National Park & Preserve · Alaska
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is a land of stunning beauty. Volcanoes steam, salmon run, bears forage, and craggy mountains reflect in shimmering turquoise lakes. Here, too, local people and culture still depend on the land and water. Venture into the park to become part of the wilderness.
Things to do
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Boating
- Motorized Boating
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Canoe or Kayak Camping
- Climbing
- Mountain Climbing
- Compass and GPS
- Orienteering
- Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Fly Fishing
- Flying
- Fixed Wing Flying
- Guided Tours
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking
- Hiking
- Backcountry Hiking
- Front-Country Hiking
- Off-Trail Permitted Hiking
- Hunting and Gathering
Weather & when to go
Lake Clark has two distinct climate areas: the coast and the interior. The coast is wetter and experiences milder temperatures. The interior gets half to one fourth as much precipitation, but temperatures are hotter in summer and colder in winter. Frost and snow can occur any time parkwide, but are most common from September to early June. Lakes here typically begins freezing in November and melting in April. Ice conditions dictate whether planes need floats or skis to land on lakes.
Operating hours
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
The park and preserve are open 24 hours per day, seven days per week year round. However, visitor services are limited Labor Day through Memorial Day. Seasonal and temporary closures are listed by location on the Operating Hours & Seasons page.
Campgrounds
NPS Priest Rock Public Use Cabin
FAQ
- Is Lake Clark National Park & Preserve free to visit?
- Lake Clark National Park & Preserve does not charge a standard entrance fee. Check the official NPS page for the latest details on any activity or permit fees before you go.
- What are the hours at Lake Clark National Park & Preserve?
- The park and preserve are open 24 hours per day, seven days per week year round. However, visitor services are limited Labor Day through Memorial Day. Seasonal and temporary closures are listed by location on the Operating Hours & Seasons page.
- Do I need a reservation for Lake Clark National Park & Preserve?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Lake Clark National Park & Preserve. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.
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