Kontrashibuna Lake Trail

This is a 5.8-mile out-and-back from the Falls and Lake Trailhead in Port Alsworth to the first shore of Kontrashibuna Lake, with Tanalian Falls on the way. Give it about half a day: the lake deserves time, and the waterfall is an easy place to linger. If you only want the falls, turn around there for the shorter hike; continuing to the lake adds roughly a mile each way and trades a little extra effort for a striking mountain setting. The return follows the same route, so the climb you descended near the falls comes back at the end.

For the first 2.5 miles from Port Alsworth, the established trail is well marked. It climbs through birch groves and spruce-covered hillsides. One opening looks back across Lake Clark before the route rounds a bend and drops gently toward Tanalian Falls. In summer, dwarf dogwood lines parts of the approach. The falls are the other good reason to make the walk: cold glacial water spills over a roughly 30-foot cliff of ancient lava, and the mist and roar hit before you get a clear look.

Beyond the falls, the trail continues into designated wilderness and reaches Kontrashibuna Lake. Stop at the first shore and take in the turquoise water and rugged peaks; on a calm day, they reflect across the lake. This is the simple day-hike itinerary represented here. Anglers may find arctic char and lake trout in the lake, but check the applicable fishing rules before casting.

The maintained trail ends at the lake. Walking farther along the shore is a different, rougher trip; the lake head is about 14 miles beyond the outlet. That rougher route follows game paths that wander away from the water through uneven ground, trees and thick brush, and two small streams cross the route. They are usually less than knee-deep but can rise during flooding. Spring and late fall often expose more beach when water is lower. Don’t mistake that long lakeshore itinerary for a marked extension of this trail.

Port Alsworth has no road connection and no grocery stores; visitors arrive by air or boat, and private airstrip landing fees are separate from hiking. From the visitor center, follow the village route toward the southernmost airstrip and Hardenberg Bay to the shared Falls and Lake Trailhead. Dedicated parking details aren’t documented. The visitor center has trail maps and can lend bear-resistant food containers. You may need to cross active gravel runways on foot; use the ends and watch for aircraft, which can be quieter than you expect. Leashed pets are allowed, though park staff strongly recommend leaving them home because dogs can provoke wildlife and disturb nesting animals.