In our continuing series on great photo locations, landscape, wildlife and travel photographer Chris McLennan tells of his experiences gamboling with grizzlies at Alaska's Lake Clark National Park.
I originally visited Lake Clark on assignment for Tourism Alaska and now I return annually to host photography workshops there. Situated on the Alaska Peninsula southwest of Anchorage, Lake Clark has been called “the essence of Alaska” because the park includes so many of Alaska’s amazing landscape features in the one area. It boasts a convergence of three mountain ranges, two active volcanoes, and the coastline’s dramatic rainforest. It also has a stunning western plateau with tundra and wildlife, and the Turquoise Lake – the heart and soul of Lake Clark National Park.
Silver Salmon Creek Lodge is a 40 acre private wilderness property in Lake Clark National Park on the western shores of Cook Inlet. Access is by small plane only. We reach our remote lodge in a classic beaver aircraft which literally lands on the beach, and often we have to “buzz” the beach to clear it of bears just so we can land! This location is remote, but it offers exquisite photo opportunities. There are many Alaskan Brown Bears in the area and these can be photographed safely at distances closer than anywhere else I know. The bears here dig for clams at low tide, as well as fishing for salmon in the stream. It’s a popular area for mothers with cubs, and they interact playfully, providing fantastic subjects.
Safety is paramount and I use very experienced local guides to get the ultimate experience and photography opportunities. We have quad bikes and boats available to allow us to easily explore different shooting locations with camera gear on board. Fishing for salmon or halibut is also an option, for those that way inclined. We also venture to a nearby island to photograph puffins returning from fishing.
