Congaree National Park vs Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

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Congaree National Park vs Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

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.

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