Lake Clark National Park and Preserve

Back in Anchorage we grabbed a float plane to take us to Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. One of the many National Parks and Preserves in Alaska that can’t be reach by car, it was only about an hour flight from here. Interestingly enough, we left from the largest float plane base in North America, right next to Anchorage International Airport. When the float planes take off from here they fly directly over the main commercial runway and the conning tower, rather than try to go around. I guess it makes sense that they may pose less of a congestion hazard that way.

We flew to Lake Crescent in the heart of the Park. Lake Crescent is at the base of Mount Redoubt, a massive volcano that is very active. At a little over 10,000 feet, we had to weave our way through peaks and valleys in order to get to the lake. Mount Redoubt has erupted as recently at 2005, which scientists insist was the first actual predicted eruption that was accurate. Although there were no rumbles while we were at its base, we could see volcanic steam rising from its active vents.

Equally as fun as Katmai National Park, Lake Clark was different. At Katmai, all the salmon were jumping the falls, and the grizzlies made an unusual accommodation so that a dozen or more would hang together, and leave each other alone as long as their personal space wasn’t encroached. It was almost like a gallery set up for display. At Crescent Lake, the fish are near the shore all along this 9-mile-long lake. Rather than seeing all the brown bears together, each fished diligently, but alone.

After landing we boarded a deck boat and spent the next 6 hours hunting for bears. Mostly we found then hunting alone, just ambling along the shore line catching any salmon who got too close. It was fun to see them suddenly stop, sniff the air and listen, and then spring into action. Not every attack was a winner, but enough were to make it worth the effort. Only one time did we see two bears hunting in the same bay – a young juvenile was being tolerated by a huge adult male – as long as the young’un kept on the other side of the bay.

We were lucky enough to see a momma grizzly with two young cubs that our guide thought were likely born this year. The momma hunted the salmon, then dragged the catch up on shore to the waiting cubs, leaving it for them and heading back into the water to catch another. We couldn't see the cubs devour the catch, but could sure hear them. They snarled and screamed like they were fighting over who would get 

the biggest share. Our guide thought they were just cub playing sounds.

By the en

d of the day we had watched a total of 13 bears hunting the shores of Lake Crescent. I don’t know if it is really true, but our guide said that 13 was a personal record for her this entire season. Whether it was or not, we were still very happy with our extravaganza.

Talk to you soon!