Tanalian Mountain Trail

Tanalian Mountain Trail is an 8.6-mile out-and-back from the Tanalian Falls Trail to a rocky summit above Lake Clark. Allow at least eight hours. This is a steep, strenuous mountain day, not a quick extension of the waterfall walk. The park’s distance matches the Mountain Trail from its junction with the Falls Trail; walking in from another point on the Tanalian trail system adds approach distance.

The route starts along the Tanalian Falls Trail through birch and spruce, with alder and willow farther up. Then the forest gives way to open tundra and rocky slopes. The climb rises quickly: the upper ascent goes from about 650 feet to 3,900 feet in roughly 2.5 miles. Expect muddy or slippery ground, rocks, and some scrambling. If a long, steep climb is not your kind of hike, the summit is a poor fit.

The park map marks a point beyond which the trail is not maintained, even though the mapped route continues toward the summit. The upper section needs more care with route-finding than the forest approach. Pick up the current trail map and check conditions at the Port Alsworth visitor center before heading out.

From the top, the view opens over Lake Clark and Kontrashibuna Lake toward distant mountain ridges. A survey benchmark sits just before the very top, and sheep may be seen near the summit. Give yourself time at the top; turning around as soon as you reach the benchmark means stopping short of the highest point.

The summit is colder and windier than the lower trail, and rain can come at any time. Bring plenty of water and snacks, plus layers and rain gear. This is bear country, and proper food storage is required; the visitor center has bear-resistant containers for temporary use. Dogs are allowed on leash, though the park strongly encourages leaving them at home because bears and moose use the area.

The moderate Tanalian Falls walk is about 4 miles round trip. The Beaver Pond Loop is 3.2 miles round trip. Either makes more sense if you want a half-day outing; the Mountain Trail is for hikers ready to spend most of the day climbing.