Fly-In Bear Viewing Along the West Cook Inlet Coast

1-14 Days

No

Summer

Day, Dawn

A fat tire wheelchair that works well on the beach is available from the ranger at Silver Salmon Creek or Chinitna Bay. It may be reserved in advance and delivered to your airplane or picked up at the ranger station. To reserve, call (907) 644-3626 or email us

Yes — Leashed pets are permitted in the park and preserve. However, we strongly encourage you to leave your pets at home, for your safety, their safety, and the health of the ecosystem. If your dog is already in Alaska with you, a quick Google search will give you a list of kennels that can board it for you during your trip to Lake Clark. Common park gateway communities with pet boarding facilities include Anchorage, Soldotna, Kenai, Kasilof, Homer, and Anchor Point. Dogs running loose can bring enraged bears or moose back to their owners. They can also harass or kill local wildlife. While it's pretty obvious when a dog is chasing a moose or a squirrel, a loose dog can eat ground nesting bird eggs and chicks so quickly the owner never realizes it happened. They may also either contract a disease from wild canine populations, or introduce disease to fox, coyote, or wolf through their scat. Be aware that these wild canines are highly territorial, especially during summer denning season, and will kill loose dogs they encounter in their territory. If you must bring your pet, remember that it must be leashed at ALL times, and that you must properly dispose of its scat by either burying it in a 6 inch cathole like you would your own waste, or by packing (flying) it out.

Yes — You do not need to pay entrance fees, make reservations, or obtain permits from the National Park Service for any recreational activities in the park including backpacking, camping, river running, and bear viewing. However, because most visitors have to travel to the park via aircraft or boat, you likely will have to make advance reservations with an air taxi or bear viewing guide if you're not from the local area. To learn more, visit the park's Directions page.

All ages, but minors should be with an adult parent or guardian to ensure their safety around wildlife.

West Cook Inlet, Alaska