The best walks and hikes around Lake Clark
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Hiking around Lake Clark National Park features a remote wilderness characterized by diverse ecosystems, including coastal rainforests, alpine tundra, glaciers, and glacial lakes. The dramatic Chigmit Mountains, with jagged peaks and active volcanoes like Mount Redoubt and Mount Iliamna, form a significant part of the terrain. Lake Clark, the park's namesake, is a large freshwater body, and the landscape also includes rolling foothills and boreal forests.
Best hiking trails around Lake Clark
- The most popular hiking route is Portage Creek…
Last updated: August 3, 2026
10.5km
03:41
580m
580m
The Portage Creek Trail in Lake Clark National Park offers a genuine Alaskan wilderness experience, leading you through varied terrain from relatively flat beginnings to a challenging climb into alpine…
3.42km
01:00
110m
70m
The Tanalian Falls Trail offers a delightful journey through the pristine Alaskan wilderness, leading you to a powerful 30-foot waterfall. As you hike, you'll traverse diverse terrain, from dense boreal…
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2
hikers
6.87km
01:57
150m
150m
The Tanalian Falls Trail offers a captivating journey through Lake Clark National Park, winding through boreal forests of birch and spruce. You'll traverse boardwalks over swampy ground and moraine deposits,…
1
hikers
5.55km
01:33
100m
100m
The Tanalian Falls and Beaver Pond Loop offers a delightful journey through diverse Alaskan scenery, perfect for a shorter outing. You'll trek through birch groves and spruce-studded hillsides, encountering the…
1
hikers
13.9km
05:32
1,030m
1,030m
The Tanalian Mountain Trail offers a raw, authentic Alaskan wilderness experience, guiding you from dense birch and spruce forests through an exposed alpine environment. As you climb, the trees give…
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Tips from the Community
The Joe Thompson Public Use Cabin sits at the trailhead for the Portage Creek Trail. You have to pay a fee and make a reservation to actually stay at the Joe Thompson Public Use Cabin, but you can run the trail and head back to the main part of the island in just a few hours. Note that like many trailheads in Lake Clark National Park, you can only get here by boat or float plane.
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The trail up Tanalian Mountain climbs quickly and steeply up to 3,960 feet. It overlooks Lake Clark National Park and a lot of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and lakes. This is a tough run that is primarily a power-hike during the uphill. Coming down can be slick but offers a real Alaskan mountain running experience.
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The only logical way to get to Lake Clark National Park is via plane or boat. One of the most popular sites for arriving to the park is at Port Alsworth. Only small passenger planes can land here along with boats, so it's best to plan your visit well in advance. That being said, a run in Lake Clark National Park can be an inspiring outing. For more information about flights and boat reservations, visit the NPS website: https://www.nps.gov/lacl/planyourvisit/directions.htm
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Tanalian Falls is a 30-foot waterfall found near Kontrashibuna Lake along the Tanalian River. There are some benches at the overlook area and camping at the end of the Lake Trail. The further past the falls you run, the fewer people you will see.
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The maintained Portage Creek Trail ends above treeline, ushering you into an alpine tundra wonderland. This trail in Lake Clark National Park is incredibly remote, so if you choose to explore past this point, you should be prepared to navigate off-trail in limited visibility in rapidly changing weather, and to be self-sufficient for some time if you were to need a rescue.
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The Portage Creek Trail is part of the trail that trapper Joe Thompson used to access his cabin — now the Joe Thompson Public Use Cabin. The first part of this trail wanders through a forest, but it delivers you to alpine tundra, above treeline, within just a few miles.
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The Joe Thompson Public Use Cabin, located in Lake Clark National Park, is accessible by boat or float plane from the nearby town of Port Alsworth. The cabin must be reserved in advance, for a fee, through https://www.recreation.gov/.
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The beaver pond — and a well-placed bench for taking it in — is a highlight of this relatively tranquil trail. You might even be lucky enough to see wild beavers. Watch for the giant mound of sticks that signals a beaver lodge, and be on the lookout for the beavers themselves both in the water and on land. You can turn back and return on the beaver pond trail or, for a change of pace, return via part of the Tanalian Falls trail — although you'll need to make a detour if you want to see the falls themselves.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of hiking trails can I expect in Lake Clark National Park?
Lake Clark National Park offers a diverse range of hiking experiences, from coastal rainforests to alpine tundra, glaciers, and glacial lakes. You'll find trails leading through boreal forests, along dramatic mountain backdrops like the Chigmit Mountains, and to significant natural features such as the park's namesake lake. The terrain varies from easy, relatively flat paths to challenging mountain ascents.
Are there any easy or family-friendly hiking trails in Lake Clark?
Yes, Lake Clark offers several easy trails suitable for families. The Tanalian Falls Trail Loop — Lake Clark National Park is an easy 4.3-mile path that meanders through forests and leads to the powerful Tanalian Falls. Another excellent option is the Beaver Pond Loop — Lake Clark National Park, an easy 3.4-mile loop that showcases a picturesque pond with a mountain backdrop, particularly beautiful in autumn.
Can I find trails with waterfalls in Lake Clark National Park?
Yes, the park is home to several waterfalls. The Tanalian Falls Trail Loop — Lake Clark National Park is a popular moderate trail that leads directly to the powerful Tanalian Falls, where you can also try fishing for Arctic Grayling. The Chigmit Mountains also feature numerous waterfalls throughout their dramatic landscape.
Are there any loop trails for hiking in Lake Clark?
Yes, there are several loop trails available. The Tanalian Falls Trail Loop — Lake Clark National Park is a well-known option. Additionally, the Kontrashibuna Lake Loop via Tanalian Falls Trail — Lake Clark National Park offers a longer loop experience, leading past Tanalian Falls to the shores of Kontrashibuna Lake.
What are some notable landmarks or points of interest to see while hiking?
Hikers can explore a variety of natural and historical landmarks. The powerful Tanalian Falls and the scenic Beaver Pond are accessible via trails from Port Alsworth. For those seeking panoramic views, the summit of Tanalian Mountain offers 360-degree vistas of Lake Clark and the Chigmit Mountains. Further afield, Twin Lakes is home to the historic Richard "Dick" Proenneke Cabin, a hand-built structure open to visitors during summer months.
What is the best time of year to hike in Lake Clark National Park?
The best time to hike in Lake Clark National Park is generally during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is milder and trails are most accessible. Autumn offers particularly beautiful scenery as birch trees change color around areas like Beaver Pond. The park's remote nature means conditions can change rapidly, so always be prepared for varying weather.
How do I access Lake Clark National Park, and what are the transportation options?
Lake Clark National Park is primarily accessible by air taxi or boat, contributing to its remote and immersive wilderness experience. Most visitors fly into Port Alsworth, which serves as a central hub for accessing many of the park's trails, including the Tanalian Trails system. There are no roads leading into the park.
Are there opportunities for experienced hikers or backcountry adventures?
Absolutely. For experienced adventurers, Lake Clark offers extensive opportunities for trail-less backcountry hiking, base-camping, and point-to-point backpacking. The 50-mile historic Telaquana Route is highlighted as a premier cross-country route. Challenging day hikes like Tanalian Mountain — Lake Clark National Park provide significant elevation gain and rewarding panoramic views.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter on the trails?
Lake Clark is renowned for its abundant wildlife. Hikers have a good chance of spotting brown and black bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves. Bear viewing is a significant attraction, especially in areas like Chinitna Bay and Silver Salmon Creek, where bears feed on spawning salmon or clams. Always practice bear safety and maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife.
Do I need permits or have to follow specific regulations for hiking in Lake Clark?
While general day hiking in established areas typically doesn't require specific permits, it's always advisable to check the official National Park Service website for the most current regulations, especially if you plan on extended backcountry trips, camping, or specific activities. You can find detailed information on their website: nps.gov/lacl.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Lake Clark?
Hikers frequently praise the unparalleled natural beauty and the genuine wilderness experience that Lake Clark offers. The diverse landscapes, from glacial lakes to volcanic peaks, and the opportunities for wildlife viewing are often highlighted. The remote nature of the park ensures a less crowded and more immersive Alaskan adventure.
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