Are you torn between two of America’s most remote and rugged national parks? Look no further! In this article, we will compare Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve in Alaska and Isle Royale National Park in Michigan, highlighting their unique offerings and similarities.
Gates of the Arctic, located entirely above the Arctic Circle, boasts 8.4 million acres of unparalleled wilderness and boasts the title of being the northernmost national park in the United States. This park is a true adventurer’s paradise, offering opportunities for backpacking, rafting, and wildlife viewing.
Isle Royale, on the other hand, is a remote island located in the middle of Lake Superior and is considered one of the least visited national parks in the country. Despite its remote location, Isle Royale offers a wealth of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring old shipwrecks and lighthouses.
So, which park is right for you? Do you want to rough it in the Arctic tundra or explore the rugged beauty of an island in the Great Lakes? Read on to find out!
Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Isle Royale National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in northern Alaska and is known for its rugged wilderness and challenging hikes. The park has no established trails and hikers must navigate through the wilderness using topographic maps and their own navigation skills. The lack of trails makes for a truly unique and remote hiking experience, but also means that hikers must be prepared for extreme weather and challenging terrain.
In contrast, Isle Royale National Park is located in Lake Superior and is known for its remote backcountry hiking trails. Hikers can choose from a variety of trails that range from easy day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips. The park is also known for its scenic views of the lake and its diverse wildlife, including moose and wolves. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Minong Ridge Trail, which offers scenic views of Lake Superior, and the Rock Harbor Lighthouse Trail, which is a short hike to a historic lighthouse. On the other hand, some of the hardest hikes in the park include the Greenstone Ridge Trail, a 40-mile trail that crosses the island, and the Caribou Mountain Trail, which offers challenging terrain and scenic views of the island.
In conclusion, both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Isle Royale National Park offer unique hiking experiences for visitors. While Gates of the Arctic is known for its rugged wilderness and lack of trails, Isle Royale offers a variety of established trails and scenic views. Hikers of all skill levels can find hikes that suit their abilities at both parks.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Valley Trail | 25427.572 | 6.7056 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Anhinga Trail | 2414.01 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook Trail | 321.868 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Gumbo Limbo Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Long Pine Key Trail | 24944.77 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mahogany Hammock Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades Coastal Prairie Trail | 27358.78 | 4.8768 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Pinelands Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades National Park East Entrance to Flamingo Scenic Route | 58258.108 | 7.9248 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Nine Mile Pond | 8851.37 | 0 | Easy | loop | 5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Isle Royale National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenstone Ridge Trail: Windigo to Tobin Harbor | 63568.93 | 1216.7616 | Hard | point to point | 4 |
| Rainbow Cove Trail | 2253.076 | 21.9456 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Malone Bay to Hatchett Lake | 37658.556 | 664.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
| Ishpeming Trail to Ishpeming Point | 23496.364 | 339.852 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
Wildlife in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Isle Royale National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Isle Royale National Park are two of the most beautiful and unique national parks in the United States. Both parks are known for their diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, but the type of wildlife you’ll see at each park is distinct.
At Gates of the Arctic, visitors can expect to see arctic foxes, grizzly bears, caribou, and moose. This park is also a great place to observe birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, and owls. Visitors may also spot a variety of plant species, including lichens, mosses, and wildflowers.
Isle Royale, on the other hand, is known for its large population of wolves and moose. This park is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, as it is home to many species of birds, including eagles, ospreys, and common loons. Visitors may also see a variety of fish species in the park’s waterways, including lake trout and brook trout.
While both parks offer unique wildlife experiences, visitors should take into consideration the time of year they visit and the type of wildlife they hope to see. For example, the best time to see moose at Isle Royale is during the summer months, while the best time to see caribou at Gates of the Arctic is during the fall migration. Regardless of the time of year, both parks are sure to provide visitors with unforgettable wildlife experiences.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Isle Royale National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Isle Royale 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 |
| Savannah Sparrow | Barn Swallow |
| Hermit Thrush | Savannah Sparrow |
| American Kestrel | Great Blue Heron |
| Bald Eagle | Hermit Thrush |
| Northern Pintail | American Kestrel |
| American Wigeon | Bald Eagle |
| Green-Winged Teal | Song Sparrow |
| American Pipit | European Starling |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Northern Pintail |
| Hairy Woodpecker | American Wigeon |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Black Bear | Big Brown Bat |
| Porcupine | Striped Skunk |
| Red Fox | Little Brown Bat |
| Mink | Deer Mouse |
| Wolf | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Hoary Bat |
| Varying Hare | Red Fox |
| River Otter | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Common Shrew | Mink |
| Red Squirrel | Gray Wolf |
| Montane Shrew | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Lynx | Snowshoe Hare |
| Wolverine | North American River Otter |
| American Marten | Canada Lynx |
| Grizzly Bear | Marten |
| Meadow Vole | Moose |
| Moose | Red Bat |
| Least Weasel | Norway Rat |
| Pygmy Shrew | Southern Red-Backed Vole |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Northern Long-Eared Bat |
Fish
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Redband Trout |
| Lake Trout | Coaster Brook Trout |
| Northern Pike | Brown Trout |
| Eelpout | Longnose Sucker |
| King Salmon | Harvey Lake Fathead Minnow |
| Slimy Sculpin | Golden Shiner |
| Chum Salmon | Lake Trout |
| Dolly Varden | Northern Pike |
| Arctic Grayling | Ellpout |
| Coho Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Creek Chub |
Amphibians
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Isle Royale National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is located in Alaska and features rugged wilderness and pristine landscapes. The Brooks Range, a formidable mountain range, runs through the park, offering stunning views and unique opportunities for outdoor adventure. Visitors can hike, fish, hunt, and camp in the wilderness, taking in the beauty of the wilderness and the unique wildlife.
Isle Royale National Park is located in Michigan and is the largest island in Lake Superior. The island is known for its rich biodiversity and stunning natural beauty. The rugged cliffs and rocky shores offer breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding wilderness. Visitors can explore the island by foot, kayak, or boat, taking in the breathtaking beauty of the natural surroundings and observing the diverse wildlife, including moose, wolves, and foxes.
Both parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors looking to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you are interested in hiking, fishing, or simply taking in the beauty of the natural world, both Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and Isle Royale National Park are must-visit destinations for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of America’s national parks.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Isle Royale National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Isle Royale National Park are two of the most popular wilderness areas in the United States. Both parks offer visitors a unique wilderness experience, but there are key differences between the two.
Gates of the Arctic is famous for its scenic backcountry and remote wilderness. Visitors come to enjoy the park’s rugged beauty, go backpacking, and take part in other outdoor activities like fishing, wildlife viewing, and rafting. The park is also popular with hunters and anglers who come to take advantage of the abundant game and fish populations.
Isle Royale, on the other hand, is a remote wilderness island located in the middle of Lake Superior. The park is popular with visitors who enjoy kayaking and boating, as well as those who come to experience the island’s diverse wildlife, including moose, wolves, and foxes. Hiking is also a popular activity on Isle Royale, with a variety of trails that offer scenic views of the lake and the surrounding wilderness.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience a true wilderness adventure, but the type of adventure will depend on the visitor’s interests and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a remote backcountry experience or a scenic island getaway, Gates of the Arctic and Isle Royale have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Isle Royale National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Isle Royale National Park are two unique national parks located in the United States. The seasonal weather in these parks can vary greatly, affecting the best time to visit each park.
Gates of the Arctic is located in Alaska and has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Winter temperatures can drop to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, while summer temperatures can reach up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors can expect snow and ice cover from September to June, making winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing popular. Summer is the best time for hiking and backpacking, with the longest daylight hours and the least amount of snow.
Isle Royale, on the other hand, is located on an island in Lake Superior and has a temperate climate with cool summers and mild winters. Winter temperatures can drop to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, while summer temperatures can reach up to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors can expect snow from December to March, with the heaviest snowfall in January and February. Winter is the best time for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, while summer is the best time for hiking and backpacking. The mild temperatures and lack of snow make summer the most popular time to visit the park.
In conclusion, both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Isle Royale National Park offer unique seasonal weather experiences. Visitors to Gates of the Arctic can expect long, cold winters and short, mild summers, while visitors to Isle Royale can expect cool summers and mild winters. The best time to visit each park will depend on the type of activity you plan to do, so be sure to check the seasonal weather and plan your trip accordingly.
Family Friendliness of Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Isle Royale National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Isle Royale National Park are both unique and offer unique experiences for visitors. However, when it comes to family-friendliness, these two parks have some significant differences.
Gates of the Arctic is a remote wilderness park with no roads or established trails, making it a challenging destination for families with small children. However, the park offers a wide range of opportunities for backcountry exploration and adventure, making it an ideal destination for families with older children who are comfortable with rugged terrain and a true wilderness experience.
In contrast, Isle Royale is a more accessible and family-friendly destination, with well-maintained trails, campgrounds, and ranger-led programs. The park is located on an island in Lake Superior and is accessible by ferry, making it a great option for families looking for a unique outdoor experience. Additionally, the park offers a variety of other recreational activities, including kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, making it a great option for families looking for a more relaxed outdoor experience.
In conclusion, for families looking for a rugged wilderness adventure, Gates of the Arctic is a better option. For families looking for a more relaxed and accessible outdoor experience, Isle Royale is the better choice. Both parks offer unique and memorable experiences, so it ultimately depends on the family’s interests and comfort level in the great outdoors.