My Park Story: Noah Van Lith

Meet our "Through My Lens" Third Place Winner

Noah Van Lith from Wisconsin came to Lake Clark in 2022 and 2023. After submitting his photo "Emerald Over Emerson" to the 2024 Lake Clark Photo Contest, the photo received high praise from the public and was selected as the third place winner of the contest.

Read below to learn more about his experience visiting Lake Clark National Park and Preserve and how he came about taking his winning photo.

What drew you to visiting Lake Clark?

I have visited Lake Clark National Park and Preserve twice now. My first trip was 2022 and most recently in ‘23. The draw to the park was to visit Dick Proenneke's cabin on Twin Lakes. From reading One Man’s Wilderness to seeing the PBS documentary countless times, the opportunity to finally be there in person was incredible. These two trips played a major role in my decision to move to Alaska in 2023.

What was your trip itinerary?

Our first trip had us leaving Anchorage out of Merrill Field to Port Alsworth. For me, the trip could have ended right there and I would have been satisfied due to the overwhelming beauty of navigating Lake Clark Pass. From Port Alsworth we flew to Twin Lakes to stay at the Windsong Cabin. We would spend several days here exploring the lake, Dick's cabin, and even mustered the strength to summit a few peaks. On our Second trip we flew straight in from Anchorage and, having already done some initial exploration, focused in on hikes we had planned in the long months we had been away. Such hikes included Dick's "Around The Mountain" hike, venturing to the lower lake, and a trip up Emerson Creek.

Reflecting back on your visit, what do you remember most about your trip?

Looking back on the two trips, I often remember how there is a feeling you get as the plane flies deeper into the vast wilderness and civilization disappears into a faint memory – it’s almost a weight being lifted. You are free in the simplicity and beauty of nature. It’s just you, the mountains, the rivers, and the abundant wildlife. Life slows down and I really enjoy that.

What inspired you to take your winning photo, and how did you choose it to be the image you’d submit?

The photo I took is one of many that sit on my phone. I feel as though I could take a picture of every square inch and it could be award winning or at least pleasant to anyone who views it. We took a hike up Emerson Creek in search of a waterfall not two miles in from the lake we had just crossed. The sun had finally decided to show and that added a much-welcomed pleasantry. The lush greenery surrounding the sides of the creek popped from multiple days of fresh rainwater and the creek was in a hurry to empty itself into the lake. This same water would meander miles more before reaching its intended destination to the ocean. It was as if the creek was behind schedule and was working overtime that day. The falls were the main attraction, a turquoise blue curtain, thousands of gallons. This is where I looked back and took my picture. Watching the water settle back down under a canopy of green, I thought of the miles ahead it had to travel, the fish it would swim by, the moose it would relieve from thirst, and most importantly, I thought about how lucky I was to be there in that moment.

What advice would you give to future visitors and photographers?

Slow down! Enjoy yourself! You’re only going to be there for a moment, make it last a lifetime.

A special thank you to Noah Van Lith for submitting his winning photo and sharing his story through this interview. To read the interviews of our other 2024 Photo Contest winners and see their winning shots, visit our Photo Contest page.