State Parks and National Parks

In this 4 million-acre mosaic of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers, visitors find wilderness and solitude, great lakeshore campsites, thrilling wild rivers and trailless backpacking on high tundra slopes.

The Alaskan and Aleutian mountain ranges meet here. The jagged Chigmit Mountains and two active volcanoes are part of the dramatic skyline. The range's eastern flank descends to Cook Inlet and rivers cascade through forests of sitka and white spruce.

The western flank of the Chigmits descends through tundra-covered foothills to boreal forest. Lakes and wild rivers fill the valleys. Dall sheep, caribou and moose forage here.

No highways lead to the park and preserve. Most visitors fly in from Anchorage, Kenai or Homer. Backpackers must be totally self-sufficient or make advance arrangements with a guide, outfitter or lodge. Numerous lodges cater to fishing clientele.

There are no maintained trails. However, the western foothills are ideal for backpacking on their open tundra. No developed campgrounds exist, but backcountry camping without a permit is allowed on any federal land within the park.

Rafting and float trips can be arranged on the Tlikakila, Mulchatna or Chilikadrotna wild and scenic rivers and on other rivers in the Lake Clark area.

Hunting is only allowed within the preserve, which is a 1.4 million-acre section of the park.

Photo credits in order: Photo by M. Woodbridge Williams, courtesy of National Park Service. Photo by M. Woodbridge Williams, courtesy of National Park Service. Photo by M. Woodbridge Williams, courtesy of National Park Service.