Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and North Cascades National Park are two of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the United States. Both parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience, but which one is right for you? Are you looking for rugged and remote backcountry adventures, or do you prefer the stunning beauty of glaciers and fjords? In this article, we’ll compare the two parks and help you decide which one is best for your next wilderness getaway.
For those who love the thrill of the unknown, North Cascades National Park is the perfect choice. This park is known for its rugged and remote terrain, with over 300 glaciers and some of the most challenging hikes in the country. It’s the perfect place for experienced backpackers and mountaineers who want to test their skills and explore the wild.
On the other hand, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is a feast for the eyes, with its stunning glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. This park is a great choice for those who want a more relaxed and leisurely experience, but still want to experience the beauty of Alaska’s glaciers and wildlife. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful kayaking trip or a boat tour of the fjords, Glacier Bay has something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and North Cascades National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is renowned for its stunning glaciers and wilderness adventures. The park offers a range of hiking trails, from easy shoreline walks to challenging backcountry treks. The Bartlett Cove Trail is a popular easy hike, offering stunning views of glaciers and the surrounding fjords. The West Glacier Trail is considered a more challenging hike, leading to the base of the Margerie Glacier, with a strenuous climb to the top for panoramic views.
North Cascades National Park, located in Washington State, boasts a diverse landscape with rugged peaks, glaciers, and deep valleys. The park offers a variety of hikes, from short nature walks to multi-day backpacking trips. The easy Thunder Creek Trail is a popular hike, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The challenging Cascade Pass Trail, on the other hand, takes hikers to the top of a mountain, offering panoramic views of the park’s rugged terrain.
In conclusion, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and North Cascades National Park both offer a range of hiking trails to suit different levels of ability. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a challenging backcountry adventure, both parks have something to offer.
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 North Cascades National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 291.9984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail | 17541.806 | 1175.9184 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sourdough Mountain Trail | 14644.994 | 1555.6992 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail to Cottonwood Camp | 25588.506 | 1422.8064 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail | 10460.71 | 542.8488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sahale Arm Trail to Quien Sabe Glacier | 19955.816 | 1651.7112 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk | 3057.746 | 21.9456 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Fourth of July Pass via Panther Creek Trail | 14966.862 | 759.8664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July and Thunder Creek Trail | 23335.43 | 1949.8056 | Hard | out and back | 4 |
| Gorge Creek Falls Trail | 804.67 | 11.8872 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
Wildlife in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and North Cascades National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is home to an abundance of wildlife, including marine mammals such as humpback whales, sea otters, and harbor seals. The park is also home to a diverse array of bird life, including bald eagles, cormorants, and several species of gulls. On the land, visitors may spot black bears and mountain goats, as well as a variety of plants, including wildflowers and Sitka spruce trees.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is known for its diverse and abundant wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and deer. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including eagles, hawks, and owls, as well as a variety of fish, including salmon and steelhead. Additionally, the park is home to a diverse array of plant life, including old-growth forests and alpine meadows.
Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty and diversity of the natural world, but each park offers unique opportunities for wildlife viewing. Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is ideal for those interested in marine wildlife and bird life, while North Cascades National Park is ideal for those interested in terrestrial wildlife and plant life. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, both parks are sure to offer a memorable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and North Cascades National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | North Cascades 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 | 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 |
| European Starling | Northern Pintail |
| Northern Pintail | American Wigeon |
| American Wigeon | Green-Winged Teal |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Little Brown Bat | Muskrat |
| Deer Mouse | Big Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Bobcat |
| Porcupine | Striped Skunk |
| Red Fox | Little Brown Bat |
| House Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Raccoon |
| Mink | Black Bear |
| Mule Deer | Porcupine |
| Gray Wolf | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Hoary Bat |
| Snowshoe Hare | Red Fox |
| River Otter | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Masked Shrew | House Mouse |
| Water Shrew | Puma |
| Red Squirrel | Mink |
| Montane Shrew | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Long-Tailed Vole | Wolf |
| Lynx | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Wolverine | Western Long-Eared Bat |
| Marten | Ermine |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | California Myotis |
| Grizzly Bear | Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Largemouth Bass |
| Lake Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Northern Pike | Lake Trout |
| Burbot | Burbot |
| Silver Salmon | Silver Salmon |
| Chinook Salmon | King Salmon |
| Slimy Sculpin | Slimy Sculpin |
| Threespine Stickleback | Longnose Dace |
| Sockeye Salmon | Threespine Stickleback |
| Pink Salmon | Kokanee |
| Chum Salmon | Pink Salmon |
| Dolly Varden | Chum Salmon |
| Cutthroat Trout | Dolly Varden |
| Arctic Grayling | Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Yellowbelly Racer | |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and North Cascades National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is known for its magnificent glaciers and tidewater glaciers, which are glaciers that flow into the ocean. Visitors can observe these glaciers calving, which is the process of ice breaking off into the ocean, creating stunning displays of natural beauty. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including humpback whales, sea otters, and bears.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its rugged mountain ranges and scenic drives. The park is home to over 300 glaciers and features over 400 miles of hiking trails, offering visitors endless opportunities to explore the beauty of the Cascade Mountains. The park’s most famous landmark is the Cascade Pass, a high mountain pass that provides stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and North Cascades National Park offer unique and breathtaking landscapes that are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors. Whether you’re interested in observing glaciers and wildlife, or exploring rugged mountain ranges and scenic drives, these parks are sure to provide a memorable outdoor experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and North Cascades National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is a popular destination for those who love to kayak and whale watch. With its stunning glaciers and abundant wildlife, it’s no wonder that people flock here to see the magnificent glaciers and humpback whales. Visitors can also go fishing, hike, and take boat tours through the park’s many waterways.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is a haven for rock climbers, hikers, and backcountry enthusiasts. The park is known for its jagged peaks and rugged terrain, making it a popular destination for those looking to push their limits. Visitors can also go camping, fishing, and enjoy scenic drives through the park’s diverse landscapes.
Both parks offer a range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, but Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is arguably more focused on water-based activities, while North Cascades National Park is more geared towards those who enjoy hiking and rock climbing. Regardless of your interests, both parks offer breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and a chance to connect with nature.
Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and North Cascades National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and North Cascades National Park are two popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. While both parks offer breathtaking natural beauty, the seasonal weather can vary greatly between the two.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and has a subarctic climate with mild summers and cold, snowy winters. The best time to visit is during the summer months, from June to August, when temperatures are warm and the park is accessible by boat. During the winter, the park is covered in snow and is only accessible by plane.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is located in Washington State and has a more temperate climate with cool, rainy winters and warm, dry summers. Winter is the best time to visit for those interested in snow sports, such as skiing and snowboarding, while the summer months are ideal for hiking and camping.
Both parks offer unique experiences depending on the time of year, but it is important to plan ahead and be prepared for the weather in order to fully enjoy the natural beauty of each park. Visitors should research the weather conditions and bring appropriate clothing and gear for the season they plan to visit.
Family Friendliness of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and North Cascades National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and North Cascades National Park are both popular national parks in the United States that offer a range of outdoor activities and stunning scenery. These parks are great options for families looking to explore the great outdoors, but they each have their own unique features that make them better suited for different types of travelers.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is known for its glaciers and whale watching opportunities, making it an excellent choice for families looking for a more educational and wildlife-focused experience. The park offers ranger-led programs and boat tours that allow visitors to learn about the glaciers and wildlife in the area. Additionally, the park has a range of easy-to-moderate hikes that are suitable for families with young children.
On the other hand, North Cascades National Park is a great option for families who are looking for a more challenging outdoor experience. The park has a number of strenuous hikes and backcountry camping opportunities, making it a good choice for families who are experienced hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park is also home to a number of beautiful alpine lakes and cascading waterfalls, making it a great place to explore and take in the natural beauty of the area.
In conclusion, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and North Cascades National Park are excellent options for families looking to explore the great outdoors, but they each have their own unique features that make them better suited for different types of travelers. If you’re traveling with young children, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve may be the better choice for its educational opportunities and easier hikes, while North Cascades National Park is a good choice for families who are more experienced hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.