Glacier National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences for visitors, from exploring rugged terrain to appreciating the beauty of pristine wilderness. But which one is the best adventure for you? Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views, thrilling hikes, or solitude, these two parks have got you covered.
Glacier National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with over 700 miles of trails that weave through alpine meadows and past crystal-clear lakes. The park is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep. And let’s not forget the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, a scenic drive that takes you right through the heart of the park.
Meanwhile, Isle Royale National Park is a remote gem located in the middle of Lake Superior. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park offers a true wilderness experience that is a true escape from civilization. With over 40 miles of hiking trails, visitors can explore forests, bogs, and ridges, and enjoy the chance to encounter moose and wolves in their natural habitats.
So which park is right for you? Read on to find out!
Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Glacier National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer unique hiking experiences, but they have different terrains and landscapes.
At Glacier National Park, the hikes range from easy to strenuous, with over 700 miles of trails. Some of the easiest hikes include the Hidden Lake Overlook and the Trail of the Cedars. Both are relatively flat and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. On the other hand, some of the hardest hikes include the Highline Trail and the Grinnell Glacier Trail, both of which are steep and challenging.
Isle Royale National Park, on the other hand, has a more rugged terrain and fewer trails. The trails at Isle Royale are mostly used for backpacking and can be difficult due to the rocky and uneven terrain. Some of the easiest hikes include the Minong Ridge Trail and the Tobin Harbor Trail, both of which offer beautiful views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. The hardest hike at Isle Royale is the Greenstone Ridge Trail, a 45-mile journey that takes several days to complete and requires a high level of physical fitness.
Overall, both parks offer unique and challenging hiking experiences, but Glacier National Park has a wider range of trails for all levels of hikers, while Isle Royale National Park is more suited for experienced hikers looking for a remote and rugged wilderness experience.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grinnell Glacier Trail | 18185.542 | 658.9776 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Avalanche Lake via the Trail of the Cedars | 9173.238 | 227.9904 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Iceberg Lake Trail | 14966.862 | 441.96 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Hidden Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 418.7952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Highline Trail – Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet | 23979.166 | 785.7744 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail | 4667.086 | 137.7696 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hidden Lake Overlook | 4506.152 | 176.784 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cracker Lake Trail | 19312.08 | 502.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Trail of the Cedars | 1287.472 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| The Garden Wall | 23657.298 | 1068.9336 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Isle Royale National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenstone Ridge Trail: Windigo to Tobin Harbor | 63568.93 | 1216.7616 | Hard | point to point | 4 |
| Rainbow Cove Trail | 2253.076 | 21.9456 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Malone Bay to Hatchett Lake | 37658.556 | 664.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
| Ishpeming Trail to Ishpeming Point | 23496.364 | 339.852 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
Wildlife in Glacier National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Glacier National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two of the most beautiful parks in the United States. Although they are both located in the northern part of the country, they are very different in terms of their wildlife.
Glacier National Park is home to a wide variety of animals, including grizzly bears, black bears, elk, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and wolves. Visitors to the park may also see a variety of birds, including bald eagles, ospreys, and peregrine falcons. There are also many different species of plants in Glacier National Park, including wildflowers, shrubs, and trees.
Isle Royale National Park is a remote island in Lake Superior and is home to a unique ecosystem. It is known for its population of wolves and moose, which have been studied for many years by scientists. The park is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including foxes, beavers, and otters. Visitors to the park may also see a variety of birds, including ducks, geese, and loons. The island is surrounded by the largest freshwater lake in the world, and the waters around the island are rich in fish, including lake trout and salmon.
Overall, both Glacier National Park and Isle Royale National Park are incredible places to see wildlife. Whether you’re interested in observing large mammals like bears and moose, or you’re more interested in birds and plants, these parks have something to offer for everyone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier National Park and Isle Royale National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier National Park | Isle Royale 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 | 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 |
Mammals
| Glacier National Park | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Striped Skunk |
| Striped Skunk | Little Brown Bat |
| Little Brown Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Deer Mouse | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Raccoon | Hoary Bat |
| Black Bear | Red Fox |
| Porcupine | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Mink |
| Hoary Bat | Gray Wolf |
| Red Fox | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Snowshoe Hare |
| Mountain Lion | North American River Otter |
| Mink | Canada Lynx |
| Mule Deer | Marten |
| Gray Wolf | Moose |
| Long-Legged Bat | Red Bat |
| Long-Eared Bat | Norway Rat |
| Badger | Southern Red-Backed Vole |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Northern Long-Eared Bat |
| California Myotis | |
| Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Glacier National Park | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brook Trout | Coaster Brook Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Longnose Sucker |
| Lake Trout | Harvey Lake Fathead Minnow |
| Northern Pike | Golden Shiner |
| Burbot | Lake Trout |
| Mottled Sculpin | Northern Pike |
| Slimy Sculpin | Ellpout |
| Longnose Dace | Coho Salmon |
| Sockeye Salmon | Chinook Salmon |
| Arctic Grayling | Mottled Sculpin |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Creek Chub |
Reptiles
| Glacier National Park | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Amphibians
| Glacier National Park | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Glacier National Park is located in Montana, USA and is known for its stunning landscapes, including the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, which winds through the heart of the park and offers breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains, and forests. One of the most famous landscapes in Glacier National Park is the Grinnell Glacier, which is a popular hiking destination for visitors who want to get up close and personal with the park’s stunning glaciers.
Isle Royale National Park, located in Michigan, USA, is a remote wilderness area that is known for its incredible natural beauty and diverse landscapes. The park is home to a variety of landscapes including dense forests, rugged coastlines, and crystal-clear lakes. Isle Royale is also home to several popular hiking trails, including the Minong Ridge Trail, which offers panoramic views of the park’s stunning landscapes. Another famous landmark in Isle Royale is the Tobin Harbor, which is a popular destination for kayaking and canoeing, and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, and Isle Royale National Park, located in Michigan, both offer a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. In Glacier National Park, popular activities include scenic drives and boat tours along the stunning glacial lakes, as well as wildlife viewing, fishing, and horseback riding. Additionally, the park offers a variety of ranger-led programs, such as guided hikes, campfire talks, and educational programs for families.
Isle Royale National Park, on the other hand, is known for its remote wilderness and opportunities for backpacking and camping. The park is only accessible by boat or seaplane, making it a popular destination for backpackers and wilderness enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, as well as ranger-led programs and educational opportunities.
Both Glacier and Isle Royale offer opportunities to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Glacier is more easily accessible, making it ideal for families and those who prefer to enjoy the outdoors in a more developed setting. Isle Royale, on the other hand, is a true wilderness experience, offering a remote and serene environment for those seeking a more rugged and challenging adventure.
Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Glacier National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two popular destinations for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Each park offers unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes, but the weather can play a big role in determining the best time to visit.
Glacier National Park is located in Montana and experiences a Continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 80°F, making it the perfect time for hiking and exploring the park’s many trails. Winter temperatures, on the other hand, can drop below 0°F, making it a challenging time to visit. Despite the cold, winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities.
Isle Royale National Park, located in Lake Superior, experiences a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. The average summer temperature is around 50°F, making it perfect for kayaking and fishing. Winter temperatures can reach below 0°F and the park is covered in snow, making it a popular destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
In conclusion, both Glacier National Park and Isle Royale National Park offer unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes. The seasonal weather can play a big role in determining the best time to visit, but there are still plenty of activities to enjoy throughout the year, regardless of the weather.
Family Friendliness of Glacier National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Glacier National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two popular destinations for families looking for outdoor adventures. Both parks offer unique experiences and stunning natural beauty, but when it comes to traveling with children, one park may be a better fit than the other.
Glacier National Park is known for its diverse landscape, including glaciers, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. There are plenty of family-friendly activities available, such as hiking, fishing, and boating. Visitors can also take scenic drives through the park to take in the stunning views. With a variety of options and accessibility, Glacier National Park is a great choice for families.
In contrast, Isle Royale National Park is a remote wilderness island in Lake Superior. Access to the park is only possible by boat or seaplane, and there are limited facilities and services available. While the park offers a unique and serene experience, it may not be the best choice for families with young children or those looking for a more developed park.
In conclusion, both Glacier National Park and Isle Royale National Park offer unique experiences for families, but if you’re traveling with children, Glacier National Park may be the better choice. With its variety of activities and accessibility, families can enjoy a fun and memorable vacation in the great outdoors.