Other Links
Leave No Trace

Day Hiking Day hiking opportunities are endless.  Alpine lakes, tundra meadows, river gravel bars or a challenging bushwhack up to a seldom visited waterfall.  A drop off by boat or a plane ride out from Port Alsworth will definitely get you into the country.  There are few if any trails in Lake Clark's wilderness.  Game trails abound, but where they go and who you'll bump into traveling them lends an air of mystery to that type of day hike adventure!

Tanalian Falls is the one maintained trail in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, located in Port Alsworth. The trail to the falls is 2.5 miles, passing through birch and black spruce forests. Openings in the forest allow good views of the beaver pond and Lake Clark itself. Wildlife, from time to time, use the trail, be alert.  Avoid surprise encounters with wildlife: make noise, talk as you go, be aware of your surroundings. Should you encounter a bear, don't run! Remain calm, now would be a good time to recall those general recommendations on how to react to a bear encounter. 

The trailhead is located up the hill behind the Homestead Cafe. The early part of the trail climbs, sometimes steeply, for just over one mile then drops abruptly. A signpost indicates the junction with the beaver pond loop. The main trail narrows and goes to the right. Continue for another half mile before dropping down to the river below the falls. There is no sign marking the falls. A steep, short spur trail descends from the boardwalk to the base of the falls.

The trail continues on for another mile to Kontrashibuna Lake and then peters out along the lakeshore. Camping is allowed around the lake, however choose a site 100 feet from the water, out of sight and sound of other users and minimize your impacts. Carry out all trash: yours and any thing others before you may have "forgotten".

Beaver Pond Loop starts at the same trailhead as the falls. At the signed junction turn left. The trail is narrow, brushy, and wet in sections. At the pond the trail disappears, stay right. Walk to the area of recent beaver "logging" activity, to get above the pond. Beaver, moose and waterfowl may be seen here. Rejoin the trail near the small rise east of the beaver lodge. After walking thorough the marshy area below the beaver dam, the trail is easy to follow, crossing over a small creek and coming out on a private road. Go left, away from Tanalian Mountain, to rejoin the trailhead.

Tanalian Mountain route starts at the same trailhead. At the signed junction turn left onto the beaver pond loop, walk about 50 yards, keeping an eye out for pink flagging on the right. It's a subtle departure from the trail. There is no trail to the top of the mountain, just flagging through the vegetation. Once out of the vegetation continue up the ridge for a total elevation gain of 3700 feet. Return the same way, if possible.