Crater Lake National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park offer vastly different outdoor experiences, yet both are equally awe-inspiring. Crater Lake boasts crystal-clear waters nestled within a towering caldera, while Kenai Fjords is characterized by massive glaciers and abundant marine wildlife. These two parks are perfect for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike, offering opportunities for hiking, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife watching. So whether you prefer the tranquility of a serene lake or the excitement of exploring glaciers and fjords, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe. Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and discover why Crater Lake National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of America’s must-see destinations.
Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Crater Lake National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park offer a range of hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. Crater Lake has a limited number of trails, with the Rim Trail being the most popular. This trail encircles the lake and provides breathtaking views. The Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only trail that leads to the lake shores and is considered demanding because of its steep descent. Conversely, Kenai Fjords has a wider variety of trails and is known for its challenging wilderness and glaciers. The Harding Icefield Trail is one of the park’s most strenuous hikes, covering 8 miles one-way to reach the icefield. For those seeking an easier hike, the Exit Glacier Trail offers a 1.8-mile round trip to the glacier’s face. The Wildlife Tour Loop, a 2.5-mile trail, provides opportunities to observe Alaskan wildlife.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garfield Peak Trail | 5471.756 | 325.8312 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cleetwood Cove Trail | 3379.614 | 189.8904 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Watchman Peak Trail | 2574.944 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Scott Trail | 6759.228 | 383.7432 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Discovery Point Trail | 6437.36 | 278.892 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Plaikni Falls Trail | 3218.68 | 40.8432 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Wizard Island Trail | 3701.482 | 228.9048 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Sun Notch Trail | 1287.472 | 38.7096 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pinnacles Valley Trail | 1126.538 | 11.8872 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mazama Village to Rim Village at Crater Lake | 13357.522 | 530.9616 | 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 Crater Lake National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Crater Lake NP is known for its diverse bird species such as bald eagle, peregrine falcon, osprey and mammals like black bear, deer, mountain lion. Vegetation includes pine, fir, hemlock trees, wildflowers like lupine, columbine and paintbrush.
Kenai Fjords NP is a hub for marine wildlife like harbor seals, sea otters, whales and bears. It features a variety of bird species like puffins, auklets and cormorants, and is dominated by glaciers, fjords and spruce, hemlock, Sitka pine forests.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Crater Lake National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Crater Lake 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 |
| Bald Eagle | Bald Eagle |
| Song Sparrow | Song Sparrow |
| European Starling | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| American Pipit | Green-Winged Teal |
| Swainson’s Thrush | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Crater Lake National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Black Bear |
| Striped Skunk | Porcupine |
| Little Brown Bat | Red Fox |
| Deer Mouse | Mink |
| Raccoon | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Black Bear | Gray Wolf |
| Porcupine | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Silver-Haired Bat | California Myotis |
| Hoary Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
| Red Fox | Northern River Otter |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Masked Shrew |
| House Mouse | Red Squirrel |
| Mountain Lion | Montane Shrew |
| Mink | Lynx |
| Mule Deer Or Black-Tailed Deer | Wolverine |
| Gray Fox | American Marten |
| Wolf | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Brown Bear |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Meadow Mouse |
| American Badger | Moose |
| Ermine | Pygmy Shrew |
Fish
| Crater Lake National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brown Trout | Burbot |
| Lake Trout | Silver Salmon |
| Silver Salmon | Chinook Salmon |
| Kokanee Salmon | Slimy Sculpin |
| Cutthroat Trout | Threespine Stickleback |
| Red Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden |
Reptiles
| Crater Lake National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terestrial Garter Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Crater Lake National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Wood Frog |
Insects
| Crater Lake National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Crater Lake National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Crater Lake National Park, located in Oregon, boasts a crystal-clear, deep-blue lake created in an ancient volcano caldera. The park offers Rim Drive, a 33-mile scenic drive with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding peaks.
Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska is famous for its stunning fjords, glaciers, and wildlife. Visitors can take boat tours to see glaciers, wildlife like whales and sea lions, or kayak and hike. The Exit Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska.
Things To-Do and Activities in Crater Lake National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Crater Lake NP is known for outdoor activities like scenic drives, rafting & fishing. Kenai Fjords NP offers a rugged wilderness experience with popular activities being boat tours, kayaking & wildlife viewing. Both parks offer camping, picnicking & comfortable stays (Crater Lake has historic lodge). Visitors are drawn to unique beauty of both parks: Crater Lake for its crystal-clear blue water & Kenai Fjords for glaciers & marine wildlife.
Best Time to Visit Crater Lake National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon has a subalpine climate with cold, snowy winters and mild, dry summers. The average temperature in July is in the mid-60s, while in January it’s in the mid-30s. Precipitation is relatively low, with most of it falling as snow in the winter. The park also receives significant snowfall, making winter a great time for snow sports like skiing and snowshoeing, but access to park facilities may be limited.
In contrast, Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska experiences a maritime climate characterized by mild, rainy summers and cold, snowy winters. The average temperature in July is in the mid-50s, while in January it’s in the mid-20s. The park receives a lot of precipitation, especially in the form of snow in the winter and rain in the summer. The best time to visit is during the summer when the weather is mild and access to park facilities and attractions is easiest, although rain can be a frequent occurrence.
Family Friendliness of Crater Lake National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Crater Lake and Kenai Fjords are both family-friendly, but offer different experiences. Crater Lake has a stunning lake, diverse hiking, scenic drives, and campgrounds. Kenai Fjords is a coastal park with glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. Both parks offer family activities, but Crater Lake has more child-friendly options, including trails, ranger programs, and amenities, making it a better choice for families with kids.