Voyageurs National Park and Wrangell-St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most beautiful and unique national parks in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. But which one is the best for you? In this article, we’ll compare the two parks, highlight the similarities and differences, and help you determine which park is the best choice for your next outdoor adventure.
From the pristine lakes and quiet forests of Voyageurs National Park to the towering peaks and wild glaciers of Wrangell-St Elias National Park & Preserve, each park offers something unique and special. Whether you’re an experienced hiker, kayaker, or just a nature lover, you’ll find plenty of reasons to fall in love with these amazing parks. So buckle up and get ready for an epic journey through the wilderness, as we compare Voyageurs National Park vs Wrangell-St Elias National Park & Preserve!
Hiking Trails in Voyageurs National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Voyageurs National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve offer unique hiking experiences. Voyageurs National Park is known for its water-based hiking trails, while Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is known for its challenging hikes through rugged terrain.
At Voyageurs National Park, visitors can take the easy 1.5-mile Kettle Falls Trail which offers stunning views of the park’s lakes and waterfalls, or the more challenging 7-mile Rainy Lake Trail which takes hikers through a dense forest and along the shore of Rainy Lake.
In contrast, Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve offers hikes like the challenging 17-mile Root Glacier Trail, which takes visitors across a glacier and offers stunning views of the surrounding glaciers, or the easier 3-mile Nizina River Trail which wanders along the Nizina River and offers great views of the Wrangell Mountains.
Both parks offer visitors a variety of hiking experiences, from easy lakeside walks to challenging hikes through rugged terrain. Whether visitors are looking for a relaxing stroll or a strenuous hike, both Voyageurs National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Voyageurs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rankin Ridge Interpretive Trail | 1609.34 | 72.8472 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wind Cave Canyon Trail | 6115.492 | 64.9224 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Lookout Point Trail and Centennial Trail Loop | 8368.568 | 156.972 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Cold Brook Canyon Trail | 4506.152 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| East Bison Flats Trail | 16254.334 | 445.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boland Ridge Trail | 7724.832 | 248.7168 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Centennial Trail: Highway 87 to Highlander Rd | 13035.654 | 286.8168 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| Elk Mountain Interpretive Trail | 4023.35 | 99.9744 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Prairie Vista Loop | 1609.34 | 31.6992 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Highland Creek Trail to Centennial Trail Loop | 21887.024 | 443.7888 | Hard | loop | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Voyageurs National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Voyageurs National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are both home to diverse wildlife species, with some unique to each park.
At Voyageurs National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of water-based wildlife including beavers, muskrats, and otters. The park also attracts a wide variety of bird species such as loons, bald eagles, and ospreys. Additionally, black bears and moose are commonly seen on land. Voyageurs is also a great place for plant enthusiasts with its vast array of wildflowers and northern boreal forests.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its larger mammals like the Alaskan grizzly bear, Dall sheep, and caribou. Birders will enjoy the chance to spot eagles, gyrfalcons, and northern hawk owls. The park’s diverse habitats also provide homes to over 100 species of fish and many types of wildflowers. The Wrangell-St. Elias area is also known for its glaciers, which provide unique habitats for cold-loving plants and animals.
Both parks offer a breathtaking view of wildlife and nature, but the species you’ll encounter will depend on the park you choose. Whether you’re a fan of water-based wildlife or larger mammals, both Voyageurs National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve have something to offer.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Voyageurs National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Voyageurs National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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
| Voyageurs National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Black Bear |
| Striped Skunk | Porcupine |
| Little Brown Bat | Red Fox |
| Deer Mouse | Puma |
| Raccoon | Mink |
| Black Bear | Mule Deer |
| Porcupine | Wolf |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Hoary Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
| Red Fox | Land Otter |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Common Shrew |
| House Mouse | Water Shrew |
| Mountain Lion | Red Squirrel |
| Mink | Montane Shrew |
| Common Gray Fox | Long-Tailed Vole |
| Plains Wolf | Lynx |
| American Badger | Wolverine |
| Ermine | American Marten |
| Snowshoe Hare | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| River Otter | Grizzly Bear |
| Masked Shrew | Meadow Vole |
Amphibians
| Voyageurs National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| Wood Frog |
Fish
| Voyageurs National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Steelhead |
| Longnose Sucker | Longnose Sucker |
| Green Sunfish | Lake Trout |
| Bluegill | Northern Pike |
| Fathead Minnow | Burbot |
| Golden Shiner | Silver Salmon |
| Lake Trout | King Salmon |
| Northern Pike | Slimy Sculpin |
| Ellpout | Threespine Stickleback |
| Mottled Sculpin | Sockeye Salmon |
| Slimy Sculpin | Pink Salmon |
| Longnose Dace | Chum Salmon |
| Black Crappie | Dolly Varden |
| Black Bullhead | Cutthroat Trout |
| Creek Chub | Arctic Grayling |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Insects
| Voyageurs National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Silvery Blue | |
| Clouded Sulphur |
Beautiful Landscapes in Voyageurs National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota, and is known for its stunning landscapes of forests, lakes and wetlands. The park is home to over 400 islands and numerous bays, providing visitors with breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. Some of the most popular attractions include the Kabetogama Peninsula, Rainy Lake and the Namakan Reservoir.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is the largest national park in the United States. The park features a stunning landscape of towering mountains, glaciers, and valleys. The park’s most famous peaks include Mount St. Elias, Mount Blackburn, and Mount Sanford. The park is also home to the Wrangell Mountains, which offer visitors an opportunity to see a unique blend of glaciers, rugged peaks, and scenic valleys.
Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature and escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you are looking to hike, camp, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery, both Voyageurs National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve offer something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Voyageurs National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota and is known for its scenic water-based recreational opportunities, like boating, fishing, and canoeing. It has over 40,000 acres of water and over 500 miles of shoreline, making it the perfect destination for water enthusiasts. The park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including moose, beavers, and bald eagles, making it a popular destination for wildlife viewing as well.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is the largest national park in the United States. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who are looking for a more adventurous experience, including backpacking, mountaineering, and glacier exploring. The park is also home to a number of historic sites and mining towns that offer a unique glimpse into Alaska’s rich history. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and fishing in the park’s many streams and rivers.
In conclusion, both Voyageurs National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. However, the type of activities that visitors enjoy at each park is unique. Voyageurs National Park is a great destination for water-based recreation and wildlife viewing, while Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is ideal for those who are looking for a more adventurous experience with activities like backpacking, mountaineering, and glacier exploring.
Best Time to Visit Voyageurs National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Voyageurs National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two distinct national parks located in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences and attractions, but their seasonal weather patterns can greatly impact the best time of year for visitors to experience them.
Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota and is known for its network of interconnected waterways and lakes. The park experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, including hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach into the 80s during the day, while winter temperatures can drop below zero. The best time to visit Voyageurs National Park is during the summer months of June through August.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its vast wilderness, glaciers, and mountain ranges. The park experiences a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Summer temperatures can reach into the 60s during the day, while winter temperatures can drop below zero. The best time to visit Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is during the summer months of June through September, when the weather is mild and the park is accessible.
Family Friendliness of Voyageurs National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, is a popular spot for families with children who enjoy outdoor activities such as boating, fishing and camping. The park offers a variety of activities for families including ranger-led programs, kayaking, and guided boat tours. Visitors can also explore the park’s many lakes and waterways by canoe or boat. With its calm waters and stunning scenery, the park is a great place for families to relax and spend quality time outdoors.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a vast wilderness area in Alaska. This park offers a unique opportunity for families to experience the rugged beauty of Alaska and to learn about its rich history and culture. The park features glaciers, mountains, and wildlife, which are all great opportunities for families to explore and learn about the natural world. However, the park is not as easily accessible as Voyageurs National Park, and is more suited for families who are comfortable with more rugged and remote destinations.
In terms of which park is best for families traveling with children, it ultimately depends on the interests and preferences of the family. If a family is looking for a more relaxed and easily accessible outdoor experience with plenty of water-based activities, then Voyageurs National Park would be the better choice. On the other hand, if a family is seeking a more adventurous and remote wilderness experience, then Wrangell-St Elias National Park & Preserve is the better choice.