Crescent Lake

Crescent Lake is a remote lake in the Chigmit Mountains, known for fishing and bear viewing. It draws more visitors than any other destination in Lake Clark, but it's still a roadless wilderness trip. Summer visitors arrive by floatplane and usually explore by boat or kayak. I'd make the flight for time on the water, not a quick shore stop.

Brown and black bears feed along the lake and river as salmon move through. Most viewing is from a boat. Brush grows right to the water and covers bear travel corridors, so the park discourages walking the shore; camping is also discouraged because of the bears and dense brush.

There's no road or developed trail into the lake. In summer, you need a floatplane; the lake has no suitable landing beaches or runways for wheeled aircraft. Winter landings depend on snow and ice. Licensed outfitters offer day and overnight fishing and bear-viewing outings, and guides or lodges can arrange boats. Ask what transport, food, drinking water and toilet access are included rather than assuming you'll find public facilities at the lake. Keep food and fish in approved bear-resistant containers.

From the Ranger Station, Redoubt Volcano can rise above the lake on a clear day. If you take a photo, keep some lake or shore in the foreground; it gives the mountain a sense of scale.