“For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, the United States is a treasure trove of national parks, each offering its own unique beauty and adventure. But, when it comes to choosing between two of America’s most breathtaking parks, the decision can be tough. Do you go for the rugged wilderness and abundant wildlife of Lake Clark National Park & Preserve or the oceanic beauty and rich cultural history of Channel Islands National Park? Let’s take a closer look at these two incredible destinations to help you decide.
On one hand, you have Channel Islands National Park, an archipelago of five islands located off the coast of California. The park is home to a rich cultural history, from the Chumash people who lived on the islands for thousands of years to the 19th-century lighthouse keepers who called the islands home. The park is also renowned for its oceanic beauty, from the stunning seascapes and crystal-clear waters to the abundant marine life, including dolphins, seals, and whales.
On the other hand, you have Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, a remote wilderness located on the coast of Alaska. The park is home to a stunning array of landscapes, from the rugged mountains and glaciers to the pristine rivers and lakes. The park is also renowned for its abundant wildlife, including brown bears, moose, caribou, and bald eagles. Whether you’re looking for a scenic hike, a fishing trip, or simply a chance to get back to nature, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve has something for everyone.
So, which park will you choose? The oceanic beauty of Channel Islands National Park or the rugged wilderness of Lake Clark National Park & Preserve? The choice is yours, but one thing is for sure, a visit to either park is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Hiking Trails in Channel Islands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
When it comes to hiking trails, both Channel Islands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer a wide range of options for all skill levels.
At Channel Islands National Park, the easiest hikes include the gentle trails that wind through the islands’ coastal sage scrub, providing breathtaking views of the ocean and the nearby mainland. For a slightly more challenging hike, visitors can take the longer trail to Potato Harbor, a secluded cove surrounded by lush vegetation. For the more adventurous hiker, there are also several steep, strenuous trails that lead to the park’s highest peaks, offering panoramic views of the islands and the Pacific Ocean.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is also known for its extensive network of hiking trails, ranging from easy, lakeside walks to strenuous, multi-day backpacking trips. The park’s most popular trails include the Port Alsworth Trail, which follows the shores of Lake Clark, and the Pioneer Ridge Trail, which leads to breathtaking views of the park’s rugged mountains and glaciers. For those looking for a real challenge, there are also several backcountry trails that take hikers deep into the heart of the park’s wilderness, offering opportunities to see grizzly bears, caribou, and other wildlife.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk or a challenging hike, both Channel Islands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer a wide range of trails that are sure to satisfy your needs.
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 Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
| 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 | 4.7 |
Wildlife in Channel Islands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
When it comes to wildlife, both Channel Islands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are rich in diverse and unique species.
At Channel Islands National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of marine mammals, including seals, sea lions, and whales, as well as a wide range of bird species, such as pelicans, cormorants, and various types of gulls. On the islands themselves, visitors may also encounter several species of reptiles and mammals, including the island fox, which is found only on the Channel Islands.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a wildlife-lover’s paradise, with a wide range of species that are unique to the region. Visitors can expect to see bears, moose, caribou, and other large mammals, as well as a wide range of bird species, including bald eagles and various species of waterfowl. The park is also home to a rich variety of fish, including sockeye salmon and arctic grayling, which attract large numbers of brown bears during the summer fishing season.
Whether you’re interested in marine mammals, birds, or large mammals, both Channel Islands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer a wealth of opportunities to see and learn about the area’s diverse and unique wildlife.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Channel Islands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Channel Islands National Park | Lake Clark 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 | Northern Pintail |
| Northern Pintail | American Wigeon |
| American Wigeon | Green-Winged Teal |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Channel Islands National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | Gray Wolf |
| Pallid Bat | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
| Black Rat | Northern River Otter |
| Masked Shrew | |
| Water Shrew | |
| Red Squirrel | |
| Montane Shrew | |
| Lynx | |
| Wolverine | |
| American Marten | |
| Brown Bear | |
| Meadow Vole | |
| Moose | |
| Least Weasel | |
| Pygmy Shrew | |
| Meadow Jumping Mouse |
Reptiles
| Channel Islands National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Yellow-Bellied Racer | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard |
Fish
| Channel Islands National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Steelhead | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Channel Islands National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Channel Islands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Both Channel Islands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer breathtaking landscapes that are sure to take your breath away.
Channel Islands National Park is known for its rugged, natural beauty, with towering cliffs, pristine beaches, and rolling hills that offer stunning views of the surrounding ocean. Visitors can explore the rugged landscapes of the islands by boat or by hiking along trails that wind through the park’s diverse landscapes. Some of the most famous landscapes at the park include the iconic Painted Cave, which is one of the largest sea caves in the world, and Inspiration Point, which offers panoramic views of the islands and the ocean beyond.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its rugged and untamed wilderness, with towering mountains, glaciers, and rugged coastline that are unlike anything you’ll find anywhere else. Visitors can hike along trails that traverse the park’s rugged landscapes, or explore the park by boat, taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Some of the most famous landscapes at Lake Clark include the Chinitna Bay, which is home to large populations of brown bears, and the towering Mount Redoubt, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness.
Whether you’re interested in rugged wilderness landscapes or pristine natural beauty, both Channel Islands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are sure to offer something that will leave you in awe.
Things To-Do and Activities in Channel Islands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Channel Islands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are both popular outdoor destinations, but offer different experiences for visitors. Channel Islands is known for its diverse array of sea life and opportunities for kayaking, snorkeling, and diving. The park also offers camping, ranger-led programs, and backcountry trips. Lake Clark, on the other hand, is a wilderness destination with an emphasis on bear viewing and sport fishing. Popular activities include rafting, backpacking, and camping. Both parks offer scenic beauty and opportunities to observe wildlife, but visitors come to Channel Islands for the marine life and to Lake Clark to experience Alaska’s wilderness.
Best Time to Visit Channel Islands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
The seasonal weather at Channel Islands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve greatly affects the best time of year to visit each park.
Channel Islands National Park has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The best time to visit the park is typically in the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny and the ocean is calm, making it ideal for activities like hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling. Winter months can be cool and damp, with occasional rain and strong winds, making it less ideal for outdoor activities.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, has a subarctic climate, with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. The best time to visit the park is typically in the summer months, when the weather is mild and the trails and waterways are free of snow and ice. Winter months can be very cold and harsh, with deep snow and harsh weather conditions, making it less ideal for outdoor activities.
When planning a visit to either park, it’s important to consider the seasonal weather and plan your trip accordingly, to ensure that you have the best possible experience.
Family Friendliness of Channel Islands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Channel Islands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve both offer opportunities for families to enjoy the outdoors, but they vary in what they offer for families with children. Channel Islands has a more accessible and developed infrastructure, with ranger-led programs, beaches, and several campgrounds. It’s a great choice for families who want a mix of outdoor activities and educational opportunities. Lake Clark, on the other hand, is a remote wilderness destination, with less developed infrastructure and more challenging activities such as backpacking and rafting. It’s better suited for families with older children or those seeking a more rugged adventure. Both parks offer opportunities to explore nature, but Channel Islands is more family-friendly for younger children.