31 Bucket List National Parks That Are Surprisingly Underrated

16. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve (Alaska): Accessible Wilderness

Craving Alaskan wilderness without the extreme remoteness of Gates of the Arctic? Lake Clark offers stunning scenery – including active volcanoes, turquoise lakes, glaciers, and coastline – accessible primarily via small aircraft from Anchorage or Homer. It's renowned for incredible bear viewing (especially coastal brown bears fishing for salmon), salmon runs, and opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and remote lodge stays. It provides that quintessential Alaskan wildness – dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife – often with fewer visitors than Katmai's famous Brooks Falls.