|
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is a composite of ecosystems representative of many regions of Alaska. The spectacular scenery 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 including two active volcanoes, Mt. Redoubt and Mt. Iliamna. Lake Clark, 40 miles long, and many other lakes and rivers within the park are critical salmon habitat to the Bristol Bay salmon fishery, one of the largest sockeye salmon fishing grounds in the world. Numerous lake and river systems in the park and preserve offer excellent fishing and wildlife viewing.
(Q.) How to get to Lake Clark National Park?
(A.) Lake Clark National Park is a roadless park in Southwest Alaska. Access is either by chartered aircraft from Anchorage (Merill Field) or via commercial flight from Anchorage Int’l to Illiama – about 30 miles outside the national park boundary. Approximate flight time 1.5 hours. From here visitors need to charter either a boat or aircraft to reach the park. Alternative transportation is also available from Homer and Soldotna on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula.
(Q.) What can I do while visiting Lake Clark National Park?
(A.) Hiking within the wilderness brings its own rewards for those willing to participate in backcountry adventures. Numerous designated “Wild & Scenic” rivers are inviting visitors to raft or canoe through the unspoiled wilderness. Fishing is exceptional: the area includes some of the most pristine and productive fishing habitats in the world. Crystal clear and glacier fed lakes are teemed with Dolly Varden and record size wild & native Lake Trout. The rivers and streams flowing into Cook Inlet providing a habitat for Red – and Silver Salmon. Adjacent saltwater fishing is excellent for Halibut fishing. The season runs primarely from May to October.
(Q.) How about accommodation within the National Park?
(A.) The area is home to some of the best fishing lodges Alaska has to offer. Rates are high but so is their standard. We offer a variety of affordable lodging around Lake Clark and Illiama Lake. Please inquire.
(Q.) Will I see wildlife within the National Park?
(A.) Wildlife is an integral part the the unique beauty and is influenced by the diversity of the terrain, habitat and climate within the regions. There are significant numbers of Brown Bears along the coastlines – but Chinitna Bay supports the most sizable concentration. Caribou are remaining in the hills around Turquoise and Twin Lakes. The total number of roaming Caribou are exceeding 200.000. Moose are frequently seen throughout the park. About 600 Dall Sheeps may be observed at higher elevations. Other wildlife includes: Wolf, Lynx, Otter, Wolverine and Beaver. In addition 125 species of birds are found in the region. |
|
