It wouldn't be a complete season if we didn't offer our favorite combination Alaska kayaking and backpacking adventure! The secret alpine basin we will be exploring has seen very little visitation and remains one of our favorite places to roam. After a night in Port Alsworth, including a dinner and orientation highlighting our backcountry philosophies and techniques, we will hoist our packs and begin the short hike to Kontrashibuna Lake. As we pass Tanalian Falls, a large waterfall on the Tanalian River, keep in mind that it is this obstacle that has kept Sockeye Salmon from using this Lake Clark tributary as a spawning ground. When we reach the lake, you will be given a brief lesson on kayak safety and operation, and before long we will all be paddling the waters of this Alaskan gem.
Kontrashibuna Lake, or 'special K' as we like to call it, is definitely one of the most beautiful lakes in Lake Clark National Park. Its deep clear waters are home to huge fish and, at 15 miles long and one half of a mile wide at its widest point, it feels more like a big river than a lake. Kayaking this body of water is exhilarating and breathtaking. At an elevation of 459 feet Kontrashibuna Lake winds its way through Chigmit Mountain peaks that tower 4500 vertical feet above its crystal clear azure waters. We’ll then spend 5-days backpacking in Gladiator Basin – a spectacular valley high in the Chigmits!

Want to take this trip? Visit us at
http://www.alaskaalpineadventures.com/trips/kontrashibuna/gladiator-combination-lake-clark-national-park.html