“Imagine standing at the feet of a 630-foot monument that symbolizes America’s westward expansion, and then being transported to a remote corner of Alaska where brown bears roam free and feast on salmon. These two vastly different destinations, Gateway Arch National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve, offer unique experiences for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
At Gateway Arch, visitors can take a tram to the top of the iconic arch for breathtaking views of the city of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. The park also provides interactive exhibits and ranger-led tours that delve into the history of the arch and its significance.
Meanwhile, at Katmai, visitors can witness the spectacle of brown bears fishing for salmon in their natural habitat, and explore the rugged beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. The park is home to the Brooks River, where visitors can watch the bears from a viewing platform or take a guided tour to learn about these magnificent creatures.
Whether you’re seeking adventure or education, both Gateway Arch National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve offer unforgettable experiences that will leave you in awe of the diversity of America’s national parks.”
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Gateway Arch National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two popular parks that offer a range of hiking experiences. Gateway Arch has several short, easy hikes that are suitable for families and casual hikers. One of the most popular trails is the Riverfront Trail, which is a paved path that follows the Mississippi River and offers beautiful views of the Gateway Arch and St. Louis skyline. Another easy hike is the Gateway Arch Park Overlook, which is a paved trail that leads to a scenic overlook with views of the Arch and the city.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, offers more challenging hikes for experienced hikers. The park is known for its rugged wilderness, remote backcountry, and abundant wildlife. One of the most popular hikes is the Brooks Camp Trail, which is a 7.5-mile round-trip hike that takes you through dense forest and across several streams to Brooks Camp. Along the way, you’ll see bears fishing for salmon in Brooks River and may also see moose, caribou, and other wildlife. The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes is also a must-visit destination for experienced hikers. This hike takes you through a volcanic valley filled with steam vents, fumaroles, and other geothermal features.
Both parks offer unique hiking experiences, so whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging wilderness adventure, you’ll find something to suit your interests and abilities at Gateway Arch National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Riverfront Trail | 34439.876 | 109.728 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Jefferson National Expansion Memorial | 2574.944 | 20.7264 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Katmai National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks Falls | 4667.086 | 63.7032 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dumpling Mountain | 4828.02 | 225.8568 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Gateway Arch National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, offers visitors a unique blend of urban and natural landscapes. While wildlife sightings are not as common as at other national parks, visitors may still spot various birds such as ducks and geese along the Mississippi River. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of plant species, including native prairie grasses and wildflowers.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream destination. Here, visitors can witness the famous Brooks River, where brown bears gather to catch salmon. In addition to the bears, visitors may also spot moose, caribou, and various bird species such as eagles and puffins. The park also boasts a diverse array of plant life, including spruce forests and wildflowers that bloom in the summer months.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gateway Arch National Park | Katmai 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 | Northern Flicker |
| Northern Flicker | Merlin |
| Merlin | Barn Swallow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Hermit Thrush | Hermit Thrush |
| American Kestrel | American Kestrel |
| Bald Eagle | Bald Eagle |
| Northern Pintail | Song Sparrow |
| American Wigeon | European Starling |
| Green-Winged Teal | Northern Pintail |
| American Pipit | American Wigeon |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
| Hairy Woodpecker | American Pipit |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Gateway Arch National Park | Katmai 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 | Varying Hare |
| Common Shrew | Northern River Otter |
| Red Squirrel | Masked Shrew |
| Montane Shrew | Red Squirrel |
| Lynx | Montane Shrew |
| Wolverine | Lynx |
| American Marten | Wolverine |
| Grizzly Bear | American Marten |
| Meadow Vole | Grizzly Bear |
| Moose | Meadow Vole |
| Least Weasel | Moose |
| Pygmy Shrew | Least Weasel |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Pygmy Shrew |
| Meadow Jumping Mouse | |
| Northern Bog Lemming |
Fish
| Gateway Arch National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Redband Trout |
| 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
| Gateway Arch National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is best known for its iconic 630-foot stainless steel arch, a symbol of St. Louis and the American West. The park also features a museum and a tram that takes visitors to the top of the arch for panoramic views of the city.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is known for its volcanic landscapes and its famous Brooks River, which is home to one of the largest brown bear populations in the world. Visitors can observe the bears fishing for salmon in the river and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The park also features the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a unique landscape formed by the eruption of Novarupta in 1912. The valley is filled with steam vents and fumaroles, creating a truly otherworldly experience for visitors.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve offer visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty of nature and the power of the forces that shape our world. Whether you’re admiring the monumental arch in St. Louis or observing the magnificent brown bears of Brooks River in Alaska, these parks are sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is known for its iconic 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, a symbol of westward expansion. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the Arch for panoramic views of the city, or explore its museum to learn about the history of westward expansion and the Arch’s construction.
On the other hand, Katmai National Park & Preserve in Alaska is a remote wilderness area famous for its abundant brown bears. Visitors can take guided tours or fly-in bear viewing trips to see the bears in their natural habitat, or explore the park’s rugged wilderness on foot or by kayak. In addition to bear viewing, the park is also home to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a volcanic landscape with steam vents and geysers.
Both parks offer unique opportunities to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of their respective regions. However, while Gateway Arch National Park is a more urban experience with its close proximity to a major city, Katmai National Park & Preserve offers a remote and rugged wilderness experience for visitors. Whether you prefer the convenience of a city or the challenge of exploring a remote wilderness, both parks have something to offer for visitors looking to connect with nature.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Gateway Arch National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two unique destinations with very different weather patterns. Gateway Arch is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and is known for its hot and humid summers and cold winters. On the other hand, Katmai is located in Alaska and is known for its mild summers and extremely cold winters.
The best time to visit Gateway Arch is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. During the summer, temperatures can reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, making it difficult to enjoy the park’s many outdoor activities. Winter can be harsh, with temperatures dropping below freezing and snow and ice covering the ground.
Katmai, on the other hand, is best visited during the summer when temperatures are mild and the bears are fishing in the Brooks River. Winter is extremely cold, with temperatures dropping below zero and snow and ice covering the ground, making it difficult to access many of the park’s attractions.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch and Katmai National Park & Preserve offer unique experiences and breathtaking scenery, but the weather patterns at each park greatly affect when is the best time to visit. It is important to consider the weather conditions when planning your trip to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Gateway Arch National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two of America’s most popular national parks. Both offer unique experiences for visitors, but when it comes to family-friendliness, there are some key differences to consider.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and is home to the iconic 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch. The park offers several family-friendly activities and exhibits, including a museum, tram rides to the top of the Arch, and a riverboat cruise. The park is also located in the heart of the city, making it easy to combine a visit with other family-friendly attractions.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is a remote wilderness area that is best known for its brown bear viewing opportunities. Although the park offers many outdoor activities, such as fishing and hiking, it may not be the best choice for families with young children. The park’s remote location and lack of facilities make it a challenging destination for families.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children, Gateway Arch National Park is a better choice for a family-friendly adventure. The park is located in a city and offers many exhibits and activities that are geared towards families, making it a great destination for families looking to have fun and learn about American history.