Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is a 4,030,015-acre protected area in south-central Alaska, west of Cook Inlet. It has no roads, is reached by air, and brings together coastal volcanoes, glaciers, a long turquoise lake and salmon-rich rivers within a single park.[1]
| Area | 4,030,015 acres |
|---|---|
| Established | Monument 1 Dec 1978; park and preserve 2 Dec 1980 |
| Location | South-central Alaska |
| Access | By air only; no roads |
| Headquarters | Port Alsworth |
History and designation
President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the area a national monument on 1 December 1978, and Congress established the national park and preserve on 2 December 1980 through the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. About two-thirds of the park is designated wilderness, including the Jay S. Hammond Wilderness of 2,619,550 acres.[1]
Landscape
The park joins the Alaska Range and the Aleutian Range at the Chigmit Mountains. Lake Clark itself is about 42 miles long and 860 feet deep. Two active volcanoes stand within the park: Redoubt, 10,197 feet, which erupted in 1989 and 2009, and Iliamna, 10,016 feet. The 1989 Redoubt eruption led to the in-flight engine failure of KLM Flight 867, a well-known aviation hazard case.[1]
Rivers and wildlife
The Kvichak River drainage, which includes Lake Clark, is the most productive sockeye salmon watershed in the world, contributing about a third of the United States catch of the species.[1]
People and culture
The Dena’ina have lived around Lake Clark for centuries, and the Kijik Archeological District is a National Historic Landmark. Richard Proenneke, who lived at Twin Lakes from 1968 to 1999, built a cabin by hand that remains a visitor attraction. Port Alsworth is the main community and park headquarters.[1]
Visiting
The park recorded 19,778 visitors in 2025. Most arrive by floatplane from Anchorage, Kenai or Homer.[1]
FAQs
How big is Lake Clark National Park? It covers 4,030,015 acres.
Can you drive to Lake Clark National Park? No. There are no roads to the park; access is by small aircraft or boat.
Which volcanoes are in the park? Redoubt and Iliamna, both active volcanoes of the Aleutian arc.
Sources
Key facts
- 4,030,015 acres
- No roads
- Redoubt and Iliamna volcanoes
Quick checkWhen was Lake Clark National Park established?Show answer
Congress established it on 2 December 1980.
Sources
- National Park Service. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-12)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 12, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue