Looking for a new adventure that will take you from the tranquil coastal islands to the icy fjords of Alaska? Look no further than Channel Islands National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. These two stunning parks offer a unique contrast in nature, wildlife, and activities, making them a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. From kayaking through the crystal clear waters of Channel Islands to taking a scenic cruise along the rugged coastline of Kenai Fjords, both parks offer breathtaking experiences that you won’t soon forget. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time traveler, these two national parks are sure to leave you in awe. So grab your camera, pack your bags, and get ready to explore the wonders of Channel Islands National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park!
Hiking Trails in Channel Islands National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Channel Islands National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park offer a diverse range of hiking trails, each with their own unique challenges and rewards. Channel Islands National Park is known for its scenic coastal hikes, where you can explore rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and rolling hills. Some of the most popular hikes in this park include the Cavern Point Loop Trail, the Smuggler’s Cove Trail, and the Inspiration Point Trail. These trails offer great views of the Pacific Ocean and the nearby islands, and are suitable for visitors of all skill levels.
In contrast, Kenai Fjords National Park is known for its more challenging hikes, which take visitors into the heart of the park’s rugged, glaciated landscape. The Harding Icefield Trail is one of the park’s most popular hikes, and is a strenuous 8.2-mile round trip hike that takes you to the top of a massive ice field, offering stunning views of the surrounding fjords. Other popular trails in this park include the Exit Glacier Trail and the Resurrection River Trail, both of which offer great opportunities to explore the park’s breathtaking glaciers, mountains, and fjords. Whether you’re looking for a challenging adventure or a leisurely stroll, both Channel Islands National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park have something to offer for all types of 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 Kenai Fjords National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harding Ice Field Trail | 15610.598 | 1161.8976 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Exit Glacier Trail | 2896.812 | 81.9912 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Channel Islands National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Channel Islands National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park both offer a wealth of wildlife sightings for visitors to enjoy. At Channel Islands National Park, you can see a diverse range of animals including sea lions, seals, whales, dolphins, and over 150 species of birds such as pelicans, cormorants, and gulls. The park is also home to several endemic species, including the island fox, which is found only on the Channel Islands. Additionally, you can also spot plants like the island sage scrub and the sea dahlia.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, offers a unique wildlife experience with its glaciers, fjords, and the coast of the Gulf of Alaska. Visitors to the park can observe marine mammals such as humpback whales, orcas, and sea otters in their natural habitats. The park is also a haven for bird watchers, with over 300 species of birds found in the area, including bald eagles, puffins, and common murres. Additionally, visitors can also see land-dwelling animals like bears, moose, and mountain goats. Both parks offer unique and abundant wildlife experiences for visitors, making them a must-visit for nature lovers.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Channel Islands National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Channel Islands National Park | Kenai Fjords 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 | 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 | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Channel Islands National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Big Brown Bat | Coyote |
| Deer Mouse | American Beaver |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Muskrat |
| Hoary Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Black Bear |
| California Myotis | Porcupine |
| Fringed Myotis | Red Fox |
| Mexican Free-Tailed Bat | Mink |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Pallid Bat | Gray Wolf |
| Red Bat | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Black Rat | California Myotis |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| Northern River Otter | |
| Masked Shrew | |
| Red Squirrel | |
| Montane Shrew | |
| Lynx | |
| Wolverine | |
| American Marten | |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | |
| Brown Bear | |
| Meadow Mouse | |
| Moose | |
| Pygmy Shrew |
Reptiles
| Channel Islands National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Yellow-Bellied Racer | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard |
Fish
| Channel Islands National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Burbot | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Red Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden |
Amphibians
| Channel Islands National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Channel Islands National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Channel Islands National Park, located off the coast of California, is home to breathtaking landscapes and a unique mix of plants and animals not found anywhere else. Visitors can enjoy scenic vistas from numerous overlooks and trails, and experience the rugged beauty of the Pacific Ocean. The park is also famous for its rich and diverse underwater environment, which is accessible to visitors through kayaking, snorkeling, and diving excursions.
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, is also known for its breathtaking landscapes, but in a different sense. It features glaciers and fjords that carve their way through the rugged coast of the Kenai Peninsula, surrounded by towering peaks and abundant wildlife. The park is home to some of the largest glaciers in the world, and visitors can witness their beauty and power up close through guided boat tours. Visitors can also see the lush forest, rich with wildlife and beautiful waterfalls, and a variety of land-based trails to explore the surrounding wilderness. Whether you’re interested in exploring the rugged beauty of the coast, or marveling at the power of glaciers, Kenai Fjords National Park has something to offer everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Channel Islands National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Channel Islands National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, each with its own unique charm. At Channel Islands National Park, popular activities include kayaking and boat tours, wildlife viewing, and snorkeling and diving to explore the rich underwater environment. Hiking is also a popular activity, with trails ranging from easy walks along the coast to strenuous backcountry treks. In contrast, Kenai Fjords National Park is known for its stunning glaciers, fjords, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can enjoy scenic boat tours or kayaking trips to view glaciers, whales, seals, and otters in their natural habitats. Hiking is also popular, but it is limited to a few trails that offer views of the glaciers and fjords. Both parks offer unique and unforgettable experiences, and the best time to visit each park depends on the desired activities and the weather.
Best Time to Visit Channel Islands National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
The seasonal weather at Channel Islands National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park greatly differs. Channel Islands National Park, located off the coast of Southern California, experiences a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and dry, warm summers. The best time to visit the park is from spring to fall when the weather is mild and the conditions are ideal for exploring the park’s scenic trails, kayaking, and snorkeling. On the other hand, Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, experiences cool and wet weather throughout the year. The summer months of June to August are the warmest, but even then temperatures usually range from the mid-40s to mid-50s. The best time to visit Kenai Fjords is in the summer, when visitors can go whale watching, kayaking, and explore the park’s stunning glaciers. The park is also popular for winter activities such as dog sledding and cross-country skiing. It’s important to keep in mind that the weather in both parks can change rapidly, so visitors should always come prepared.
Family Friendliness of Channel Islands National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
When it comes to family-friendliness, both Channel Islands National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park have their own strengths. Channel Islands National Park offers plenty of opportunities for families to explore the great outdoors, with activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and beachcombing being particularly popular. With its stunning coastline, diverse wildlife, and diverse geological features, the park is sure to delight visitors of all ages. However, due to the remote location of the islands, getting to the park requires a ferry ride and the lack of facilities on the islands may not be ideal for families with young children.
On the other hand, Kenai Fjords National Park is known for its breathtaking glaciers, fjords, and diverse wildlife, including whales, sea lions, and birds. With its stunning natural beauty and ample opportunities for whale watching and other wildlife viewing, the park is a great option for families looking for a unique and memorable outdoor experience. The park also has several family-friendly trails, as well as ranger-led programs and educational opportunities, which make it a great option for families looking to learn about the natural world. However, it is worth noting that the park is quite remote, and the weather can be challenging, so families may need to be prepared for some rough conditions.
Ultimately, both parks have their own unique advantages for families and the best option will depend on the specific needs and interests of the family.