Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is located north of Katmai National Park, 65 air miles northwest of Homer, and about 120 air miles southwest of Anchorage. Like many areas in Alaska, Lake Clark is not on the road system and travel takes place primarily by small plane. Fixed-wing aircraft are allowed to land on all suitable lakes, rivers, beaches, gravel bars, and open ground in both the park and preserve unless the area is closed or otherwise restricted. Flying SafelyLake Clark is rugged and remote. Planning ahead for flexibility and inclement weather is vital to a sucessful trip. Give yourself a few extra days on each side of your travel in the likely event of weather delays. In Alaska, we talk about the "circle of safety" where the passenger is a partner in ensuring a safe flight. Passengers should take an active role to ensure everyone's safety by getting familiar with the details of their trip. As a passenger, you should be willing to ask questions in a polite way if you feel uncomfortable about something or have additional questions. This idea can be intimidating, but if you are uncomfortable about something there is probably a reason. It is important to act on those feelings and voice any concerns. The pilot may have a simple answer that restores your comfort level. Asking a question may be all it takes to refocus on safety and avoid a mishap with the flight. A Passenger's Role in AviationFlying Safely in a Bush PlaneAir Taxi ServicesBelow are alphabetized lists of authorized air taxis that travel to and from the park and preserve. Please contact each provider individually for pricing and availability. These lists are not endorsements by the National Park Service but are intended to provide information. Air Taxis Operating on WheelsMay travel to locations like: Port Alsworth, Chinitna Bay, Silver Salmon Creek, and other suitable beaches, runways, or frozen lakes if conditions are right. Be aware that the two airstrips in Port Alsworth are privately owned by Lake Clark Air and Lake and Peninsula Airlines, who charge a ramp fee to other airplanes; therefore, other air taxis may decline traveling to Port Alsworth. Air Taxis Operating on FloatsMay travel to locations like: Twin Lakes and Richard Proenneke's Cabin, Turquoise Lake, Crescent Lake, Taziminia Lakes, Port Alsworth, Lake Clark, and other inland lakes. Be aware that while any floatplane can land on the state waters in Hardenburg Bay at Port Alsworth, there may be issues with parking planes on privately owned sections of the shoreline. For this reason, some floatplane air taxis based out of other communities may choose not to fly to Port Alsworth. None at this time.
Air Taxis Operating on Skis or Wheeled-SkisPrimarily in winter, these businesses are capable of landing on frozen lakes or any snow packed area if the conditions are right. Sky Trekking Alaska
Trygg Air Alaska None at this time.
Boating to the Park When weather and tides permit, the east side of the park on the Cook Inlet coast may be accessed by boat via an open-ocean crossing. While cook inlet can be potentially rough on days with high winds, open water crossings allow visitors a unique opportunity for travel to Lake Clark’s coastline that is an adventure all on its own. Traveling by way of boat, visitors have the chance to explore some of the incredible marine life found off the parks coast that you typically cannot see from the air. Some charter boat services on the Kenai Peninsula offer tours that include portions of the Lake Clark coastline, drop-off and pick-up services, or custom charters. In general, these charters are not regularly scheduled and are arranged individually. Directory of Commercial Visitor Service ProvidersView a full list of services and contact information for authorized CUA Holders and Concessioners in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve by visiting services-lake-clark - Alaska (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) |
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Last updated: April 3, 2024