The Gateway Arch National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two very different destinations, both with unique draws. The Gateway Arch is an iconic symbol of St. Louis and the westward expansion of the United States, while Lake Clark is a remote wilderness area in Alaska that offers opportunities for adventure and wildlife viewing.
Visitors to the Gateway Arch will find a variety of experiences including visiting the 630-foot tall arch, taking a riverboat cruise, and exploring the museum. On the other hand, those traveling to Lake Clark will encounter a rugged and unspoiled landscape, where they can hike, fish, and raft, as well as observe Alaskan brown bears, salmon and other wildlife.
So, which one is right for you? Are you looking for a more urban experience filled with history and cultural attractions, or are you seeking a remote wilderness adventure? In this article, we’ll compare and contrast the Gateway Arch National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, helping you decide which one is the best fit for your next vacation. Get ready to choose between two unique and unforgettable destinations!
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Gateway Arch National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two unique parks that offer a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors. Hiking is a popular activity at both parks, but each park offers different trail experiences.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is home to the iconic 630-foot Gateway Arch. The park offers several easy hikes that are perfect for families and those who are looking for a leisurely walk. The Riverfront Trail is a 2-mile paved trail that follows the Mississippi River and offers great views of the Arch. The Arch Grounds Hike is a 0.5-mile hike that takes visitors to the base of the Arch.
On the other hand, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is a wilderness park located in Alaska and is known for its rugged beauty. The park offers several challenging hikes that are perfect for experienced hikers. The Tanalian Falls Hike is a 7-mile hike that takes visitors to a scenic waterfall. The Twin Lakes Hike is a 9-mile hike that takes visitors to two alpine lakes and offers great views of the surrounding mountains. The park also offers backcountry camping for those who want to experience the wilderness overnight.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer unique hiking experiences for visitors. Whether you are looking for an easy walk or a challenging hike, these parks have something for everyone.
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 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 Gateway Arch National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, offer vastly different wildlife experiences. Gateway Arch Park is primarily an urban park, with limited wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors may see some birds and squirrels, but the park is not known for its abundant wildlife.
On the other hand, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, caribou, wolves and many species of fish. Bird watchers will also find a rich variety of species, including eagles and waterfowl. The park’s diverse habitats, including forests, tundra, and wetlands, provide habitats for a wide range of plant and animal life.
In terms of plant life, Gateway Arch Park has limited vegetation due to its urban setting. However, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve boasts a diverse range of plant species, including wildflowers, shrubs, and trees. The park is also home to several rare plant species, making it a great destination for botanists and nature enthusiasts.
In conclusion, while Gateway Arch National Park offers an interesting urban experience, it is not the best destination for those looking to see a wide variety of wildlife. Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, offers a rich and diverse wildlife experience for visitors of all interests.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Gateway Arch 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 |
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
Gateway Arch National Park | 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
Gateway Arch National Park | 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
Gateway Arch National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Wood Frog | Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and is best known for its 630-foot stainless steel arch that symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States. The park offers breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and the city of St. Louis, as well as a museum that showcases the history of westward expansion and the arch’s construction.
On the other hand, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning scenic beauty, including glaciers, snow-capped mountains, lakes, and wildlife such as brown bears, moose, and caribou. Visitors can take scenic flights to see the park from above, hike in the wilderness, or fish for salmon.
Both parks have unique landscapes to offer visitors, but for those interested in architectural landmarks, Gateway Arch National Park is the way to go. For those looking for a more natural experience, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is a must-see, with its breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is a popular destination for history and architecture enthusiasts. The park features the 630-foot Gateway Arch, a monument built to commemorate the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the Arch for panoramic views of the city. The park also has a museum that showcases the history of the Westward Expansion and the construction of the Arch.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is a popular destination for wilderness and wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can take a scenic floatplane tour to experience the stunning beauty of the park’s glaciers, lakes, and rivers. The park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including brown bears, moose, and caribou. Hiking and fishing are also popular activities in the park, with the park offering a variety of trails and fishing opportunities.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer unique experiences for visitors. The former is ideal for history and architecture enthusiasts, while the latter is perfect for wilderness and wildlife lovers. Whether you’re interested in exploring the past or immersing yourself in the beauty of nature, these parks have something to offer for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Gateway Arch National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two unique National Parks with distinct weather patterns. Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold winters. During the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 90°F and during the winter, temperatures can drop below freezing. The best time to visit Gateway Arch National Park is in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and comfortable.
In contrast, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. During the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 60°F and during the winter, temperatures can drop below freezing. The best time to visit Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is during the summer when the weather is mild and there is ample daylight to explore the park.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer unique natural and cultural experiences, but the weather greatly affects when is the best time to visit each park. Visitors should plan their trips according to the weather conditions to get the best experience possible.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Gateway Arch National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two outstanding national parks that offer different experiences to visitors. When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks have their own unique offerings.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and is home to the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot monument that offers stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River. The park offers a range of interactive exhibits, educational programs, and ranger-led activities that are perfect for families with children. The park also has a museum, a movie theater, and a tram ride to the top of the Arch that provides an incredible perspective of the city.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and offers a completely different experience. This park is ideal for families who love outdoor activities and adventure. The park has stunning natural beauty, including glaciers, mountains, and lakes, and offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also take guided boat tours to see the park’s incredible wildlife, including bears, moose, and caribou.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are great options for families with children. However, Gateway Arch National Park is more suited to families who prefer a city-based experience with interactive exhibits and activities, while Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is perfect for families who love the outdoors and adventure.