From Anchorage to Lake Clark
For most of our guests, the journey here starts in Anchorage, followed by a small-plane flight to Port Alsworth. There’s no road to our village, so that last flight is part of coming out to see us.
For those of us living in Port Alsworth, Anchorage is simply “town.” It’s where we go for groceries, supplies and appointments, and where much of what we need gets put on a plane and sent home. You’ll be making the same connection on your way to Lake Clark.
Making the flight connection
We recommend Lake Clark Air and Lake and Peninsula Airlines for your flight from Anchorage. Both are based here in Port Alsworth. Contact them for current schedules and availability, and let us know your plans so we can coordinate with your time aboard.
You’ll usually arrive in Anchorage at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, then connect with an air service flying to Port Alsworth. The flight to Port Alsworth leaves from Merrill Field, a separate, smaller airport in Anchorage. Check your air service’s address at Merrill Field before arranging a ride.
Allow time to collect your luggage, get to Merrill Field and check in for the smaller plane. Ask the air service about check-in times, baggage allowances and any limits on the size or type of bags you bring. Those details can be different from your airline flight to Anchorage.
The National Park Service guide to getting to Lake Clark is a useful starting point for air transport information. We’re happy to help you work out the connection to your sailing trip.
Leave a little room in your plans
Before booking your flights, get in touch so we can coordinate your arrival and departure with your time aboard Odyssey. That matters for both overnight trips and day or evening sails.
Weather can change small-plane schedules. A little room between connections makes the trip easier, especially on the way home. Depending on your flight times, a night in Anchorage before or after your visit may make sense. Check the timing with your air service before committing to a tight connection.
If you’ll be staying in Anchorage, arrange your summer lodging ahead of time. You can keep it to a stop along the way or give yourself a few days to see more of Alaska.
The flight out to Port Alsworth
When weather allows, the route through Lake Clark Pass takes you among mountains, glaciers and winding rivers. It’s a flight we’ve made many times, and there’s still plenty to look at out the window.
Your pilot chooses the route for the conditions that day, so a flight through the pass isn’t guaranteed. Wherever the route takes you, Port Alsworth is where we’ll meet you.
We’ll meet you at the airplane
When you arrive, we’ll help make sure all your luggage is there, then take you to the beach to meet the crew and hand over your bags.
For overnight guests, we usually follow that with a short look around Port Alsworth, a visit to the National Park Service visitor center and time for the Tanalian Falls hike before boarding Odyssey. The hike is optional, and we can shorten that part of the day to suit you. We plan for boarding after noon, once the boat is ready.
Read more about arrival day in Port Alsworth, or send us your travel plans and we’ll help put the pieces together.