Tanalian Falls Trail – Lake Clark

Distance: 4.0 miles Elevation Gain: 600 ft Difficulty: Moderate Type: Out-and-Back Surface: Dirt/Rock Activity: Hiking Best Season: Jun-Sep Typical Time: 3-5 hours Fee: Free Dogs: Yes Permit: No

The Tanalian Falls Trail departs from Port Alsworth and climbs through mixed spruce-birch forest to one of the park's most dramatic waterfalls, plunging over volcanic rock steps into a clear pool surrounded by primordial Alaskan quiet.

The trail gains elevation gradually through balsam poplar and paper birch before breaking into open alpine tundra near the upper reaches. Views back over Lake Clark and the distant Chigmit Mountains — where the Alaska and Aleutian ranges converge — are outstanding. The 42-mile-long lake, home to sockeye salmon and rainbow trout, is visible for much of the ascent.

Moose, black bears, and wolves inhabit this corridor. The trailhead is near the Lake Clark National Park visitor contact station in Port Alsworth. Fly-in access is required — no roads connect Port Alsworth to the Alaska road system.