Recently, my husband and I had the pleasure of a scenic flight from Anchorage to Port Alsworth, Alaska (pop. approximately 55 - originally a native village - got it's first post office in 1950) and Lake Clark National Park and Preserve.

Commercial operators cover the distance (approximately 150 miles) in a shorter time but in our Cessna 170, it was a two hour flight. During that time we were treated to fantastic views of some of Alaska's spectacular jagged mountains, tundra covered foothills, glaciers - those amazing ancient, ribbons of ice - plus countless rivers and lakes.

This area is rich in wildlife and is home to a healthy population of brown or grizzly bears and black bears. The Mulchatna caribou herd, sheep, moose and wolves roam the park and some of the best salmon fishing in Alaska is found in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve.

We landed our plane on the 3,000' gravel airstrip which is privately owned and operated by Glen Alsworth and spent the night at the Alsworth family's The Farm Lodge located on the southeast shore of Lake Clark.

Our delicious meals were served family style in their dining room which offers a perfect view of Lake Clark. The cabin was spacious, comfortable and immaculately clean.

We were able to meet and chat with other guests during our meals. One couple were return visitors from France, another couple from California, three friends from the east coast along with their host from Eagle River, Alaska and a couple from Anchorage and their visitor from Pennsylvania.

Lake Clark is approximately 45 miles long and the Alsworth's offer a scenic boat ride around the lake with a knowledgeable guide.

Mountain climbing, hiking, backpacking, camping, rafting, canoeing, birding, fishing, hunting - all are available in the park and Port Alsworth has several lodges, outfitters & guides providing summer recreational activities.

In Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, there are two active volcanoes which can be seen from Anchorage, Mt. Redoubt and Mt. Iliamna. As recently as 1989 & 1990 Mt. Reboubt reminded residents of it's power when it blew, producing a lightshow followed by a blanket of ash.

More information about Lake Clark National Park and Preserve may be found at:

• http://www.lake.clark.national-park.com/
• http://www.nps.gov/lacl/
• http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/Parks/lake_clark/lake_clark.html

For more information about Alaska - things to do, places to go - visit http://www.alaskavisitorsinformation.com/

Questions? Contact me at info@akwebsites.com

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