Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in Alaska. Each park boasts its own unique beauty, from glistening glaciers to pristine lakes and stunning wildlife. But, which one should you visit? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these two magnificent parks, comparing and contrasting their offerings, to help you make an informed decision.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is a breathtaking destination, known for its icy blue glaciers, towering snow-capped peaks, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can witness the power of nature as glaciers calve, sending ice crashing into the sea. But, it’s not just the glaciers that make Glacier Bay so special. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including whales, seals, and bald eagles, making it a true wilderness adventure.
On the other hand, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is a place of serene beauty, offering visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With its crystal-clear waters, abundant fishing opportunities, and stunning views of the Chigmit Mountains, Lake Clark is a true paradise for nature lovers. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful hike or a thrilling fishing trip, Lake Clark has something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two of Alaska’s most popular national parks, both offering spectacular hiking trails with breathtaking views. However, the type of hiking experience offered by each is quite different.
At Glacier Bay, visitors can take a leisurely hike along the shorelines of glaciers and enjoy the beauty of the park’s iconic glaciers, while at Lake Clark, hikers can embark on strenuous backcountry hikes and explore the remote wilderness. The park is known for its challenging backcountry trails, including the challenging 4-day trek to the summit of Mount Redoubt, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers and valleys.
The park’s easier hikes include the Bartlett Cove Trail and the West Arm Trail, both of which offer scenic views of the glaciers and wildlife. The Bartlett Cove Trail is a 1.5-mile trail that follows the shoreline and is accessible by boat. The West Arm Trail is a 2-mile trail that offers views of the glaciers and wildlife, and is one of the park’s most popular trails.
In contrast, Lake Clark’s easiest hike is the Port Alsworth Nature Trail, a 1.5-mile trail that loops through the park’s lush forests and offers views of the surrounding mountains. The park’s hardest hike is the Chinitna Bay Trail, a 7-mile trail that leads to the remote Chinitna Bay and offers views of the glaciers, wildlife, and coastal landscapes.
Both parks offer a unique and unforgettable hiking experience, and visitors are sure to find the perfect trail to suit their needs, whether they’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging backcountry adventure.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartlett Cove Forest Loop Trail | 1770.274 | 33.8328 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Bartlett River Trail | 11104.446 | 266.7 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Bartlet Lake Trail | 9495.106 | 141.732 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Tlingit Trail | 1770.274 | 19.812 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Point Gustavus | 20116.75 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 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 Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two of the most magnificent destinations in Alaska, with breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife. Both protected areas offer visitors the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including marine mammals, birds, and plants.
In Glacier Bay, you are likely to see humpback whales, harbor seals, and sea otters, as well as bald eagles, gulls, and puffins. This park is also home to several species of whales, including orcas, minke whales, and gray whales. In addition, visitors can observe a large number of shorebirds, including sandpipers and plovers, as well as sea ducks and other waterfowl.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a prime destination for viewing brown bears and moose. This park is also home to a wide variety of birds, including eagles, falcons, and owls, as well as waterfowl and songbirds. Visitors can also observe a variety of fish, including salmon, rainbow trout, and Arctic char.
Both parks offer unique opportunities for visitors to observe and appreciate the diverse wildlife that inhabits Alaska’s wilderness. Whether you are interested in marine mammals, birds, or plants, these two protected areas offer a rich and diverse array of wildlife to discover and enjoy.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier Bay 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 |
| Barn Swallow | Barn Swallow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | Great Blue Heron |
| Hermit Thrush | Hermit Thrush |
| American Kestrel | American Kestrel |
| Bald Eagle | Bald Eagle |
| Song Sparrow | Song Sparrow |
| European Starling | Northern Pintail |
| Northern Pintail | American Wigeon |
| American Wigeon | Green-Winged Teal |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Little Brown Bat | Muskrat |
| Deer Mouse | Little Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| House Mouse | Mink |
| Mountain Lion | Gray Wolf |
| Mink | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Mule Deer | Snowshoe Hare |
| Gray Wolf | Northern River Otter |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Masked Shrew |
| Snowshoe Hare | Water Shrew |
| River Otter | Red Squirrel |
| Masked Shrew | Montane Shrew |
| Water Shrew | Lynx |
| Red Squirrel | Wolverine |
| Montane Shrew | American Marten |
| Long-Tailed Vole | Brown Bear |
| Lynx | Meadow Vole |
| Wolverine | Moose |
| Marten | Least Weasel |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Pygmy Shrew |
| Grizzly Bear | Meadow Jumping Mouse |
Fish
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Steelhead |
| Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Longnose Sucker | Lake Trout |
| Lake Trout | Northern Pike |
| Northern Pike | Burbot |
| Burbot | Silver Salmon |
| Silver Salmon | King Salmon |
| Chinook Salmon | Slimy Sculpin |
| Slimy Sculpin | Threespine Stickleback |
| Threespine Stickleback | Sockeye Salmon |
| Sockeye Salmon | Pink Salmon |
| Pink Salmon | Chum Salmon |
| Chum Salmon | Dolly Varden |
| Dolly Varden | Arctic Grayling |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning glaciers, which can be seen as they calve into the ocean. Visitors can take boat tours to see these glaciers up close, or hike on the park’s trails for a different perspective. The park also has a diverse landscape, including fjords, rainforests, and rugged coastline.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, also in Alaska, offers a different type of natural beauty. The park is surrounded by mountains and has several large glaciers, including the 18-mile long Tanalian Glacier. Visitors can hike to the top of the glaciers for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, or take a scenic flight over the glaciers for an aerial view. The park also offers opportunities for fishing, boating and wildlife viewing, including brown bears and moose.
Both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer incredible natural beauty and unique landscapes, making them both popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the rugged beauty of glaciers or the majestic mountain ranges and glaciers, these parks are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two of Alaska’s most popular national parks. Both offer breathtaking views, unique wildlife, and a variety of recreational opportunities. However, they also have some key differences.
In Glacier Bay, visitors can go kayaking and whale watching, as well as see glaciers up close. The park has over 3 million acres of protected land and water, including tidewater glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and deep fjords. Glacier Bay is also renowned for its diverse wildlife, such as humpback whales, sea lions, and the occasional bald eagle.
On the other hand, Lake Clark offers visitors a more remote wilderness experience. The park is known for its strong fishing culture, and visitors can enjoy fishing for salmon, halibut, and other species. Lake Clark is also home to several active volcanoes, including the famous Mount Redoubt, and visitors can take guided hikes to see the volcanic activity. Additionally, the park offers scenic flights and opportunities for bear viewing, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
In conclusion, both Glacier Bay and Lake Clark National Parks & Preserves offer unique experiences and activities for visitors. Whether you’re interested in kayaking and whale watching or fishing and bear viewing, these parks have something to offer everyone.
Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer unique natural beauty, but the weather can vary greatly depending on the time of year. Glacier Bay is located in Southeast Alaska and is known for its glaciers, wildlife, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The park experiences a maritime climate, which means that it is relatively mild and wet throughout the year. Summer temperatures average in the mid-50s to low-60s, with occasional rain showers. Winter temperatures average in the 30s, with snow and ice cover.
In contrast, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is located in Southcentral Alaska and is known for its stunning views of the Chigmit Mountains and its abundant wildlife, including brown bears. The park experiences a subarctic climate, which means that it is cool and dry in the summer, with temperatures averaging in the mid-50s. Winters are relatively mild, with temperatures averaging in the 20s. Snow and ice cover are common in the winter months.
The best time to visit Glacier Bay is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the glaciers are accessible. For those interested in wildlife viewing, late spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as this is when the park’s animals are most active. For those interested in winter activities, such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, the best time to visit is during the winter months, when the park is blanketed in snow.
At Lake Clark, the best time to visit is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the park’s wildlife is most active. For those interested in fishing and boating, the best time to visit is during the summer months, when the lake is free of ice. For those interested in winter activities, such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, the best time to visit is during the winter months, when the park is blanketed in snow.
Family Friendliness of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two of Alaska’s most stunning natural wonders, but they differ in terms of family-friendliness. Glacier Bay is more accessible and offers a range of activities for families, including guided boat tours, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The park also has a number of ranger-led programs for children, including a Junior Ranger program that allows kids to earn badges for completing educational activities. Additionally, the park has several campgrounds and lodges for overnight stays, making it a great option for families who want to spend a few days in the park.
Lake Clark, on the other hand, is more remote and less developed. While it offers stunning views and opportunities for wildlife viewing, it may not be the best choice for families with young children. The park has only a few designated hiking trails and limited ranger-led programs. Additionally, the park is only accessible by boat or small plane, which can be a challenge for families with young children. However, for families who are willing to take on the challenge, Lake Clark offers a unique and truly wild experience that they won’t forget.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is the more family-friendly option. It offers a range of activities and services that are tailored to families, making it an ideal choice for a family vacation. Lake Clark, on the other hand, is a great choice for families who are looking for a more adventurous and remote experience.