| Lake Clark National Park and Preserve | |
Things to Do:
courtesy of the National Park Service
Access to Lake Clark is almost exclusively by small aircraft. Float planes land in the many lakes throughout the area, and wheeled planes can sometimes land on beaches and gravel bars. Authorized air taxi services are available from Anchorage, Kenai, Homer and the local area. There are several commercial lodges in the Lake Clark area which cater especially to recreational anglers. Other services available may include day-use transportation, fishing guides, and boat rentals. A good place to begin your visit is at the Port Alsworth Visitor Center, which offers slide shows and videos of the park, hands-on exhibits on natural history and history of the area, and ranger-guided hikes (during the summer months). During the winter months, November through April, the visitor center is open on request.
Day Hiking
There are endless opportunities for day hikes, but with no trails in the park, all hiking is cross country. Generally the western slopes of the park and preserve are higher and dryer than the eastern or coastal portions of the park, which tends to have more precipitation and denser vegetation. Be aware that willows, alders and birch brush found along the water courses and on many of the lower mountain slopes generally mean slower and tougher going. Some areas are virtually impassable because of the vegetation. Hikers should also be prepared for wet feet, from either occasional soggy tundra or river fords. Keep in mind that all streams and rivers must be forded, and during high water levels, this may prove to be impossible. Tanalian Falls is the one maintained trail in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, located in Port Alsworth. The trail to the falls is 2.5 miles, passing through birch and black spruce forests. The early part of the trail climbs, sometimes steeply, for just over one mile then drops abruptly.Fishing
The park includes some of the most pristine fishery habitats in the National Park System. In fact, one of the park's stated purposes lies in the preservation of the watershed for the perpetuation of the red salmon fishery. Crystal clear and glacial fed mountain lakes nestled among the jagged spires of the Alaska Range contain a combination of arctic grayling, Dolly Varden, several species of salmon, lake trout, and northern pike. Federal regulations require an Alaskan fishing license and compliance with all Alaska state fishing regulations. The fishing season runs primarily from May through October, with the peak season in July and August. Lakes may not be ice free until June.Rafting and kayaking
Rafting rivers in the Lake Clark area is a great way to experience wilderness. There are numerous float trip possibilities. To get rafting gear to your trip site contact the lodge or air taxi you plan on working through for logistics. Three National Wild Rivers (Mulchatna, Chilikadrotna and and Tlikakila) offer swiftly paced waters requiring oarmanship through superb scenery with occasional whitewater segments.Using a canoe or kayak to travel through Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is a peaceful and rewarding experience. There are numerous lakes to explore in this way. Contact the air taxi you plan to travel with to discuss with them the kind of boat you may want to bring and if they can fly it there. The park and preserve have several has several navigable lakes and rivers. Powerboats can be used to take scenic tours on Lake Clark.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife is an integral part of the unique beauty found in the Lake Clark area, and is influenced by the diversity of terrain, habitat and climate within the region. As part of the mandate that established it as public land, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve permits subsistence hunting within the Park and both sport and subsistence hunting within the Preserve. The fauna is very important to the local Natives and residents who are dependent on game for their subsistence lifestyles. The wildlife of the area is also significant to the economy of the state as a fishery resource, as well as for sport hunting and fishing. In addition, it provides visitors with exciting opportunities for wildlife observation.Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is home to several species of large mammals including black bear, grizzly bear, caribou (with a herd of more than 200,000 animals), moose, Dall sheep, coyote, wolf, red fox, and lynx. Though the park does not encompass a marine environment of great size, both Chinitna Bay and Tuxedni Bay support a variety of marine mammals including sea lions, beluga whales, harbor seals, and porpoises. More than 125 species of birds are found in the Lake Clark region, including a varied array of migratory and native birds such as waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, falcons, owls, songbirds, grouse, and ptarmigan.
Authorized guide services
There are numerous authorized guide services that conduct business within the park and preserve. Depending on your activity, you can select from a variety of specialties: air taxis, backpacking, charter boat, flight seeing, guided hikes or walks, group camping, big game transporters, lake touring, mountaineering, kayak touring, photography, river trips, sport fishing, sightseeing, winter backcountry.
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Lake
Clark National Park and Preserve |
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