The Chigmit Mountains, which make up a large part of the Lake Clark Preserve, arise from the joining of the Alaska and Aleutian mountain ranges. This junction of magnificent mountains and peaks forms an incredible array of jagged mountain peaks and glaciers including two active volcanoes: Mount Redoubt and Mount Iliamna. Lake Clark itself is some forty miles long and provides an incredibly beautiful focus for the incredible Lake Clark NP (National Park).

Lake Clark Preserve was created in 1980 as part of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. Its vast variety of ecosystems has led it to be called “the Essence of Alaska.” Here you will find the magnificent Chigmit Mountains with two live volcanoes. The eastern coast includes rainforests such as found in southeastern Alaska. On the west you will find tundra similar to what you will find in arctic Alaska. Throughout it all you will find brilliantly beautiful turquoise lakes, the predominant one being Lake Clark itself.

Here at the Lake Clark Preserve you will also find one of the most important of salmon habitats. The salmon reside throughout Lake Clark and the vast array of rivers, streams and other lakes throughout Lake Clark NP. This habitat is vital for the salmon of the Bristol Bay salmon fishery, one of the largest sockeye salmon fishing grounds in the world.

Visitors to Lake Clark Preserve will find themselves astounded by the spectacular beauty of the region, especially in the summer. Crystal clear lakes are surrounded by the lush greenery that is so prominent in Alaskan summers. Wilderness travel, hiking, backpacking and camping are among the most common and popular activities here.

With countless acres of wilderness, Lake Clark Preserve has become one of the most popular wilderness camping/hiking destinations in the United States of America. You will not find prepared camping sites or well defined nature trails here. This is Alaska at its most true: barren wilderness allows the beauty of nature to shine through without the impediment of man.

Backpacking and camping permits are not required in order to go out and explore the wilderness of Lake Clark National Park, but there are rules regarding its use. Lake Clark is preserved for you to enjoy, but you must ensure that your own impact on the park is minimal.

Although exploring the Lake Clark wilderness can be an amazing adventure, it can also be very dangerous. Getting lost is definitely possible, and in these remote areas it is very difficult to call for help. If you are planning on taking a backpacking or camping trip into the wilds you need to be prepared for complete self-sufficiency. You should also be well experienced with the art of backpacking, because this is some of the most difficult and wild country that you will ever have the pleasure of backpacking through.

Lake Clark Preserve is truly the experience of a lifetime. Nowhere else in the United States is there a wilderness quite this vast protected by the federal government and just waiting to be explored. Lake Clark Preserve is only for those who are truly ready to brave the wilds though. This is not the excursion for some two bit traveler who thinks that sleeping in an RV is roughing it. When you come to Lake Clark it is the real deal.