aniakchak national monument and preserve is a u.s. national monument and national preserve, consisting of the region around the aniakchak volcano on the aleutian range of south-western alaska. the monument is one of the least-visited places in the national park system due to its remote location and difficult weather. the area was proclaimed a national monument on december 1, 1978, and established as a national monument and preserve on december 2, 1980. the national monument encompasses and the preserve . visitation to aniakchak is the lowest of all areas of the u.s. national park system, according to the nps, with only 100 documented recreational visits in 2017. most visitors fly into surprise lake inside aniakchak crater, but the frequent fog and other adverse weather conditions make landing in the lake difficult. it is also possible to fly into the nearby village of port heiden and proceed overland to the aniakchak crater.