Crescent Lake

Crescent Lake lies at the heart of the Lake Clark National Forest and Preserve, nestled at the base of the towering Mt. Redoubt Volcano. Fed by glaciers, snowmelt, and rain, this high-mountain lake and its surrounding wilderness teem with life. Its waters support resident species such as lake trout and dolly varden, along with anadromous fish including king, sockeye, silver, and pink salmon.

Protected from hunting, the brown bear population around Crescent Lake is robust and well-established. Thanks to frequent visits from float planes, these bears have become accustomed to human presence, often offering surprisingly close encounters as they roam the shoreline of both Crescent Lake and Crescent River in search of food.

Our tours begin with a landing on the lake’s western end, where boats are available to explore the scenic shoreline and winding Crescent River. With multiple bear sightings possible on a single trip—coupled with breathtaking scenery and unforgettable flightseeing opportunities from North Kenai—it’s easy to see why Crescent Lake offers one of the most memorable bear viewing experiences in the region.