliamna. Lake Clark, 50 miles long, and many other lakes and rivers within
the park are critical salmon habitat to the Bristol Bay salmon fishery, one
of the largest sockeye salmon fishing grounds in the world. Numerous lake
and river systems in the park and preserve offer excellent fishing and
wildlife viewing.
LOCATION:
150 miles southwest of Anchorage, on the west side of the Cook
Inlet, at the north end of the Alaska Peninsula.
ADDRESS:
Headquarters: Lake Clark National Park and
Preserve
4230 University Drive, Suite 311
Anchorage, AK 99508
Field Headquarters: Lake Clark National Park and
Preserve
Port Alsworth, AK 99653
TELEPHONE:
Headquarters: (907) 271-3751
Field Headquarters: (907) 781-2218
OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:
Open year round.
CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
June through August temperatures average between 50 and 65
degrees F with considerable precipitation. Weather conditions in the region
change suddenly and proper equipment, rain and cool weather gear, extra
food, and extra cooking fuel, are essential for any back country travel.
Frost and snow can occur in September and October, and in mid-summer evening
frost should be expected. Strong winds can occur at any time. Winter
temperatures can sink to below 40 degrees F.
TRANSPORTATION:
Access to the Lake Clark region is by small aircraft. Float
planes may land on the many lakes throughout the area. Wheeled planes land
on open beaches, gravel bars, or private airstrips in or near the park.
There is no highway access to the park and preserve. A one to two-hour
flight from Anchorage, Kenai or Homer will provide access to most points
within the park and preserve. Scheduled commercial flights between Anchorage
and Iliamna, 30 miles outside the boundary, provide another means of
access.
Field headquarters for the park is located at Port Alsworth.
There are only minimal National Park Service facilities available elsewhere
in the park and preserve. Back country patrol cabins, staffed on a limited
basis, are located at Telaquana Lake, Twin Lakes, Crescent Lake and Chinitna
Bay.
RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:
Sight-seeing, hiking, camping, backpacking, sport fishing,
mountaineering, river running, flight-seeing, bird and wildlife watching,
lake kayaking, photography, and hunting in the preserve.
ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
Katmai National Park, Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, McNeil
River State Game Sanctuary.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The airstrips at Port Alsworth are privately owned. Many acres
of land within Lake Clark National Park and Preserve are privately owned.
Residents practice a subsistence lifestyle. Most of Lake Clark National Park
and Preserve is a wilderness little used by people. While in the back
country it is not unusual to never see another back country party. It is
imperative that back country users be self sufficient and have the knowledge
and skills for safe wilderness travel. Use care in selecting campsites away
from game trails and fresh signs of bears. Cache all food and scented items
away from campsites. Use minimum impact camping techniques and restore your
campsite to a natural appearance before leaving. Do not leave or bury
garbage - please pack it out. Insect repellent is essential and mosquito
head nets are recommended. Weather conditions in the region change suddenly
and may cause changes in plans which often delay scheduled pick-up by
aircraft by as much as several days.
Images of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
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