Channel Islands National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve are two of the most diverse and stunning parks in the United States. Both offer breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure. However, these parks are vastly different in terms of geography, climate, and activities, making them both unique in their own way. Whether you’re a fan of the rugged Pacific coast, or the icy glaciers of Alaska, these two parks have something for everyone. So, come and discover the beauty of the Channel Islands and Glacier Bay, and see for yourself why these two parks are so special.
Hiking Trails in Channel Islands National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Channel Islands National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve offer vastly different hiking experiences. Channel Islands National Park, located off the coast of California, offers over 250 miles of trails that range from easy to strenuous, with scenic coastal vistas and opportunities to see unique wildlife. Some of the most popular hikes include the Cavern Point Loop and the Scorpion Canyon Trail. On the other hand, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve in Alaska is a remote wilderness with limited trails, but offers breathtaking views of glaciers, fjords, and wildlife such as whales, seals, and bears. Hiking opportunities are limited and typically involve backcountry trips or guided boat tours, making it a more challenging and adventurous experience for experienced hikers. In summary, Channel Islands National Park offers a variety of coastal hikes for all levels, while Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve offers a rugged wilderness experience for experienced hikers.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Channel Islands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potato Harbor Trail | 7885.766 | 183.7944 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Smugglers Cove Trail | 12391.918 | 426.72 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Scorpion Bay to Cavern Point Loop | 2574.944 | 84.7344 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| El Montanon Trail | 13679.39 | 569.976 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Santa Cruz Island: Pelican Bay And Prisoners Harbor Trails | 13840.324 | 436.7784 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| East Anacapa Island Trail | 3862.416 | 115.824 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail | 7242.03 | 238.9632 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Del Norte and Montanon Trail to Scorpion Campgroud | 20116.75 | 810.768 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| Cueva Valdez to Arch Rock Trail | 11748.182 | 535.8384 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Pelican Bay Trail | 6437.36 | 249.936 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartlett Cove Forest Loop Trail | 1770.274 | 33.8328 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Bartlett River Trail | 11104.446 | 266.7 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Bartlet Lake Trail | 9495.106 | 141.732 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Tlingit Trail | 1770.274 | 19.812 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Point Gustavus | 20116.75 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Channel Islands National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Channel Islands National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve are both known for their diverse and abundant wildlife, but the species you’ll see in each park vary greatly.
At Channel Islands National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of marine mammals, including seals, sea lions, and whales. In addition, the park is home to over 140 species of birds, including the endangered brown pelican and bald eagle. On land, visitors may spot deer, foxes, and other small mammals.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its marine and coastal wildlife, including humpback whales, orcas, and sea otters. Visitors may also see black and brown bears, moose, and mountain goats. In the park’s lush temperate rainforest, birders can spot over 40 species of birds, including the marbled murrelet, a rare seabird.
Both parks offer unique opportunities to observe and appreciate the diverse wildlife that call these protected areas home. Whether you’re interested in marine mammals, birds, or land-dwelling animals, each park offers a unique and unforgettable wildlife viewing experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Channel Islands National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Channel Islands National Park | Glacier Bay 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
| Channel Islands National Park | Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Big Brown Bat | Coyote |
| Deer Mouse | American Beaver |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Black Bear |
| California Myotis | Porcupine |
| Fringed Myotis | Red Fox |
| Mexican Free-Tailed Bat | House Mouse |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Mountain Lion |
| Pallid Bat | Mink |
| Red Bat | Mule Deer |
| Black Rat | Gray Wolf |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| River Otter | |
| Masked Shrew | |
| Water Shrew | |
| Red Squirrel | |
| Montane Shrew | |
| Long-Tailed Vole | |
| Lynx | |
| Wolverine | |
| Marten | |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | |
| Grizzly Bear |
Reptiles
| Channel Islands National Park | Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Yellow-Bellied Racer | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard |
Fish
| Channel Islands National Park | Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Channel Islands National Park | Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Channel Islands National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Channel Islands National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve offer vastly different landscapes for visitors to explore. Channel Islands National Park is located off the coast of California and consists of five islands that are home to diverse ecosystems, including rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and rolling hills. The park is known for its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and its abundant wildlife, including seals, sea lions, and whales.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is characterized by its towering glaciers, fjords, and snow-capped mountains. The park is a popular destination for those interested in glaciers and the effects of glacial erosion on the landscape. Visitors can take boat tours to see glaciers up close, as well as explore the park’s lush temperate rainforests, which are home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, whales, and sea otters.
Whether you’re looking for breathtaking coastal views or awe-inspiring glaciers, both Channel Islands National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve offer unique and memorable landscapes that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Things To-Do and Activities in Channel Islands National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Channel Islands National Park:
1. Kayaking and Snorkeling: Explore the diverse underwater world and observe sea lions, seals, and whales.
2. Hiking: Take in the scenic views of the island’s diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to rugged cliffs.
3. Camping: Enjoy the serene wilderness and wildlife on the park’s five islands.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve:
1. Whale Watching: Observe humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life in their natural habitat.
2. Glacier Hiking: Explore the glaciers and ice formations up close and observe the stunning beauty of the park’s glaciers.
3. Boat Tours: Take a scenic boat tour to see the glaciers and wildlife in the park, including bears, mountain goats, and sea otters.
Both parks offer unique opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing, and visitors love the natural beauty and serenity of these protected areas. However, Glacier Bay is more focused on marine wildlife and glaciers, while Channel Islands offers more opportunities for island and coastal activities.
Best Time to Visit Channel Islands National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Channel Islands National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve are both unique in their own ways and offer different weather patterns throughout the year. Channel Islands National Park, located off the coast of California, is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The best time to visit the park is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny.
On the other hand, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, experiences a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The weather in this region is highly unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature and precipitation common throughout the year. The best time to visit the park is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is milder and the glaciers are more easily accessible.
In terms of seasonal weather, both parks offer unique experiences for visitors. Channel Islands National Park is ideal for those seeking a warm and sunny vacation, while Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is perfect for those looking for a more rugged and adventurous experience in a colder climate. Regardless of the time of year, both parks offer breathtaking landscapes and opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the region.
Family Friendliness of Channel Islands National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Channel Islands National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve both offer unique experiences for families traveling with children. Channel Islands National Park is known for its diverse wildlife, including seals, sea lions, and whales, and offers opportunities for kayaking and snorkeling. Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is famous for its glaciers and offers opportunities for boat tours to see the glaciers up close. Both parks have educational programs and ranger-led activities for children. However, Glacier Bay may be more challenging for young children due to its remote location and limited accessibility. Overall, Channel Islands may be the better option for families with young children due to its accessibility and variety of activities.