Portage Creek Trail

Overview

Portage Creek is a demanding out-and-back that gives you a real taste of Lake Clark’s wild side. It’s roughly 6.5 miles total to the end of the maintained tread (about 3.25 miles one way), with around 1,850–2,100 feet of climbing. Expect solitude, a creek ford, thick brush, and a steady grind to alpine tundra with big views near Larch Mountain. This is a serious backcountry day—worth it for committed hikers who want an off-the-beaten-path objective.

Route, Terrain, and What You’ll See

From the beach by the Joe Thompson Public Use Cabin, the trail slips into a spruce–birch forest and stays mostly flat for about a mile to Portage Creek. After crossing the creek, the grade kicks up via switchbacks toward open tundra. The tread is narrow and can be muddy with blowdowns; in summer, grasses and thorny devil’s club can obscure sections and make navigation tricky. The maintained trail ends in tundra before the summit of Larch Mountain; enjoy the views and resist the urge to shortcut switchbacks on the way down.

Conditions and Hazards

Plan for wet feet at the creek crossing, brushy sections that hide the path, and intense mosquitoes in summer. Fresh sign from moose and bear is common—make noise and carry spray. Because this is a remote corner of the park, weather can delay boat or floatplane pickups; carry the essentials to spend an unplanned night if needed.

Access and Logistics

There’s no road access. You’ll land on the beach in front of the Joe Thompson Public Use Cabin by boat, floatplane, or water taxi from Port Alsworth. There are no docks or buoys here. Private property lies west of the cabin and around the point—stay on the signed public route, and after the creek crossing, keep left to remain on public trail.

Best Time to Hike

This is best as a clear-weather day trip when winds are manageable for boats/planes. Summer offers open tundra but also peak mosquitoes and vigorous vegetation; start early for cooler temps and better light, and bring head nets and strong repellent. Given the remoteness, you won’t be dealing with crowds—just make sure your pickup window has buffer for changing weather.

If You Want Something Easier

If you’re based in Port Alsworth and prefer a more straightforward maintained system, the Tanalian Trails offer rewarding options: Tanalian Falls, Kontrashibuna Lake, Beaver Pond, and the steeper Tanalian Mountain. They’re the park’s other maintained trails and are far simpler to access.