The wild, untamed beauty of Alaska is truly something to behold, and two of its most stunning national parks offer a chance to immerse yourself in the vast, rugged landscapes of the Last Frontier. But with so much to see and do in both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, which one is right for your next adventure?
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, where you can hike through pristine wilderness and truly feel like you’ve escaped civilization, Gates of the Arctic is the place for you. This park is the northernmost national park in the US, and its remote location means that you’ll have to work a bit harder to get here, but the reward is a chance to see the dramatic, untouched beauty of the Arctic Circle.
On the other hand, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve boasts a unique combination of stunning glaciers, pristine alpine lakes, and active volcanoes. This park is a little easier to get to, but the breathtaking scenery will make the journey worth it. Whether you’re looking for an adventure-packed trip or a peaceful escape, Lake Clark has something for everyone.
So, which one will it be? A rugged, remote wilderness experience or a chance to witness the raw power of nature up close and personal? Read on to find out!
Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two of Alaska’s stunning national parks. Both parks are known for their rugged, remote landscapes and breathtaking scenery.
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is known for its challenging backcountry hikes, with no established trails and no park facilities. It is a true wilderness experience with opportunities for backpacking, camping and exploring the tundra. For experienced hikers, the park offers some of the country’s most challenging hikes, including the 8-mile Arrigetch Peaks Loop and the 11-mile Alatna River Trail.
On the other hand, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is known for its stunning vistas, glaciers and waterways, making it a popular destination for kayakers, boaters and fishermen. Hiking trails range from easy walks along the beaches to strenuous hikes up the park’s mountains. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the 4-mile Tanalian Falls Trail and the 6-mile Lontana Trail, which offers stunning views of the park’s glaciers and waterways.
Overall, both parks offer unique and rewarding hiking experiences, but Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is best suited for experienced hikers looking for a true wilderness adventure, while Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is more accessible for a wider range of visitors and offers a variety of hiking options for all skill levels.
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 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 Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two unique Alaskan wilderness areas with distinct wildlife.
Gates of the Arctic is known for its rugged, remote terrain and abundant caribou populations. Visitors may also see grizzly bears, wolves, wolverines, and moose in the park. Bird enthusiasts can observe a variety of bird species including the peregrine falcon and the horned lark. The park is also home to a diverse array of plant life, including arctic wildflowers and shrubs.
Lake Clark, on the other hand, is a prime location for observing brown bears, who come to the park to fish for salmon. The park is also home to black bears, moose, and caribou, as well as a variety of bird species, including the bald eagle, Steller’s jay, and the rock sandpiper. Lake Clark is also known for its lush vegetation and wildflowers, including fireweed, lupine, and forget-me-nots.
Both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities, and visitors are encouraged to take caution and follow park regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | 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 |
| 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 | Northern Pintail |
| Swainson’s Thrush | American Wigeon |
| Hairy Woodpecker | Green-Winged Teal |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Black Bear | Little Brown Bat |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Red Fox | Porcupine |
| Mink | Red Fox |
| Wolf | Mink |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Gray Wolf |
| Varying Hare | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| River Otter | Snowshoe Hare |
| Common Shrew | Northern River Otter |
| Red Squirrel | Masked Shrew |
| Montane Shrew | Water Shrew |
| Lynx | Red Squirrel |
| Wolverine | Montane Shrew |
| American Marten | Lynx |
| Grizzly Bear | Wolverine |
| Meadow Vole | American Marten |
| Moose | Brown Bear |
| Least Weasel | Meadow Vole |
| Pygmy Shrew | Moose |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Least Weasel |
| Pygmy Shrew | |
| Meadow Jumping Mouse |
Fish
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Steelhead |
| Lake Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Northern Pike | Lake Trout |
| Eelpout | Northern Pike |
| King Salmon | Burbot |
| Slimy Sculpin | Silver Salmon |
| Chum Salmon | King Salmon |
| Dolly Varden | Slimy Sculpin |
| Arctic Grayling | Threespine Stickleback |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two of Alaska’s most stunning national parks. Located in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness, they offer visitors breathtaking landscapes and an opportunity to experience the beauty of the Last Frontier.
Gates of the Arctic features the Brooks Range, a mountain range that rises above the Arctic Circle, and offers spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness. Visitors can also explore the Noatak National Preserve and the Kobuk Valley National Park, both of which are part of this park system and offer unique landscapes, such as the Noatak River, which is one of the last remaining wild rivers in the United States.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is also known for its stunning landscapes, including the Chigmit Mountains, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding area. Lake Clark is also home to several glaciers, including the Twin Glacier and the Tanalian Glacier, both of which are popular tourist destinations. Additionally, the park offers visitors a chance to see the stunning beauty of the Alaskan coast, including its many fjords, bays, and inlets.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two of Alaska’s most popular parks for outdoor enthusiasts. Both offer unique and diverse opportunities for visitors to explore and experience the natural beauty of Alaska. However, the most popular activities at these parks are quite different.
At Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, visitors can enjoy backcountry camping, wildlife viewing, and fishing. The park is renowned for its remote wilderness, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a true wilderness experience. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity, with visitors having the chance to see caribou, grizzly bears, and other Alaskan wildlife. Fishing is another popular activity, with visitors able to try their hand at fishing for Arctic grayling and other fish species in the park’s streams and rivers.
At Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, visitors can enjoy kayaking, fishing, and bear viewing. The park is known for its stunning scenery, with visitors able to kayak through the park’s many lakes and rivers, taking in the breathtaking views along the way. Fishing is also popular, with visitors able to try their hand at fishing for salmon, rainbow trout, and other fish species in the park’s waterways. Bear viewing is another popular activity, with visitors able to observe brown bears and other wildlife in their natural habitats.
Overall, both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer a wealth of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a remote wilderness experience, or an opportunity to observe wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of Alaska, these two parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are both located in Alaska and are popular tourist destinations. The seasonal weather in each park is different and affects when is the best time to visit.
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in the far north and has long, harsh winters with temperatures that can reach as low as -60°F. Summer temperatures average around 40°F, making it the best time to visit for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. During the summer, the park also has 24-hour daylight, providing ample time for visitors to explore the park’s scenic beauty.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, has milder weather with temperatures averaging around 60°F in the summer and 20°F in the winter. This park is best visited in the summer, when the weather is warm and sunny, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities like fishing and rafting. Winter temperatures can drop below zero, making outdoor activities more challenging.
Both parks offer unique experiences and breathtaking scenic views. However, the seasonal weather in each park affects when is the best time to visit. For those looking for a challenging, winter adventure, Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is the ideal destination, while those seeking a more temperate, summer experience should visit Lake Clark National Park & Preserve.
Family Friendliness of Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two of the most beautiful parks in Alaska, but the question of which is better for families traveling with children can be a difficult one. Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve is a remote and rugged wilderness area that offers opportunities for backpacking, rafting and kayaking, but it is not recommended for families with young children. The park is located in the Arctic Circle and temperatures can drop to extreme lows, making it a challenging environment for children and families.
On the other hand, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is a more accessible park that is better suited for families traveling with children. The park is located on the southwestern coast of Alaska, near the town of Anchorage, and has a more temperate climate. The park offers a range of activities, from boat tours and fishing to hiking and wildlife viewing, that are suitable for families with children. Additionally, the park has a number of facilities, including campgrounds and lodges, that are designed for visitors and families.
In conclusion, for families traveling with children, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is the better choice compared to the Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve. Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offers a range of activities and facilities that are more suitable for families and is located in a more accessible and temperate location.