Trail

Camp at Kontrashibuna Lake

Trail
Mountains and yellow trees reflect in blue waters

Pitch a tent on a pristine Alaskan wilderness lake where mountains reflect in still water and silence deepens. Suitable for introducing children 7+ to backcountry camping with proper adult supervision. You will encounter bears, rapid weather shifts, and intense insects—this demands genuine preparation (bear knowledge, food storage discipline, weather-ready gear) before departure.

Quick facts

Route Type
Point-to-point backcountry camping destination
Difficulty Level
Moderate - Introductory backpacking for children 7+ with adult guidance
Estimated Time
2 to 7 days

Trail profile

Route Type
Point-to-point backcountry camping destination
Difficulty Level
Moderate - Introductory backpacking for children 7+ with adult guidance
Estimated Time
2 to 7 days
Trail Surface
Natural terrain, lake access
Trail Features
  • Mountain views
  • Alpine lake
  • Reflection photography opportunities
  • Wolf habitat
  • Bear country
  • Moose habitat
  • Pristine wilderness
  • Extended daylight in summer
Trail Highlights
Still water reflecting mountains at dawn, complete wilderness silence, opportunity to spot wolves and moose from a safe distance.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Port Alsworth area, accessible by floatplane
Parking Lot Size
N/A - floatplane access
Parking Fill Time
N/A - floatplane access
Shuttle Required
false
Shuttle Details
Access via floatplane charter from Port Alsworth.

Permits & conditions

Permits Required
Yes
Permit Details
No permits required. Backcountry camping allowed year-round.
Fees
No entrance fees. Floatplane charter fees apply.
Trail Status
Open year-round
Seasonal Closures
Visitor services limited Labor Day through Memorial Day. Winter camping requires specialized expertise.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
false
Water Sources
Lake water available. Filtration required for drinking water safety.
Accessibility
Backcountry wilderness - requires physical fitness, backpacking experience, and wilderness skills

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Bears
  • Moose
  • Biting insects
  • Rapidly changing mountain weather
  • Remote location - emergency evacuation by floatplane only
  • Hypothermia risk
  • Cold water
Hazard Details
Bears and moose are active residents. Maintain 100-yard distance from bears, 25 yards from other wildlife. Food storage is mandatory. Mosquitoes are intense June-August. Mountain weather changes rapidly; pack layers and rain gear. Emergency services require floatplane evacuation.
Cell Service
No cell service - satellite communication equipment recommended
Crowd Level
Solitude—very remote, rarely visited
Peak Crowd Times
June-July peak tourist season
Best Season
June through September
Best Time To Visit
June through September. June-July for extended daylight (nearly 24-hour days); August-September for more stable weather and less insect intensity. Winter requires Alaska backcountry expertise.
Tips Advice
  • Proper food storage is mandatory—bears are active and territorial. Review bear-safety.htm and food-storage-requirements.htm before departure.
  • Bring heavy insect repellent; mosquitoes are intense June-August.
  • Pack for extreme weather shifts; mountains create rapid condition changes.
  • Maintain 100-yard distance from bears, 25 yards from other wildlife.
  • Leave pets at home or keep strictly leashed (bear and moose habitat).

More details

Park Area
Port Alsworth area
Trail Markers
Unmarked backcountry wilderness. Map and navigation skills essential.
Dogs Allowed
Pets allowed but strongly discouraged (bear and moose habitat). Must be leashed if brought.
Biking Allowed
Not applicable - backcountry wilderness
Shade Level
Variable - open areas at lake, forested approaches
Emergency Contacts
Contact Lake Clark National Park ranger station in Port Alsworth. Backcountry emergencies require floatplane evacuation.
Map Recommended
true
Snow Dates
October through May - heavy snow and winter conditions
Mud Season
July-August - high water melt from snowpack
Bug Season
Intensive June-August; bring heavy insect repellent
Insider Tips
  • Bring satellite communicator (Garmin InReach or SPOT) for emergency contact.
  • Start from Port Alsworth; arrange floatplane charter in advance.
  • Arrive June-July for extended daylight to aid navigation.
  • Scout the lake shoreline for the best camp spots and water access.
  • Bear bells and bear spray are essential - know how to use both.
  • Store all food in bear canisters or suspend it high in trees.
Recent Updates
Visitor services limited Labor Day through Memorial Day. Check park website for seasonal updates.
Family Friendly Notes
Suitable for children 7+ with adult supervision. Children must be comfortable with wildlife encounters, remote conditions, and multi-day camping. Not suitable for very young children.
Nearby Facilities
Port Alsworth has limited services. Resupply in Anchorage or Dillingham before traveling to Lake Clark.
Review Summary
Experienced backpackers call this a transformative wilderness experience—pristine solitude, real wildlife encounters, and mountain beauty unmatched. The isolation and bear country demands serious preparation, but rewards immensely.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is this suitable for families with children?

Yes, for children 7+ with experienced adult supervision. Children must be comfortable sleeping in tents, hiking with a pack, and coexisting with bears (safely, from distance). Start with shorter trips (2-3 days) before attempting the full 2-7 day expedition.

Are bears a serious threat?

Bears are residents, not attacking predators if you respect distance. Maintain 100 yards from bears. Proper food storage is mandatory—never cook or store food in your tent. Bring bear spray and know how to use it. Do not approach wildlife.

Do I need a map and compass or GPS?

Yes—absolutely. Terrain is unmarked wilderness. Bring a map, compass, and GPS unit. Satellite communicator (InReach/SPOT) is strongly recommended for emergencies. Consider hiring a guide for first trips.

Can I bring my dog?

Technically allowed but strongly discouraged. Lake Clark is excellent bear and moose habitat; pets can trigger dangerous wildlife encounters and are difficult to control in wilderness. Leave dogs at home.

What is the best time to visit?

June-July for extended daylight (nearly 24-hour days), which aids navigation and safety. August-September offers more stable weather but shorter daylight and freeze-up risk. Avoid October-May unless you're experienced in extreme winter wilderness.

How do I get there?

Floatplane charter only. Fly into Port Alsworth, then arrange a charter to Kontrashibuna Lake. No roads access this area. Charter flights cost $500-1000+ per person depending on group size and operator.

Hike up Tanalian Mountain

Steep 2.5-mile grunt to 3,900 ft summit. Muddy, rocky scramble. Panoramic Lake Clark views justify the pain.

Sources

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.