Flying through Lake Clark Pass

When weather allows, the flight from Anchorage to Port Alsworth takes you through Lake Clark Pass. Mountains, glaciers and rivers fill the view out the window. We’ve flown this route many times, and it still gives us plenty to look at.

Pictures only show a little of it, but these are a few views from our trips through the pass. Your pilot chooses the route for the conditions that day, so this part of the journey will depend on the weather.

Snow-covered mountains on the flight through Lake Clark Pass — Snow on the mountains along the way to Lake Clark

Mountains, ice and moving water

There are steep cliffs, glaciers tucked between the mountains and streams working their way down the rock. From the airplane, you can see how the ice has shaped the valleys, then follow the water as it winds away below.

A glacier between the mountains in Lake Clark Pass — A glacier in Lake Clark Pass

A deep valley carved by a glacier — A valley shaped by the ice

A stream running down a mountainside — Water coming down the mountain face

The lake comes into view

Coming out toward the lake, you may get a look at Little Lake Clark and the shallow entrance that separates it from the main lake. Farther along are islands, river mouths and stretches of shoreline you may see again from Odyssey.

It’s a good chance to get your bearings before you reach Port Alsworth. The places look different from the water, but you might recognize a mountain or bay from the flight.

Little Lake Clark and Lake Clark coming into view from the airplane — Coming out of the pass, with Little Lake Clark back to the left and Lake Clark ahead to the right

From the airplane to the lake

We’ll meet you when you land in Port Alsworth and help you get settled into the day. If you’re still working out your travel plans, our Anchorage page explains the connection at Merrill Field and the two local air services we recommend.

Getting Here Arrival in Port Alsworth Plan Your Stay