Aniakchak National Monument sees under 300 tourists every year.

Each year, Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve consistently ranks as the least visited of all National Park Service lands. Located halfway down the remote and rugged Alaska Peninsula, it is a truly primitive area. The volcanic geology and natural history of Aniakchak tell a tale of catastrophic change and the phenomenal resiliency of life.

The predominant feature is a 6.5-mile wide, 2000-foot deep caldera formed by the collapse of a 7,000-foot mountain during an eruption 3,500 years ago. Inside the crater lies Surprise Lake, the headwaters of the Aniakchak River.

Until the 1920s, this area was known only to the Aleut and Alutiiq Natives, who have lived in the region for over a millennium. The lake was named by Father Bernard R. Hubbard, a Jesuit priest and geologist, who, in 1930, is thought to be the first non-native person to have entered the caldera.

Today, very few visitors venture to the Aniakchak National Monument. At Crystal Creek Lodge, we are fortunate to take our guests on flight-seeing and hiking adventures of the monument and the surrounding preserve, which borders our Yantarni Salmon Camp. The scenery at Aniakchak is stunning, and the solitude is unmatched. With favorable weather, this is a special adventure that Crystal Creek Lodge guests can enjoy any time of the season. Landing upon the waters of Surprise Lake is a stunning and unforgettable experience.

Check out our Fishing page and our Adventure page to learn more about opportunities to enjoy the Alaska fishing season. Discover the wonders of Crystal Creek Lodge through our Instagram page, where you can immerse yourself in stunning visuals and learn more about our exciting adventures in the Alaskan wilderness!

Crystal Creek Lodge is nestled on the banks of the Naknek River, near King Salmon, Alaska. It is a renowned Luxury Alaska Fishing and Adventure Lodge with over 400 5-star reviews. Since 1988, we’ve been delivering thousands of exciting and memorable flyout excursions.

Aniakchak Adventure Photo Gallery