National Park Guide

Lake Clark National Park

Alaska, US

A spectacular convergence of volcanoes, glaciers, wild rivers, and pristine lakes in roadless Alaska.

2,619,816
Acres
5
Trails
1980
Established
17,000
Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season
June - September
Entrance Fee
Free
Nearest Airport
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), Fly-in only (1-hour flight from Anchorage)
Best Months
June, July, August

Highlights

  • Bear viewing at Chinitna Bay and Silver Salmon Creek
  • Twin turquoise lakes surrounded by mountains
  • Active volcanoes Redoubt and Iliamna
  • Wild river rafting on the Tlikakila and Mulchatna
  • World-class sport fishing for salmon and trout

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

Top Trails

Featured trailheads in Lake Clark National Park

Tanalian Falls Trail

Moderate
3.6 miles round trip
400 ft gain

Tanalian Mountain Trail

Strenuous
7.4 miles round trip
2,500 ft gain

Kontrashibuna Lake Trail

Moderate
5.0 miles round trip
500 ft gain

Beaver Pond Loop Trail

Easy
1.5 miles loop
50 ft gain

Portage Creek Route

Strenuous
8.0 miles round trip
1,000 ft gain

About Lake Clark National Park

Lake Clark National Park protects 4 million acres of stunning Alaskan wilderness where the Alaska and Aleutian Ranges meet. The park features steaming volcanoes, turquoise lakes, and prime bear viewing at its coastal sedge flats, all accessible only by small aircraft from Anchorage.

In-Depth Guide

Lake Clark National Park Guide: Best Activities, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Plan your trip to Lake Clark National Park. Bear viewing, best months to visit, where to stay, and essential tips for Alaska's volcanic wilderness.

12 min read

Weather Overview

Average monthly temperatures

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Where to Stay

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Hotel Captain Cook

$$$

Landmark luxury hotel in downtown Anchorage featuring four restaurants, ocean-view dining, a spa, and shopping. The premier base for arranging bush flights to Lake Clark.

Gateway city (Anchorage)$250-400/night
Check on Hotels.com

Embassy Suites by Hilton Anchorage

$$$

All-suite Midtown Anchorage hotel offering complimentary made-to-order breakfast, evening reception, indoor pool, and Territory Kitchen & Bar. Within 15 minutes of the Coastal Trail.

Gateway city (Anchorage)$200-350/night
Check on Hotels.com

SpringHill Suites Anchorage Midtown

$$

Modern all-suite hotel in Midtown Anchorage with complimentary breakfast, indoor pool, and free parking. Conveniently located near floatplane operators offering flights to Lake Clark.

Gateway city (Anchorage)$170-270/night
Check on Hotels.com

More Alaska/Hawaii Parks

Other national parks in the Alaska/Hawaii region

Park Details

Highest Point
10,197 ft (Mount Redoubt)
Camping
Available
Wilderness Areas
Yes
Pet Friendly
Limited (developed areas only)
Region
Alaska/Hawaii
Established
1980