Congaree and Lake Clark are two of the most diverse and unique national parks in the United States. While Congaree boasts the tallest deciduous trees in the world and the longest boardwalk in the country, Lake Clark is home to glaciers, volcanoes and the largest sockeye salmon run in the world. Both parks offer a chance to experience nature in its rawest form, but their differences create a unique adventure for visitors to each. Whether you’re a hiker, fisherman, kayaker or just a nature lover, these two parks promise to leave an unforgettable impression. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the wild wonders of Congaree and Lake Clark!
Hiking Trails in Congaree National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Congaree and Lake Clark National Parks offer unique hiking experiences for all levels of hikers. Congaree boasts the Boardwalk Loop, an easy 2.4-mile hike through old-growth forest and towering trees, and the Weston Lake Loop, a moderate 5.2-mile hike with scenic views of the park’s swamp. On the other hand, Lake Clark has the Chinitna Bay Trail, a strenuous 10-mile hike through rugged terrain to a remote beach, and the Silver Salmon Creek Trail, an easy 3-mile hike through salmon spawning grounds. For a challenging hike, Congaree offers the Bluff Trail, a strenuous 8-mile hike with rugged terrain, and Lake Clark has the Redoubt Falls Trail, a strenuous 9-mile hike through the Alaskan wilderness.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Congaree National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Boardwalk Loop Trail | 3862.416 | 3.9624 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Weston Lake Loop Trail | 7402.964 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Oakridge Trail | 10138.842 | 5.7912 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Congaree River Trail | 15932.466 | 15.8496 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Kingsnake Trail | 11909.116 | 6.7056 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
Congaree Bluff Trail | 3379.614 | 5.7912 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
Congaree River Blue Trail | 75317.112 | 1.8288 | Moderate | point to point | 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 Congaree National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Congaree National Park is known for its lush hardwood forests and diverse wildlife, including white-tailed deer, raccoons, otters, and various species of birds such as the pileated woodpecker, the red-shouldered hawk, and the prothonotary warbler. The park also has a rich plant life, including the world’s largest remaining tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest, and species like bald cypress, tupelo, and water lilies.
In contrast, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is home to a variety of Alaskan wildlife, such as brown bears, caribou, moose, and wolves. The park also offers opportunities to see a variety of bird species like the trumpeter swan, the common loon, and the bald eagle. Additionally, Lake Clark is famous for its scenic beauty, including glaciers, volcanoes, and alpine tundra, and plant life such as fireweed, alder, and spruce trees.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Congaree National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Congaree 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 |
American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
American Pipit | American Pipit |
Mammals
Congaree National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Coyote | Coyote |
American Beaver | American Beaver |
Muskrat | Muskrat |
Big Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
Bobcat | Black Bear |
Striped Skunk | Porcupine |
Raccoon | Red Fox |
Black Bear | Mink |
Red Fox | Gray Wolf |
Mink | Short-Tailed Weasel |
Common Gray Fox | Snowshoe Hare |
North American River Otter | Northern River Otter |
White-Tailed Deer | Masked Shrew |
Virginia Opossum | Water Shrew |
Eastern Red Bat | Red Squirrel |
White-Footed Mouse | Montane Shrew |
Eastern Cottontail | Lynx |
Eastern Fox Squirrel | Wolverine |
Eastern Gray Squirrel | American Marten |
Feral Hog | Brown Bear |
Northern Short-Tailed Shrew | Meadow Vole |
Least Shrew | Moose |
Least Weasel | |
Pygmy Shrew | |
Meadow Jumping Mouse |
Reptiles
Congaree National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Racer | |
Ringneck Snake | |
Common Garter Snake | |
Common Kingsnake |
Insects
Congaree National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Alfalfa Sulphur | |
Monarch | |
American Painted Lady | |
Red Admiral | |
Mourning Cloak | |
Cabbage Butterfly | |
Checkered Skipper | |
Variegated Fritillary | |
Buckeye | |
Commom Wood Nymph | |
Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
Congaree National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Largemouth Bass | Steelhead |
Green Sunfish | Longnose Sucker |
Bluegill | Lake Trout |
Golden Shiner | Northern Pike |
European Carp | Burbot |
Yellow Bullhead | Silver Salmon |
Graceful Catfish | King Salmon |
Black Crappie | Slimy Sculpin |
Mosquitofish | Threespine Stickleback |
Brown Bullhead | Sockeye Salmon |
Pink Salmon | |
Chum Salmon | |
Dolly Varden | |
Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
Congaree National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Congaree National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Congaree National Park is renowned for its ancient bottomland hardwood forest and the Congaree River that runs through it. The park’s most famous landscapes include the Weston Lake Loop Trail, where visitors can see towering trees and unique plant life, and the Kingsnake Trail, which offers scenic views of the river and the forest.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is famous for its diverse landscapes, including glaciers, glaciers, active volcanoes, and pristine wilderness. The most notable landscapes in the park include the Chigmit Mountains, which are a part of the Aleutian Range, and the Redoubt Volcano, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. Other popular features include the turquoise waters of Lake Clark, the serene Silver Salmon Creek, and the stunning views from the Telaquana Trail.
Things To-Do and Activities in Congaree National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Congaree National Park, located in South Carolina, is well known for its hiking trails, kayaking and canoeing, and bird watching. On the other hand, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve in Alaska is known for its fishing opportunities, flightseeing tours, and bear viewing experiences. Both parks offer wilderness camping, but Lake Clark also provides backcountry lodges for a unique stay. Congaree is famous for its old-growth hardwood forest and towering trees, while Lake Clark offers stunning views of glaciers, volcanoes, and wildlife. Hiking and camping are popular activities at both parks, but Congaree also has boardwalk trails for visitors to enjoy.
Best Time to Visit Congaree National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Congaree National Park in South Carolina has a hot and humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters with occasional snow. The park experiences maximum rainfall from May to September with occasional thunderstorms and hurricanes. On the other hand, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve in Alaska has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The park receives the most rainfall from June to August, and snowfall is common from October to May. The best time to visit Congaree National Park is in the winter and spring when temperatures are mild and the park is at its driest. The best time to visit Lake Clark National Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the park is accessible by boat or small plane.
Family Friendliness of Congaree National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Congaree National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve both offer unique experiences for families, but with different focuses. Congaree is a great choice for families who enjoy hiking and exploring nature, with its easy boardwalk trails and diverse plant life. Lake Clark, on the other hand, is better for families who enjoy scenic boat rides, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities, such as bears and salmon. Ultimately, the best park for your family will depend on your individual interests and preferences.