“Nature enthusiasts, gear up for a wild ride! Imagine yourself surrounded by towering glaciers, snow-capped peaks and pristine fjords, or exploring misty rainforests teeming with life. Well, pack your bags, because we are taking you on a journey to compare two of the most breathtaking national parks in the USA – Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, Alaska and Olympic National Park, Washington.
These two parks are known for their unique landscapes, diverse wildlife and untamed wilderness. But which one is the ultimate destination for your next adventure? To answer that, we’ll explore each park’s top attractions, best time to visit, and what makes them truly special. So buckle up, and get ready to discover the amazing world of glaciers and rainforests!”
Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, Alaska is a unique place for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its glaciers, mountains, and fjords, it offers a diverse range of landscapes for hiking. On the other hand, Olympic National Park in Washington is known for its temperate rainforest, rugged coastline, and Olympic Mountains. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails, but they differ in terms of difficulty and accessibility.
In Glacier Bay, visitors can hike the Bartlett Cove trail, which is an easy hike that takes you along the shoreline to a beach. Another popular hike is the West Arm Trail, which is more challenging and takes you through the heart of the park. This hike is known for its stunning views of the glaciers and wildlife. The park also has several backcountry trails that are only accessible by boat, including the Reid Glacier trail, which is one of the most challenging hikes in the park.
Olympic National Park also offers a range of hiking trails, including easy hikes like the Hoh River trail, which takes you through a lush temperate rainforest. On the other hand, the Seven Lakes Basin trail is one of the most challenging hikes in the park, taking you through the heart of the Olympic Mountains. This hike offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness and is a must-visit for experienced hikers.
In summary, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park offer a variety of hiking trails for all levels of difficulty. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, you’ll find a trail that fits your needs and interests.
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 Olympic National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge | 4988.954 | 242.9256 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Storm King | 6276.426 | 638.8608 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail | 2574.944 | 77.724 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss | 1609.34 | 23.7744 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Marymere Falls Trail | 2735.878 | 90.8304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hoh River Trail | 52786.352 | 1558.7472 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| High Divide – Seven Lakes Basin Loop | 30577.46 | 1617.8784 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Ruby Beach | 2253.076 | 20.7264 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Staircase Rapids Loop | 3379.614 | 64.9224 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Spruce Railroad Trail: Lake Crescent | 18024.608 | 131.9784 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and Olympic National Park is located in Washington State. Both parks offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities, but the type of wildlife you’ll see varies greatly between the two.
In Glacier Bay, visitors may see whales, seals, sea lions, and otters in the surrounding waters. On land, visitors may spot bears, moose, and mountain goats. In addition, over 40 species of birds call Glacier Bay home, including the bald eagle and the tufted puffin.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, elk, and mountain lions. The park is also home to several species of bird, including the spotted owl and the marbled murrelet. In addition, Olympic National Park is home to several species of plants found nowhere else in the world, including the Olympic mountain hemlock and the Olympic snow-banner.
Both parks offer unique and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, but the type of wildlife you’ll see depends on which park you visit. Whether you’re interested in marine mammals or land-dwelling animals, both Glacier Bay and Olympic National Park have something to offer.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Olympic 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 | Northern Flicker |
| 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 | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Little Brown Bat | Muskrat |
| Deer Mouse | Big Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Striped Skunk |
| Porcupine | Little Brown Bat |
| Red Fox | Deer Mouse |
| House Mouse | Raccoon |
| Mountain Lion | Black Bear |
| Mink | Porcupine |
| Mule Deer | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Gray Wolf | Red Fox |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Snowshoe Hare | House Mouse |
| River Otter | Wolf |
| Masked Shrew | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Water Shrew | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Red Squirrel | California Myotis |
| Montane Shrew | Snowshoe Rabbit |
| Long-Tailed Vole | North American River Otter |
| Lynx | Fringe-Tailed Myotis |
| Wolverine | Masked Shrew |
| Marten | Water Shrew |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Western Big-Eared Bat |
| Grizzly Bear | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
Fish
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Steelhead/Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Largemouth Bass |
| Lake Trout | Salish Sucker |
| Northern Pike | Coho Salmon |
| Burbot | Chinook Salmon |
| Silver Salmon | Longnose Dace |
| Chinook Salmon | Speckled Dace |
| Slimy Sculpin | Threespine Stickleback |
| Threespine Stickleback | Sockeye Salmon |
| Sockeye Salmon | Pink Salmon |
| Pink Salmon | Chum Salmon |
| Chum Salmon | Dolly Varden |
| Dolly Varden | Cutthroat Trout |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Bullfrog |
Reptiles
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park are both located in the United States and are known for their stunning natural beauty. Glacier Bay is located in Alaska and is famous for its glaciers, which visitors can see from the water or from the park’s many overlooks. The park is also home to a diverse ecosystem of wildlife, including whales, seals, and sea otters.
Olympic National Park in Washington State is known for its diverse landscapes, including lush temperate rainforests, rugged coastlines, and towering mountains. The park is home to the Olympic Mountains, which offer breathtaking views and are a popular destination for hikers and climbers. The Hoh Rainforest is another popular destination in the park, where visitors can experience the beauty of the rainforest while hiking or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park offer a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the United States. Whether you are looking for glaciers, mountains, or rainforests, these parks have something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, and Olympic National Park, located in Washington, are two popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. While both parks offer a variety of recreational activities, there are some key differences between the two.
In Glacier Bay, visitors can enjoy kayaking and boat tours to view glaciers and wildlife, including humpback whales and sea lions. In addition, hiking is popular with trails ranging from easy to strenuous, offering breathtaking views of the glaciers and surrounding landscape.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, offers a different type of outdoor experience. The park is known for its lush, temperate rainforests, and visitors can explore them through hiking and backpacking. The park also has several scenic drives and scenic byways, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the Olympic Mountains. In addition, visitors can enjoy fishing, camping, and beachcombing along the park’s extensive coastline.
Both Glacier Bay and Olympic National Park offer unique and unforgettable experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a scenic road trip, both parks have something to offer. Visitors to either park can expect to be surrounded by stunning natural beauty and a wealth of opportunities for adventure and exploration.
Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but the weather at these two parks can be quite different. Glacier Bay is located in Alaska, and the weather there can be quite harsh, with temperatures ranging from below freezing in the winter to the mid-50s in the summer. The park receives a lot of precipitation, with an average of over 100 inches of rain per year, so visitors should be prepared for rain, snow, and cold temperatures.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is located in Washington State and has a milder climate. The park receives less precipitation than Glacier Bay, with an average of only about 70 inches of rain per year. The temperatures in Olympic National Park are also milder, with average summer temperatures in the mid-60s and winter temperatures in the mid-40s.
The best time to visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve depends on what type of activities you are interested in. If you are looking to see glaciers and wildlife, the best time to visit is between May and September. During this time, temperatures are warmer, and the glaciers are more active and visible. If you are interested in winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing, the best time to visit is between December and March, when the park is covered in snow.
Olympic National Park is a great destination year-round, but the best time to visit depends on the type of activities you are interested in. If you are interested in hiking and exploring the park’s lush forest and coastline, the best time to visit is between June and September, when the weather is mild and the trails are dry. If you are interested in skiing or snowboarding, the best time to visit is between December and March, when the park’s higher elevations receive significant snowfall.
Family Friendliness of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes, but they differ in terms of family-friendliness.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is a great park for families who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking. The park offers a variety of trails that are suitable for all ages and skill levels, and visitors can also take boat tours to see the glaciers up close. Children will love exploring the park’s rugged coastline and seeing the wildlife, including whales, seals, and bald eagles.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is best for families who enjoy exploring forests and beaches. The park has many easy and short trails that are perfect for families. The beaches are also great for families, as they offer plenty of opportunities for playing in the water and building sandcastles. Additionally, the park has several campgrounds that are family-friendly and provide a great way to experience the park’s natural beauty.
In conclusion, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park are great choices for families, but the best park for you will depend on your family’s interests and the type of activities you enjoy. If your family enjoys outdoor activities and exploring rugged landscapes, then Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is the better choice. However, if your family prefers exploring forests and beaches, then Olympic National Park is the better choice.