The spectacular scenery of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve 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.
Home to three wild and scenic rivers and numerous lakes, including 40-mile long Lake Clark, the park offers excellent fishing and wildlife viewing. Its many rivers and lakes are critical salmon habitat areas for the Bristol Bay watershed, one of the world's largest salmon fishing grounds. The park's diverse landscape includes four of the five biotic zones found in Alaska, including tundra, riparian, coastal and forest zones.
Activities and Attractions
Due to the park's remote location, visitors must put in a little extra effort to enjoy it. However, those visitors will be rewarded with an incredible wilderness experience, including activities like fishing, wildlife viewing, backcountry hiking, camping, flightseeing, kayaking and rafting. You can make an entire trip of it, or take advantage of a one-day, fly-in fishing, wildlife viewing or flightseeing tour. Many operators and remote lodges offer serves to and within the park.
Accessibility
Port Alsworth rests on the south shore of Lake Clark and is not accessible by road - charter flights from Anchorage are available. Access to the Lake Clark Region is by small aircraft on a one to two-hour flight from Anchorage, Kenai or Homer. The park's only maintained trail, the Tanalian Falls trail, begins in Port Alsworth. There are no roads in the park, and access is primarily by foot or air taxi.
Fees and Visitor Count
There are no entrance fees in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve and visitors average 4,900 annually.
Weather and Climate
Summer temperatures average between 50°F and 65°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 backcountry travel. Winter temperatures range from 0°F into the low 20s and can sink to -40°F.
Facilities
Port Alsworth Visitor Center - 907-781-2218 - Located at 1 Park Place in Port Alsworth (Open May-October, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; November-April by appointment)
History
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve was established to protect the area's scenery, fish, wildlife and the traditional lifestyles of local residents. To accomplish these goals, the area was named a national monument in 1978. In 1980, it received a wilderness designation and became a national park and preserve.
http://www.nps.gov/lacl/index.htm