Lake Clark National Park and Preserve in Alaska is a trail-less wonder for exploring the landscape, with plenty of day hiking and backpacking opportunities accessed by boat or plane.
If you are looking for maintained trails, there are only two trail systems: the Tanalian Trails originating from Port Alsworth along the shores of Lake Clark, and the Portage Creek Trail originating at the Joe Thompson Public Use Cabin (not visible from the lake), approximately 13 miles (20.9 km) north-northwest of Port Alsworth.
Tanalian Trails System hiking map, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve / NPS file
Tanalian Trail System Hikes
Tanalian Falls
4 mi (6.4 km) roundtrip
Cold glacial waters fall over a 30-foot (9.1 m) cliff of ancient lava.
Kontrashibuna Lake
~5.5 mi (8.85 km) roundtrip
Rugged mountain peaks reflecting in a brilliant turquoise lake amidst true wilderness solitude.
Beaver Pond Trail
3.2 mi (5.15 km) roundtrip
This trail meanders through quiet birch groves and past an old beaver pond where shorebirds nest in the early summer.
Lake Clark and Beaver Pond, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve / NPS - T. Vaughn
Tanalian Mountain
8.6 mi (13.8 km) roundtrip
The trail up Tanalian Mountain is steep and rigorous with stunning panoramic views of Lake Clark and the surrounding mountains.
Other Day Hikes On Lake Clark
Map of Portage Creek Trail and location of Joe Thompson cabin, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve / NPS file
Portage Creek Trail
6.5 mi (10.46 km) roundtrip
This trail begins near the shore of Lake Clark and continues through a thick spruce and birch forest, past alders and up to alpine tundra.
Day Hikes Not On Lake Clark
According to park staff:
A boat or plane ride can provide access to endless opportunities for trailless day hiking where the adventurous traveler can enjoy a climb up to alpine lakes or tundra meadows, a stroll across river gravel bars, or a challenging bushwhack up to a seldom-visited waterfall. Coastal beaches, high tundra, and lakeshores offer excellent hiking for the traveler seeking solitude and the challenge of finding their own route. Walking up to Teetering Rock on an unmaintained trail that begins behind Dick Proenneke's cabin is a popular hike for people visiting Upper Twin Lake.
When flying or boating to remote locations for day trips make sure you are prepared to spend the night if unexpected weather makes that necessary.
Wilderness Hiking and Backpacking In Alaska
If you plan to load up your backpack, attach your sleeping pad, and head into the Lake Clark wilderness, you will want to check out the park’s Camping and Backpacking webpage to read about suggested backpacking routes along with safety information, including how to stay safe in bear country. The pro tips for are especially helpful, both to those who have backpacked the Alaskan wilderness before, and those new to this landscape of tundra, tussocks, rivers, and mountains.
Backpacking along the Upper Hope Creek Valley, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve / NPS - A. Lindholm
