Yellowstone National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two of the most renowned national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences to visitors, from breathtaking natural wonders to exciting wildlife encounters. But which one is the better choice for your next adventure?
Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872, is the first national park in the world and is known for its geothermal wonders. The park is home to over 10,000 geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pots. Visitors can witness the famous Old Faithful geyser erupting and explore the park’s vast wilderness.
Isle Royale National Park, on the other hand, is a remote island located in the middle of Lake Superior. The park is a perfect place for those who are looking for a peaceful, secluded getaway. Visitors can hike through the park’s dense forests, go kayaking, or simply relax on the shoreline of one of its many pristine beaches. With its rugged terrain and diverse wildlife, Isle Royale is a true gem for nature lovers.
So, which park is the better choice for your next adventure? That’s what we aim to find out in this article! We’ll take an in-depth look at both parks, comparing their natural wonders, wildlife, and recreational activities.
Hiking Trails in Isle Royale National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Isle Royale National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, both offering unique outdoor experiences for visitors. When it comes to hiking trails, both parks offer a diverse range of options for all skill levels.
At Isle Royale National Park, visitors will find a mix of easy and challenging hikes. One of the easiest hikes is the Minong Ridge Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding islands and lakes. The Greenstone Ridge Trail, on the other hand, is a more challenging hike that spans 45 miles and takes visitors through the heart of the park.
At Yellowstone National Park, the easiest hike is the Boiling River Trail, which takes visitors to a hot spring where they can soak in the warm waters. For more experienced hikers, the Mount Washburn Trail is a challenging hike that takes visitors to the top of a 10,243-foot peak, offering panoramic views of the park.
Both parks offer a variety of hiking experiences, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, both Isle Royale National Park and Yellowstone National Park have something to offer for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Isle Royale National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenstone Ridge Trail: Windigo to Tobin Harbor | 63568.93 | 1216.7616 | Hard | point to point | 4 |
| Rainbow Cove Trail | 2253.076 | 21.9456 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Malone Bay to Hatchett Lake | 37658.556 | 664.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
| Ishpeming Trail to Ishpeming Point | 23496.364 | 339.852 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Yellowstone National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop | 5632.69 | 184.7088 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand Prismatic Hot Spring | 2574.944 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop | 7242.03 | 73.7616 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Canyon Rim North Trail to Inspiration Point | 12713.786 | 349.9104 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail | 1609.34 | 17.9832 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail | 5632.69 | 170.9928 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Artists Paintpots Trail | 1609.34 | 30.7848 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Avalanche Peak Trail | 7402.964 | 614.7816 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail | 1126.538 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Isle Royale National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Isle Royale National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both popular destinations for nature enthusiasts and wildlife watchers. However, the types of wildlife that can be seen in these parks are quite different.
Isle Royale is a remote island located in Lake Superior, and is known for its diverse array of wildlife, including moose, wolves, and beaver. Moose were introduced to the island in the early 1900s and have since become the dominant species, with a population of around 1,200. Wolves, on the other hand, are relatively new to the island, having only recently established a presence in the 1980s. Visitors may also spot beaver, as well as a variety of bird species such as Common Loons, Bald Eagles, and Peregrine Falcons.
Yellowstone, on the other hand, is known for its diverse array of large mammals, including bison, elk, and grizzly bears. The park is also home to a variety of smaller mammals, such as coyotes, foxes, and marmots. Birdwatchers can expect to see species such as the Bald Eagle, the Harlequin Duck, and the Osprey. The park also boasts a wide variety of plant life, including wildflowers, aspen groves, and towering conifers.
In conclusion, both Isle Royale and Yellowstone offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, with Isle Royale offering a chance to see moose, wolves, and beaver, while Yellowstone is known for its diverse array of large mammals, such as bison, elk, and grizzly bears, as well as a variety of smaller mammals and bird species.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Isle Royale National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Isle Royale National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Osprey | Osprey |
| Tree Swallow | Tree Swallow |
| Mallard | Mallard |
| Canada Goose | Canada Goose |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| American Robin | American Robin |
| Great Horned Owl | Great Horned Owl |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Northern Flicker | Northern Flicker |
| Merlin | Merlin |
| Barn Swallow | Barn Swallow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | Great Blue Heron |
| Hermit Thrush | Hermit Thrush |
| American Kestrel | American Kestrel |
| Bald Eagle | Bald Eagle |
| Song Sparrow | Song Sparrow |
| European Starling | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Isle Royale National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Striped Skunk | Bobcat |
| Little Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Deer Mouse | Little Brown Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Hoary Bat | Raccoon |
| Red Fox | Black Bear |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Porcupine |
| Mink | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Gray Wolf | Hoary Bat |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| Snowshoe Hare | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| North American River Otter | House Mouse |
| Canada Lynx | Mountain Lion |
| Marten | Mink |
| Moose | Mule Deer |
| Red Bat | Wolf |
| Norway Rat | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Southern Red-Backed Vole | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Northern Long-Eared Bat | Badger |
| Short Tailed Weasel | |
| California Myotis |
Fish
| Isle Royale National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Coaster Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Longnose Sucker |
| Harvey Lake Fathead Minnow | Lake Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Mottled Sculpin |
| Lake Trout | Longnose Dace |
| Northern Pike | Speckled Dace |
| Ellpout | Arctic Grayling |
| Coho Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Creek Chub |
Amphibians
| Isle Royale National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Wood Frog | Bullfrog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Isle Royale National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Rubber Boa |
Insects
| Isle Royale National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Isle Royale National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Isle Royale National Park is an isolated wilderness area located in Lake Superior, Michigan. The park is famous for its rugged coastline, scenic forests, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife, including moose and wolves. Visitors can hike, camp, fish and kayak in the park, and enjoy scenic views from the many overlooks.
Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, is one of America’s first and most famous national parks. The park is known for its geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser, as well as its diverse landscapes, including the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Yellowstone River, and the many mountain ranges in the park. Visitors can hike, camp, fish and enjoy scenic drives through the park, and view the diverse wildlife, including bisons, elks and grizzly bears.
Both parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes, and attract millions of visitors each year. Whether you are interested in exploring the rugged wilderness of Isle Royale or experiencing the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone, these parks offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with nature and admire the beauty of the great outdoors.
Things To-Do and Activities in Isle Royale National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Isle Royale National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of activities, from hiking and wildlife viewing to boating and fishing.
At Isle Royale, visitors can take a scenic boat tour to see the park’s stunning scenery and wildlife. In addition, the park is a popular destination for kayaking, fishing, and backcountry camping. The park’s remote location and lack of development make it a great place for nature lovers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Yellowstone, on the other hand, offers a different experience. While it also has its fair share of natural beauty and wildlife, it is also home to geysers, hot springs, and other geological wonders. In addition, visitors can take a scenic drive through the park, go horseback riding, or take a guided tour to see the famous Old Faithful geyser. Yellowstone is also a great place for birdwatching, with a wide variety of bird species to be seen throughout the park.
Both parks offer visitors a chance to enjoy the great outdoors and connect with nature. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled trip, Isle Royale and Yellowstone have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Isle Royale National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Isle Royale National Park is located in Lake Superior, Michigan and is known for its remote wilderness, rugged terrain and scenic beauty. The park experiences a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, temperate summers. The average temperature in winter is 20°F (-6°C) with occasional snow and strong winds, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The best time to visit the park is during the summer months of June to September, when temperatures are mild and the natural beauty of the park is at its best.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is located in the western United States and is known for its geothermal features and diverse wildlife. The park experiences a subalpine climate with cold, snowy winters and mild, rainy summers. The average temperature in winter is 20°F (-6°C) with heavy snowfall, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The best time to visit the park is during the summer months of June to September, when temperatures are mild and the geothermal features of the park are at their most active. While both parks offer unique experiences, the weather conditions and the best time to visit each park are different, making it a matter of personal preference for visitors.
Family Friendliness of Isle Royale National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Isle Royale National Park is a remote wilderness area located in Michigan that is known for its dense forests, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. While the park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a backcountry experience, it may not be the best choice for families traveling with young children.
On the other hand, Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is a great choice for families. The park is home to a variety of scenic and educational attractions, including geysers, hot springs, and wildlife such as bison, elk, and wolves. In addition, the park has several visitors centers and campgrounds that offer educational programs and ranger-led activities for children.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children and looking for a family-friendly park experience, Yellowstone National Park is the better choice. The park offers a wide range of educational and recreational activities, as well as opportunities to see and learn about the unique geysers, hot springs, and wildlife that call the park home. On the other hand, Isle Royale National Park is best suited for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a remote wilderness experience.