If you asked me to name one park in Alaska that encompassed all the best of what Alaska has to offer, without a doubt I would say Lake Clark National Park. This is a surprising, because most people don't have it on their radar, instead focusing on the better known and more easily accessed Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Glacier Bay. This might just be Lake Clarks magic though, as it is not only really special, but it is also one of the least visited national parks in the entire park system. And yet, it is incredible. In the interior you have some of the most beautiful mountains and lakes you could ever wish for. Endless hiking and paddling opportunities. And on the coast, you have unrivaled bear viewing. The bears were so close (by their own choice) that we could get to know them...their behaviors and mannerisms...on an intimate level. Lake Clark is an absolute gem of a park, for those willing to take the bush flights and extra effort to dig into it.
Lake Clark National Park (37 of 59)
Shot with FUJIFILM X-T1 and XF100-400 F4.5-5.6 lens
Photo by @jonathan_irish // Photographer Jonathan Irish (@jonathan_irish) is on an epic road trip to visit and create incredible content in all of the 59 U.S. National Parks in 52 weeks during the centennial of the National Park Service. He'll be sharing his images and stories along the way here, on his own Instagram feed, and on the following link at Nat Geo: www.natgeo.com/59in52 . #59in52 #onassignment #nps100 #findyourpark