Grayling AlaskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Grayling, Alaska.
1. Kijik River
GRAYLING FISHING PARADISE
The Kijik River is the pinnacle of Alaska grayling fishing with crystal clear waters full of hungry grayling. This breathtaking location offers excellent sight-fishing in knee-high water where anglers can catch fish after fish. Sockeye salmon arrive starting the third week in July, turning the small stream silver then red with their changing bodies.
2. Lake Clark
SCENIC MOUNTAIN LAKE
Lake Clark is a stunning glacial-fed lake carved between high mountain peaks and serves as the centerpiece of Lake Clark National Park. Nearly every creek, brook, or river flowing into Lake Clark offers a healthy population of Arctic grayling perfect for fly fishing. The picturesque setting is second to none for pure beauty, though anglers should be prepared for swift winds that often blow down the lake.
3. Clearwater Creek
ACCESSIBLE GRAYLING FISHING
Clearwater Creek parallels the Denali Highway and offers excellent fishing for Arctic grayling enthusiasts. The creek provides an accessible location for anglers of various skill levels to try their luck at catching these beautiful acrobatic fish. Its convenient location makes it an ideal stop during an Alaska road trip.
4. Lorraine Lake
STOCKED FISHING SPOT
Lorraine Lake is a small lake accessible via a gravel road off of Point Mackenzie Road. The lake is stocked with both Arctic grayling and rainbow trout, providing excellent fishing opportunities. Its relatively small size makes it an ideal spot for anglers looking for a more intimate fishing experience.
5. Sunshine Creek
SEASONAL SILVER FISHING
Sunshine Creek flows into the Susitna River and can be reached via an access road off the Parks Highway. While it hosts grayling, the creek is most popular for fishing for silver salmon from late August through September. Its accessibility makes it a convenient option for those traveling along the Parks Highway.
6. Landmark Gap Lake
SCENIC HIKING DESTINATION
Landmark Gap Lake offers stunning views accessible by hiking the Landmark Gap Trail North. The lake provides excellent fishing opportunities for Arctic grayling in a picturesque setting. Visitors can enjoy both outdoor recreation and breathtaking Alaskan wilderness scenery in one location.
7. Willow Creek Confluence State Recreation Area
FISHING AND CAMPING HUB
Willow Creek Confluence State Recreation Area features 140 campsites where Willow Creek meets the Susitna River near Mile 70.8 of the Parks Highway. Managed by Alaska State Parks, this busy campground offers amenities including flush toilets, a dump station, and fish-cleaning areas set within a spruce forest. The recreation area serves as an ideal base for fishing, rafting, and exploring nearby Hatcher Pass, with the town of Willow just minutes away.
8. Moose Creek
ROADSIDE GRAYLING FISHING
Moose Creek is easily accessible via a pull-out next to the Glenn Highway, making it convenient for travelers. The creek is known for its grayling fishing opportunities throughout the fishing season. Its roadside location makes it perfect for a quick fishing stop during an Alaska road trip.
9. South Fork of Bonanza Creek
DIVERSE FISH SPECIES
South Fork of Bonanza Creek is accessible from the Dalton Highway and offers fishing for multiple species. Anglers can target Arctic grayling, burbot, and whitefish in its waters. The creek's location along the Dalton Highway makes it a good option for those traveling this remote Alaskan route.
10. Meridian and Grayling Lakes Trail
EASY FAMILY-FRIENDLY HIKES
The Meridian and Grayling Lakes Trail leads to two beautiful, pristine lakes that are perfect for people of all ages. Both lakes offer excellent fishing opportunities, with stocked trout in Meridian Lake and grayling in Grayling Lake. The trailhead features off-highway parking at around mile 14, with the path splitting at a fork to lead to either lake.
11. Haggard Creek
SPRING FISHING DESTINATION
Haggard Creek is known as a spring fishery adjacent to a BLM Campground. The creek offers good opportunities for catching Arctic grayling during the spring season. Its location near a campground makes it convenient for those looking to combine camping and fishing activities.
12. Kijik Lake
MULTI-SPECIES FISHING LAKE
Kijik Lake is a deep, mountain lake filled with lake trout, Dolly Varden, and grayling. The lake serves as an access point to the Kijik River system, often reached via floatplane. From Kijik Lake, anglers can access the connecting stream that runs parallel to the mountain before emptying into the main Kijik River, known for exceptional grayling fishing.
13. Eagle Island
NEARBY NATURAL LANDMARK
Eagle Island is a notable natural landmark located near the village of Grayling in Alaska. The island offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor exploration in a remote setting. Visitors can experience authentic Alaskan wilderness while observing the diverse ecosystem of the region.
14. Alaska Outdoor Tours
YEAR-ROUND ADVENTURE EXPERIENCES
Alaska Outdoor Tours offers year-round excursions and adventures in the Grayling area and beyond. The company provides helpful information on all things Alaska outdoors related, making it a valuable resource for visitors. Their tours showcase the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the Alaskan wilderness.
15. The Grayling Fishing Experience
BEAUTIFUL ACROBATIC FISH
The Grayling Fishing Experience should be near the top of any Alaska fishing list due to the beautiful acrobatic nature of these fish. Epic road trips through Alaska can be centered around pursuing these distinctive fish in crystal clear waters. Anglers of all skill levels can enjoy the thrill of catching these active and abundant fish throughout Alaska's numerous rivers and lakes.