When it comes to exploring some of the most remote and untamed wilderness in the United States, two national parks stand out: Channel Islands National Park and Isle Royale National Park. Both parks offer a unique blend of rugged landscapes, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking scenery. While Channel Islands is a group of eight islands located off the coast of California, Isle Royale is a remote island located in the middle of Lake Superior. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a wildlife enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, these two parks offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and adventure. Get ready to immerse yourself in the wild and discover the beauty of Channel Islands and Isle Royale.
Hiking Trails in Channel Islands National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Channel Islands National Park and Isle Royale National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails that cater to different levels of difficulty. In Channel Islands National Park, visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the island beaches or venture out on more challenging hikes up to the park’s highest peaks. Some of the most popular hikes include the easy Pelican Bay Trail and the challenging Inspiration Point Trail. On the other hand, Isle Royale National Park offers a more remote and rugged hiking experience with its extensive trail system. The park’s trails range from easy walks along the shoreline to strenuous backcountry treks, including the challenging Minong Ridge Trail and the easier Tobin Harbor Trail. Regardless of your skill level, both parks offer the chance to experience stunning wilderness and connect with nature.
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 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 |
Wildlife in Channel Islands National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Channel Islands National Park and Isle Royale National Park are both renowned for their rich wildlife, but each has its own unique offerings. Channel Islands National Park is home to a variety of animals including seals, sea lions, whales, and over 145 species of birds. Visitors can also spot some unique and rare animals, such as the island fox, that can only be found on the Channel Islands. On the other hand, Isle Royale National Park is located in the middle of Lake Superior and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including moose, wolves, and foxes. Visitors can also spot an abundance of birds, including the common loon, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the numerous lakes and forests that cover the park. Both parks offer incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, but Isle Royale’s remote location and protected wilderness make it a haven for wildlife, while the Channel Islands offer a more varied landscape with more accessible wildlife.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Channel Islands National Park and Isle Royale National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Channel Islands National Park | Isle Royale 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
| Channel Islands National Park | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Big Brown Bat | Coyote |
| Deer Mouse | American Beaver |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Muskrat |
| Hoary Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Striped Skunk |
| California Myotis | Little Brown Bat |
| Fringed Myotis | Deer Mouse |
| Mexican Free-Tailed Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Hoary Bat |
| Pallid Bat | Red Fox |
| Red Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Black Rat | Mink |
| Gray Wolf | |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| North American River Otter | |
| Canada Lynx | |
| Marten | |
| Moose | |
| Red Bat | |
| Norway Rat | |
| Southern Red-Backed Vole | |
| Northern Long-Eared Bat |
Reptiles
| Channel Islands National Park | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Yellow-Bellied Racer | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard |
Fish
| Channel Islands National Park | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | |
| Coaster Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Harvey Lake Fathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Ellpout | |
| Coho Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Creek Chub |
Amphibians
| Channel Islands National Park | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Channel Islands National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Channel Islands National Park and Isle Royale National Park both offer unique and breathtaking landscapes that are sure to leave visitors in awe. Channel Islands National Park features five islands off the coast of Southern California, each with its own distinct landscape. Visitors can explore rocky cliffs, pristine beaches, and lush valleys filled with vibrant flora and fauna. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is the Anacapa Island Lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding islands.
Isle Royale National Park, located in Lake Superior, offers a different type of landscape. The park is known for its rugged wilderness, including dense forests, rocky cliffs, and clear blue lakes. Visitors can explore the islands’ rugged terrain on hiking trails that wind through the forests and along the shoreline. The park is also home to several historic lighthouses, including the Rock of Ages Lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the island and surrounding waters. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or just someone looking for a beautiful place to relax and explore, both Channel Islands National Park and Isle Royale National Park have much to offer.
Things To-Do and Activities in Channel Islands National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Channel Islands National Park and Isle Royale National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. While hiking is certainly a popular activity at both parks, there are other activities that draw visitors as well. At Channel Islands National Park, visitors can go kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving to explore the diverse marine life in the surrounding waters. In addition, there are opportunities for camping, wildlife viewing, and bird watching on the park’s five islands. At Isle Royale National Park, visitors can take part in fishing, boating, and backpacking, as well as enjoying the park’s unique island landscape and rich wildlife. Both parks offer a range of activities to suit a variety of interests and abilities, making them popular destinations for families and solo adventurers alike.
Best Time to Visit Channel Islands National Park and Isle Royale National Park
The weather at Channel Islands National Park and Isle Royale National Park is vastly different, which affects when is the best time to visit each park. Channel Islands National Park is located in Southern California, where the weather is mostly mild and sunny throughout the year. The summer months, from June to September, can be warm and humid, while winter months, from December to March, can be cool and moist with occasional rain. On the other hand, Isle Royale National Park is located in the middle of Lake Superior and experiences cold, harsh weather conditions with significant snowfall during the winter months. The best time to visit Isle Royale National Park is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is relatively mild and the days are long. In conclusion, the weather at each park greatly influences the optimal time of year to visit, so plan your trip accordingly.
Family Friendliness of Channel Islands National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Channel Islands National Park and Isle Royale National Park are both known for their natural beauty, but they differ in terms of accessibility and family-friendliness. Channel Islands National Park is located off the coast of Southern California and is easily accessible by boat from Ventura or Oxnard. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling, making it a great destination for families with children who love to be active and explore nature.
Isle Royale National Park is located on an island in Lake Superior and is only accessible by ferry or seaplane. This remote location makes it ideal for those seeking a wilderness experience, but it may not be as family-friendly as Channel Islands National Park. While there are several easy hikes and scenic vistas, the island’s remote location and limited services may not be suitable for families with young children.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children and looking for a more accessible and family-friendly park, Channel Islands National Park is a better option. If you’re looking for a remote and serene wilderness experience, Isle Royale National Park may be a good choice.