The best walks and hikes in Lake Clark National Park

There are no roads into Lake Clark National Park. Access is almost exclusively by small aircraft, often a floatplane, from hubs like Anchorage, Kenai, or Homer. Most of the maintained trails, including the Tanalian Trails system, begin near the community of Port Alsworth, which serves as the main entry point for hikers.

Lake Clark has a dense population of brown bears. It is essential to be bear-aware at all times. Make noise while you hike by talking or clapping to avoid surprising a bear. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Store all food, garbage, and scented items in approved bear-resistant containers. Never feed wildlife.

Yes, the park offers some less strenuous options. The Beaver Pond Loop is a gentle 3.4-mile (5.5 km) trail that winds through birch groves and past a beaver pond, making it a great choice for a quieter walk with opportunities to see shorebirds.

For experienced backpackers, the park offers immense opportunities for cross-country trekking in a trail-less wilderness. One historic option is the 50-mile Telaquana Route, an ancient Dena'ina path that crosses forests, glacial rivers, and alpine tundra. This requires advanced navigation skills, proper gear, and self-sufficiency.

While bears are iconic, the park is rich with other wildlife. On trails through forested and wetland areas, you might spot moose, caribou, Dall sheep in the higher elevations, and wolves. The lakes and rivers are home to beavers, otters, and numerous bird species, including bald eagles and various shorebirds.

Yes, the most accessible waterfall is Tanalian Falls. A popular day hike leads to this powerful 30-foot cascade. The Tanalian Falls Trail Loop is a well-defined route that takes you through spruce and birch forest to the falls.

The primary hiking season is from June through September. During these months, the weather is mildest and the days are long. July and August offer lush green landscapes, while September brings vibrant autumn colors. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather, including rain and wind, at any time of year.

Yes, several guide services operate out of Port Alsworth and other gateway communities. They offer a range of services from guided day hikes to fully outfitted multi-day backpacking expeditions. Using a guide is a great option if you are unfamiliar with remote wilderness travel or want to learn more about the park's ecology.

For a moderately challenging hike that rewards you with beautiful scenery, consider the hike to Kontrashibuna Lake. This route extends past Tanalian Falls into the designated wilderness, leading to a serene lake nestled in the mountains, offering a true sense of solitude.

For any hike in Lake Clark, you must be self-sufficient. Essentials include a map and compass (and GPS), extra layers of non-cotton clothing, waterproof rain gear, sturdy hiking boots, plenty of water and a filter, high-energy food, a first-aid kit, and bear spray. Insect repellent is also highly recommended, especially during mid-summer.

The National Park Service provides maps and information for the maintained Tanalian Trails system. You can find details on their website to help plan your hikes from Port Alsworth. For any off-trail travel, you will need detailed topographic maps and strong navigation skills. You can find more information on the official NPS website.

The most strenuous hike is the ascent of Tanalian Mountain. This 8.6-mile (13.9 km) round trip involves over 1,000 meters of elevation gain, taking you from the forest floor into the fragile alpine tundra. It's a full-day effort that rewards hikers with panoramic views of Lake Clark and the surrounding Chigmit Mountains.