Lake Clark (Alaska)
Lake Large Alaskan lake central to Lake Clark National Park
Lake Clark lies within Lake Clark National Park and Preserve; most visitors arrive by floatplane for salmon fishing, bear viewing, kayaking and backcountry hikes beneath volcanoes and coastal ranges.
Lake Clark (Alaska)
Lake Clark is a large glacial lake in southwestern Alaska and is the namesake feature of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. The park was designated in 1980 and protects extensive coastal mountains, glaciers, and freshwater systems.
The lake and nearby rivers support salmon runs and attract brown bears, and the area is used for sport fishing, guided wildlife viewing, and subsistence activities. Recreational access is primarily by small aircraft or floatplane, with Port Alsworth on the lake serving as the main visitor community.
The lake lies within Lake Clark National Park and Preserve in southwest Alaska, in a remote coastal-mountain landscape that is reached by air from regional hubs.
- Park designation: Lake Clark gives its name to Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, which was designated in 1980 to protect the lake, surrounding mountains, and subsistence landscapes.
- Access: Most visitor access to the lake is by small aircraft or floatplane; there are no road connections from Alaska's road system directly to the lake.
What to See #
- Port Alsworth: Port Alsworth is the primary settlement and access point on the lake, serving as the park community and a floatplane base for visitors.
How to Get to Lake Clark (Alaska) #
There are no roads into Lake Clark National Park’s core. Most visitors fly from Anchorage to Port Alsworth (air taxi services) and then travel by boat or floatplane within the park. The National Park Service provides visitor information and advisories on the official NPS Lake Clark page.
Tips for Visiting Lake Clark (Alaska) #
- The park has no road access to most of its backcountry; plan flights into Port Alsworth from Anchorage and book lodgings early.
- Fishing is prime - arrange guided salmon or trout trips through local lodges.
- Respect bear country: food storage and bear-aware behavior are essential for backcountry travel.
Best Time to Visit Lake Clark (Alaska) #
Lake Clark is the central feature of Lake Clark National Park & Preserve in Alaska - a remote landscape accessible primarily by air, famed for salmon runs, brown bears and wild coastal fjords.
Weather & Climate near Lake Clark (Alaska) #
Lake Clark (Alaska)'s climate is classified as Subarctic (Dry Summer) - Subarctic (Dry Summer) climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -15°C to 19°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -5°C and lows of -15°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -14°C. The driest month with just 17 mm.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -11°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -5°C. The driest month with just 17 mm.
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May
May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 74 mm of rain.
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September
September is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
