With the exception of a hydroelectric facility on one tributary in the Iliamna Lake system, the rivers have no dams. Thus, the integrity of the fish populations essential for ecological and evolutionary studies has been maintained. The lakes are oligotrophic, covered with ice from December through May and are arrayed along a continuum from marine to interior climates. Three facilities are available in the Wood River Lakes. A two-story house, a bunkhouse, and a Pan Abode cabin provide housing quarters for all visiting personnel.
Electricity is provided by conventional hook-up to the local community.
Each camp has a maintenance shop, fully equipped for carpentry, plumbing, electrical projects or outboard motor and truck repairs. Numerous smaller lakes feed into these lakes and eventually discharge to Bristol Bay via the Kvichak River. The western end of the lake is wider, shallower, has few islands and the land becomes flat tundra towards the outlet. The mountainous habitat surrounding Lake Clark is protected by the Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. Four or more scientists can be supported at the Iliamna village facility, which is powered by large village generators and utilizes well water for drinking and cooking.