Glacier National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two of the most stunning and unique national parks in the United States. Both offer a diverse range of landscapes, from the rugged peaks of Glacier to the volcanic vistas of Katmai. But with so much to see and do at each park, it can be tough to choose which one to visit. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive comparison of Glacier and Katmai, highlighting the best of what they have to offer.
Glacier National Park is often referred to as the “Crown of the Continent,” and it’s easy to see why. With its stunning glaciers, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes, Glacier is a nature lover’s paradise. Visitors can hike, camp, and explore the park’s vast wilderness areas, taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a natural wonderland in its own right. With its massive brown bears, active volcanoes, and pristine wilderness areas, Katmai offers a unique and unforgettable adventure. Visitors can observe the bears as they fish for salmon in the Brooks River, or take a helicopter tour of the park’s towering volcanoes.
Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Glacier National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two of the most beautiful natural parks in the US. Both offer incredible hiking trails, but they have different landscapes that set them apart.
Glacier National Park offers a wide variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the easiest trails include the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail, which offers stunning views of the park’s glaciers, and the Trail of the Cedars, which is a short, wheelchair-accessible trail. For more experienced hikers, the Highline Trail is a challenging hike that takes you along a narrow, rocky ridge with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its rugged wilderness and its many glaciers and active volcanoes. The park offers a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry excursions. Some of the easiest hikes include the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, which offers a unique view of the park’s volcanic activity, and the Brooks River Trail, which is a short, easy hike that takes you to the Brooks River Falls. For more experienced hikers, the Mount Katmai Trail is a strenuous hike that takes you to the top of the park’s active volcano.
Both Glacier National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve offer amazing hiking opportunities, but they each have their own unique landscapes and challenges. Whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a strenuous backcountry adventure, these two parks have something for everyone.
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 Katmai National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks Falls | 4667.086 | 63.7032 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dumpling Mountain | 4828.02 | 225.8568 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Glacier National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Glacier National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two unique and magnificent natural wonders in the US. While both are home to a diverse array of wildlife, they each have their own unique species. In Glacier National Park, visitors can see a variety of mammals such as the gray wolf, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and elk. Additionally, the park is also home to a variety of bird species including the bald eagle, osprey, and peregrine falcon. Furthermore, Glacier National Park is also home to many species of wildflowers, including the western anemone, lupine, and glacier lily.
Katmai National Park & Preserve on the other hand is known for its large population of brown bears and salmon. Visitors to the park can observe the bears fishing for salmon in the Brooks River or at Brooks Falls. Additionally, Katmai is also home to a variety of bird species, including the sandhill crane, common loon, and the bald eagle. The park also boasts a diverse collection of wildflowers, including the fireweed, lupine, and the wild rose.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier National Park | Katmai 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 | Northern Flicker |
| Northern Flicker | Merlin |
| Merlin | Barn Swallow |
| Barn Swallow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Hermit Thrush |
| Great Blue Heron | American Kestrel |
| Hermit Thrush | Bald Eagle |
| American Kestrel | Song Sparrow |
| Bald Eagle | European Starling |
| Song Sparrow | Northern Pintail |
| European Starling | American Wigeon |
| Northern Pintail | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Wigeon | American Pipit |
| Green-Winged Teal | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Glacier National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Black Bear |
| Striped Skunk | Porcupine |
| Little Brown Bat | Red Fox |
| Deer Mouse | Mink |
| Raccoon | Gray Wolf |
| Black Bear | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Porcupine | Varying Hare |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Northern River Otter |
| Hoary Bat | Masked Shrew |
| Red Fox | Red Squirrel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Montane Shrew |
| Mountain Lion | Lynx |
| Mink | Wolverine |
| Mule Deer | American Marten |
| Gray Wolf | Grizzly Bear |
| Long-Legged Bat | Meadow Vole |
| Long-Eared Bat | Moose |
| Badger | Least Weasel |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Pygmy Shrew |
| California Myotis | Meadow Jumping Mouse |
| Snowshoe Hare | Northern Bog Lemming |
Fish
| Glacier National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Longnose Sucker | Lake Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Northern Pike |
| Lake Trout | Burbot |
| Northern Pike | Silver Salmon |
| Burbot | King Salmon |
| Mottled Sculpin | Slimy Sculpin |
| Slimy Sculpin | Threespine Stickleback |
| Longnose Dace | Sockeye Salmon |
| Sockeye Salmon | Pink Salmon |
| Arctic Grayling | Chum Salmon |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Glacier National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Amphibians
| Glacier National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Glacier National Park is located in the state of Montana and is known for its stunning mountain ranges and glistening glaciers. Visitors can hike the park’s scenic trails, wander along the shore of one of its many alpine lakes, or take a scenic drive along the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. This road offers breathtaking views of the park’s rugged peaks and valleys, and is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Glacier National Park.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is famous for its volcanic landscapes and abundant wildlife. The park is home to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a unique landscape formed by the eruption of Novarupta in 1912. Visitors can also observe the famous Brooks River, where they can see brown bears fishing for salmon. The park’s glaciers and snow-capped mountains provide a stunning backdrop to these natural wonders. Whether you’re a nature lover, wildlife enthusiast, or just looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Katmai National Park & Preserve is a must-visit destination.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Glacier National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both parks offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, but there are some key differences between the two. Glacier National Park is known for its breathtaking scenery, including alpine meadows, glaciers, and rugged peaks. Visitors to Glacier National Park can enjoy scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and boating on the park’s many lakes.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its volcanic landscapes, including the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes and the Brooks River. Visitors to the park can enjoy bear watching, fishing, and exploring the park’s many trails. Both Glacier National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve offer unique experiences for visitors, with Glacier National Park offering breathtaking scenery and Katmai National Park & Preserve offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation.
Whether you’re looking for scenic drives, wildlife viewing, or outdoor recreation, both Glacier National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve have something to offer. If you’re interested in experiencing the natural beauty of the Alps, Glacier National Park is the perfect destination. If you’re looking for an adventure in the great outdoors, Katmai National Park & Preserve is the ideal destination.
Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Glacier National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two stunning natural wonders, each offering unique experiences for visitors. The seasonal weather at these parks, however, can greatly affect when is the best time to visit.
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, is known for its mild, yet unpredictable weather and has four distinct seasons. Summer months are the warmest, with temperatures ranging from 60-70°F. Winter months can be very cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping below freezing. Despite the cold, winter is a popular time for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making them a great time to visit for those looking for a more serene experience.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Summer temperatures range from 40-60°F, making it a popular time for fishing and bear viewing. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making it a difficult time to visit the park. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures, but with fewer amenities and services available.
When deciding when to visit either park, it is important to consider the types of activities you would like to participate in and the weather conditions that are best suited for those activities. Both parks offer unique experiences, but the best time to visit will depend on the individual’s preferences and the type of experience they are seeking.
Family Friendliness of Glacier National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Glacier National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two popular destinations for families looking to experience the beauty of nature. Both parks offer unique experiences and different activities, but which one is better for families traveling with children?
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. It’s a great place to camp and spend time with your family, surrounded by glaciers, lakes, and forests. Visitors can take a scenic drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers stunning views of the park’s natural beauty.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is a great place for families who love adventure. It’s home to the famous Brooks Falls, where visitors can watch brown bears catch salmon. The park also offers fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can also take a scenic flight to see the park’s glaciers and wildlife from the air.
In conclusion, both Glacier National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are great places for families to visit. However, if you’re traveling with children, Glacier National Park may be the better choice, as it offers a variety of family-friendly activities and a more accessible location. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more adventurous trip, Katmai National Park & Preserve may be the perfect destination.