My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to Alaska. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For flights, I recommend using Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to Alaska. Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars! I always use Expedia's easy-to-use platform to compare the best rates. To keep cell service if you're traveling internationally, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required), and NordVPN to stay safe while connecting to different wifi. For fun things to do, I recommend Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours in the area. Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance. Lastly, my Alaska packing list for your travels to the Last Frontier.
Hiking in Port Alsworth
Before you head out on the trails near Port Alsworth, there's a few things you'll want to prepare for. The most important is. to prepare for possible wildlife encounters, like bears. Most lodges or Airbnb's in the area will have bear spray accessible for you, I recommend watching a tutorial beforehand so you know how to use it. I've only ever stayed at Lake Clark Resort in Port Alsworth, which has bear spray available for guests at their Cranberry Cache cafe.
There's a few other things you'll want to keep in mind before heading out on a hike from Port Alsworth. Trails in the area can be muddy and have some roots and rocks covering the walking path, so I recommend watching your step and wearing comfortable outdoor shoes that you don't mind getting dirty. Weather can also change fairly quickly, so I recommend wearing a few layers and bringing a raincoat in a daypack with some snacks. If you're heading out on a longer hike, then snacks and water are a must, just make sure to pack out everything you bring with you.
Some of my Favorite Nearby Tours :
My Favorite Hikes in Port Alsworth
1. Beaver Pond Loop
As the shortest hike on this list, this is a great trail to do if you're short on time or just looking for an easy way to enjoy the outdoors. This loop is right around 3.5 miles, and has only about a 550 foot elevation gain. This trail makes its way through wooded areas and is the only hike on this list were I've seen bear prints, so I would make sure to bring your bear spray! Once you make it to the pond there's a nice bench to enjoy the views, just make sure to bring bug spray as it can get very buggy! If you're wanting to visit Tanalian Falls (further down this list) you can also take this trail to meet up with that one for a bit of an easier incline. 
2. Tanalian Falls
The hike to Tanalian Falls is my personal favorite on this list. At just over 4 miles out and back, the elevation gain is less than 800 feet. The trail starts a little steep, but for the rest of the hike you can expect little hills the entire way. If you're able to, I recommend bringing a lunch and having a picnic at the waterfall! There's a nice, rocky beach at the bottom that you can sit at to enjoy, and before you go I recommend exploring the top of the waterfall for some beautiful views too! Just make sure to bring out everything you pack in. 
3. Kontrashibuna Lake
From Tanalian Falls, if you continue down the trail about another mile you'll find yourself at Kontrashibuna Lake. There'll be a bit more of an elevation gain (about 400 more feet) before you reach the mouth of the lake. A little further down, you can find the Kontrashibuna Lake Campground, a backcountry site that has no fee and is open year round. If you're wanting to get in a backcountry adventure while at Lake Clark, this is a great spot. Although I haven't, some people even make the hike around the entire Lake, about 14 miles each way. 
4. Tanalian Mountain
This hike is the hardest on my list, and there's a reason it's the one I haven't actually completed myself yet. At just about 9 miles long you'll gain almost 3,800 feet of elevation. The trail to Tanalian Mountain begins on the Tanalian Waterfall trail, and has switchbacks and a steep scramble to get to the top. For most people this hike will take an entire day, so bring snacks, water, bear spray, and comfortable shoes and hiking clothes. At the top, you'll see incredible panoramic views of Lake Clark and chances are you might even see some mountain goats at the top!
5. Portage Creek Trail
If you're feeling extra adventurous, and have access to a boat or kayak, you can head across Lake Clark to the Portage Creek Trail. If you decide to do this, make sure you tie up the boat/kayak once you get there, and watch the weather reports for any wind that might make it difficult to get back. The trail itself is 6.5 miles long, and gains about 2,000 feet of elevation - so it's very steep. You can expect something similar to Tanalian Mountain, with switchbacks at the top and beautiful panoramic views overlooking Lake Clark.
Watch my Port Alsworth Hiking Adventures here!
Other Alaska blog posts you might be interested in :
-> 3 Day Port Alsworth Itinerary -> Best Things to Do in Lake Clark National Park -> Bear Viewing in Lake Clark National Park
Pin this Hiking Guide for Later!
|
Hi, I'm Deborah! In 2021 my husband Tyler convinced me to move to Alaska. After living here for a year (then leaving to take a year long world trip) we realized there was no place we loved more. So now we're back - and I'm here to share all my best tips and hidden gems to make Your Alaskan Adventures the best they can be. \\\ My blog is free to read, but some links may be affiliates. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. Learn more here. \\\ |
|
©COPYRIGHT 2026 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
|