ALASKA BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURES
Twin Lakes Alpine Traverse
Backpacking the Best of Alaska
The Twin Lakes Alpine Traverse is a guided backpack trip deep inside Lake Clark National Park. The route takes guests roughly 25 miles over the mountains from Turquoise Lake to Twin Lakes.
Guests enjoy a scenic bush plane flight into the center of the park where they and their gear are dropped off at Turquoise Lake. Camp will be set up just above the shoreline and below steep tower peaks carved by ancient glaciers. Over the next couple days the group will travel up the valley and over the mountain passes which connects over to the Twin Lakes region of the park. There are no trails here but the alpine tundra and rocky terrain make the traveling easy to navigate. The group will be camping in beautiful meadows with amazing alpine vistas and there is always a good chance to see bears, sheep and other native wildlife.
Coming down the pass brings the group into the stunning Twin Lakes area where the float planes will land for the pick up. If the weather is good this portion will culminate with a trip across the lake and over to the famous cabin of Dick Proenneke.
We have built in an extra day for weather delays which can be used as a bonus fishing or hiking adventure or guests can simply relax at the lodge.
Where You Will Travel |
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This itinerary is a sample overview of the week. Actual daily activities will vary by your goals and weather conditions.
Day 1 – Welcome to Lake Clark
Fly from Anchorage to Lake Clark and relax at Stonewood Lodge while unwinding from travel and organize your equipment for the week. Optional local activities like the NP visitors center, fly fishing lessons, or kayaking in the bay. Traditional dinner and orientation with the week’s activities discussed.
Day 2 – Float Plane to Turquoise Lake
Gather after breakfast for flight by float plane to drop off starting location for trekking trip. Site-seeing along the way of the Chigmit and Alaska Mountain Ranges and arrive for an afternoon of an exploration hike amongst glaciers, towering granite cliffs, and waterfalls. Settle in for an evening camped beside the emerald green waters of Turquoise Lake.
Day 3 – Into the Wilderness
After a warm breakfast, pack up for the trek through the mountains viewing the river and waterfalls while on the route. High camp will be made just down from the mountain pass where breathtaking views and sightings of wildlife are expected.
Day 4 – Over the Mountains
Side trips and hiking amongst the peaks before breaking camp and trekking down through the mountain valley. Camp is pitched on the shores of Twin Lakes and the evening spent relaxing.
Day 5 – Dick Proenneke’s Cabin
Pack up camp and go by float plane – if weather/time schedule allows we will stop in for a quick visit to Dick Proenneke’s cabin for a tour before returning to Stonewood Lodge. After showers and a buffet lunch, embark on a choice of fishing, kayaking, or short hike. Evening presentation in the rec room.
Day 6 – Bonus Day to Explore
Optional day of fishing, kayaking, site-seeing, or photography. This day can be used for an extensive day fishing and exploring rivers flowing into Lake Clark or to explore the Headwaters of Little Lake Clark and Cave Falls.
Day 7 – Visitors Center and Flight Home
After breakfast, begin preparations for departure. Maybe a visit to the NP visitor’s center if time allows before scenic flight back to Anchorage.
*FLIGHTS out to the lodge usually take place in the morning on the trips first day and midmorning on the final day. We recommend you fly in the night before the first day of the trip and schedule outgoing flights after 7 p.m. on the final day (or the following day).
Includes in the Cost |
Excluded from the Cost |
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*Lodge Flights include a 50 pound allowance per person. A a fee of $0.50 per pound will apply to excess weight. These flights normally take place in the morning on the trips first day and midmorning on the final day.
We recommend you fly in the night before the first day of the trip and schedule outgoing flights after 7 p.m. on the final day (or the following day).
The Best Comfort and Adventure Around
Our backcountry trips are based out of our very own lodge in Lake Clark Alaska. This lodge is only accessible by float plane, yet offers a luxury accommodations and fine dining. Learn more about Stonewood Lodge here.
At Stonewood Lodge, you will find all the qualities of a world class recreational and sportfishing lodge. Our lodge has a classic yet rustic feel and offers 10,000 square feet of contiguous space and all modern amenities rarely found off of the road system in Alaska. Our guests stay in the main lodge and rooms have a queen and twin in the room as well as a private in-suite bathroom. The lodge has in floor heat thermostatically controlled, 24 hour electricity, telephone services, and Wifi. We do encourage some of our remote outpost camps for some overnight accommodations on site, such as while on the river and to shorten travel times to and from the lodge. These excursions are your choice as you decide your daily routine. There is an adjoining den, library, fly-tying area, office desk, sauna, and recreational room open for conferencing and debriefing. The Lodge capacity is 28 guests, however we generally settle on groups of less than 12 guests a week.
$3,650 per person – 7 days / 6 nights (minimum 3)
Dates: (the dates are the same for every year)
June – 8-14 / 14-20 / 20-26 / 26-July 2
Trip Location
Click on the red markers for descriptions.
This scenic trip usually starts out with a bush plane drop off at Turquoise Lake. After hiking off trail through the mountains you are picked up at Twin Lakes. The trip is based out of our Stonewood Lodge on Lake Clark.
Lake Clark, AK
Turquoise Lake, Alaska
Twin Lakes Alaska
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