Alaska Adventure: Seeing Lake Clark & Katmai National Parks
Finally made it to Katmai and Lake Clark. It wasn’t easy and it wasn’t cheap, but man, it was awesome.
Days 1–3: Lake Clark National Park
After grabbing breakfast at Joy’s Corner and killing some time at Glenn Square and Bass Pro Shop, I checked in at Merrill Field for the start of my first big adventure—Lake Clark National Park.
I flew with Lake Clark Air, and the entire experience was top-notch. Their pilots were skilled, professional, and friendly—5 stars all the way. The scenic flight over glaciers, rivers, and rugged peaks before landing on the turquoise waters of Lake Clark was unforgettable. This was the scariest flight of my life. See the video below to check out the turbulence!
My stay at Lake Clark Resort (The Farm Lodge) felt like a true Alaskan retreat, complete with cozy rooms and home-cooked meals. Waking up to crisp mountain air and lake views was the perfect way to start each day. You could rent the kayaks for free and they had bear spray, hiking poles, and a coffee shop in this small town of about 250. The staff was super friendly, most of them being there for the summer, away from college. Bring plenty of tip money for them as well! They deserve it. The meals were honestly great and the cost was well worth what we paid.
The next day, we set off on a self-guided hike up Tanalian Mountain. The trail was challenging but rewarding, leading through lush forests and rocky ridges before opening up to panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Reaching the top and looking out across the wild expanse of Lake Clark was amazing.
On the 17th, I said goodbye to Lake Clark, flying back through the mountains and landing in Anchorage before renting a car for the drive south to Homer.
Days 4–5: Fishing and Exploring Homer
Homer quickly became one of my favorite stops. Known as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World,” it lived up to its name. On August 18th, I joined Homer Halibut Hunters for a halibut combo fishing trip. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of reeling in a fish from the deep, cold waters of Kachemak Bay.
The following day was slower-paced. I wandered Bishop’s Beach, explored the charming town, and later enjoyed dinner at Fresh Catch Café. The name says it all—the seafood was incredibly fresh, and the waterfront views made the meal even more memorable.
Day 6: Bears at Katmai National Park
If there was one bucket-list moment, it was flying with Katmai Air to Katmai National Park’s Brooks Falls. This day was hands-down the best of our entire trip. Watching brown bears up close as they fished for salmon in the rushing falls was surreal. Dozens of them splashed through the water, jostling for position, showing off the raw, untamed power of Alaska.
Seeing these incredible animals in their natural habitat—not behind glass or a fence—was life-changing. This sounds totally corny, but it totally brought tears to my eyes to see these coastal brown bears on the waterfall. See the pics below in the gallery! Two bears actually crossed our paths on the hiking tail as well!!!!
Days 7–8: Salmon Fishing & Wildlife Cruise
August 21st was another day on the water, this time with Captain B’s Alaskan C’s Adventure. I can’t rave enough about Captain B and his stellar crew—they made the trip unforgettable. I caught my first-ever fish, and it wasn’t just any fish—it was a King Salmon! Because it was such a prized catch, I even had to get a special Alaskan stamp for it. That moment—rod bent, fish on the line, and cheers from the crew—was one of the highlights of my entire trip.
On the 22nd, I swapped rods for binoculars and joined Rainbow Tours for a wildlife cruise across Kachemak Bay to Seldovia. The scenery was breathtaking, with seabirds, seals, and the chance of spotting whales along the way. Once in Seldovia, my husband and I explored the quiet coastal town—and even looked at property there. The slower pace, small-town charm, and ocean views made it easy to imagine a life tucked away in this little slice of Alaskan paradise.
Day 9: A Farewell Dinner
On August 23rd, I wrapped up my time in Homer with a dinner at The Meandering Goat, a cozy spot that you can reach by cold water taxi or ferry. There’s something about a remote dinner destination, accessible only across the bay, that makes the evening feel like a secret shared with the sea.
Day 10: Back to Anchorage
On the 24th, we packed up not just our bags—but also 106 lbs of fish we had caught over the week, including halibut, salmon, and rockfish. A local fish packaging company handled everything perfectly, flash-freezing and boxing our catch for travel.
From there, we made the 3.5-hour drive back to Anchorage, returned the rental car, and boarded our flight home on United Airlines. Thanks to my United card, our checked bags—including all that fish—flew free! It felt like the perfect ending to an adventure filled with unforgettable memories and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Final Thoughts
Alaska isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience. From the glaciers of Lake Clark to the bears of Katmai (the highlight of the whole trip), and from halibut hauls to the thrill of catching my first King Salmon, every moment felt raw, real, and unforgettable. And who knows—maybe someday we’ll call Seldovia home. My thought on spending a lot of money like this are that life is never guaranteed. We don’t do these kinds of trip often, but maybe once every 5-10 years. If you are a lover of bears or want a truly thrilling adventure, add any of these things to your bucket list next summer!
