Glacier National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two of the most stunning natural wonders in the United States. These parks are known for their breathtaking beauty and unique landscapes, making them popular destinations for adventurers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With a bounty of outdoor activities, from hiking to fishing, and an abundance of wildlife and stunning vistas, it’s no wonder these parks are on the bucket list of many travelers.
But which one of these parks is truly the best? In this article, we’ll compare Glacier National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, taking a closer look at what each has to offer. From the stunning glaciers of Glacier National Park to the rugged wilderness of Lake Clark, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of each park to help you decide which one is right for you. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a first-time visitor to these parks, this article is sure to inspire you to explore the natural beauty of the United States.
Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Glacier National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. While both parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities and scenic beauty, the hiking trails are where these parks really shine.
At Glacier National Park, visitors will find over 700 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging backcountry treks. One of the most popular hikes is the Highline Trail, a 11.6-mile trek along a narrow ridge with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. On the other hand, the Grinnell Glacier Trail is a 7.6-mile hike that leads to the park’s largest glacier, offering a strenuous but rewarding experience.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, offers a more remote wilderness experience for those seeking a challenge. The park’s trails range from easy day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips. One of the most popular hikes is the Tanalian Falls Trail, a 2.5-mile hike to a stunning waterfall that cascades into the lake. For those seeking a more demanding adventure, the Pioneer Ridge Trail is a 19-mile backpacking trip that takes you to the summit of Pioneer Ridge with breathtaking views of the park’s rugged wilderness.
Both Glacier National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer a range of hiking options to suit all levels of fitness and experience. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll or a demanding backcountry adventure, these parks are sure to provide a memorable outdoor 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 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 National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Glacier National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve both offer wildlife viewing opportunities for visitors. At Glacier National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of mammals including grizzly bears, black bears, moose, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. The park is also home to over 270 species of birds, including the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and the common loon. Visitors may also see a variety of wildflowers and alpine plants, such as the glacier lily, mountain heather, and western pasque flower.
In contrast, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is known for its diverse wildlife and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Visitors can expect to see brown bears, moose, caribou, and wolves, as well as a variety of bird species such as the bald eagle, the northern hawk owl, and the willow ptarmigan. The park is also home to a variety of fish species, including salmon and arctic char, and a diverse range of plant life, including wildflowers, tundra plants, and deciduous and coniferous forests.
Overall, both Glacier National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer unique and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities, from majestic mammals to a variety of bird species. Whether you’re looking to see grizzly bears in their natural habitat or witness the migration of salmon, both parks offer a chance to see wildlife in their natural environment.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Glacier National Park | 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 National Park | Lake Clark 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 | Snowshoe Hare |
Silver-Haired Bat | Northern River Otter |
Hoary Bat | Masked Shrew |
Red Fox | Water Shrew |
Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Squirrel |
Mountain Lion | Montane Shrew |
Mink | Lynx |
Mule Deer | Wolverine |
Gray Wolf | American Marten |
Long-Legged Bat | Brown Bear |
Long-Eared Bat | Meadow Vole |
Badger | Moose |
Short-Tailed Weasel | Least Weasel |
California Myotis | Pygmy Shrew |
Snowshoe Hare | Meadow Jumping Mouse |
Fish
Glacier National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Rainbow Trout | Steelhead |
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 | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
Common Garter Snake | |
Rubber Boa |
Amphibians
Glacier National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Glacier National Park is located in Montana and is known for its stunning mountain ranges, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife. Its iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road offers breathtaking views of the park’s rugged terrain, including glaciers and snow-capped peaks. Visitors can also explore the park’s numerous trails and go backpacking, fishing, and boating.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and boasts a diverse landscape of glaciers, mountains, and beaches that are home to a variety of wildlife. The park’s most famous feature is the stunning Lake Clark, which is surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers. Visitors can explore the park’s many backcountry trails, go fishing, or take a scenic flightseeing tour to see the park from above.
Both parks offer breathtaking natural wonders that are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors. Whether you prefer to explore the rugged terrain of Glacier National Park or the diverse landscapes of Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, these two parks are must-visit destinations for anyone looking to experience the beauty of the great outdoors.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Glacier National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two of the most beautiful and popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. While both parks offer stunning natural beauty, they also offer different experiences and activities for visitors to enjoy.
Glacier National Park is known for its stunning alpine scenery and opportunities for backcountry exploration. Visitors can embark on challenging hikes, go fishing, kayaking, and boating on the park’s many glistening lakes, or explore the park by horseback. In addition, the park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and mountain goats, providing ample opportunities for wildlife viewing.
On the other hand, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is known for its rugged landscapes, glaciers, and pristine lakes. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and kayaking, as well as scenic flights over the park’s stunning glaciers. The park is also popular for bear viewing, with opportunities to observe both brown and black bears in their natural habitats. Visitors can also enjoy guided hikes and backcountry camping, allowing for a true wilderness experience.
In conclusion, both Glacier National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer unique and unforgettable experiences for visitors. Whether you’re looking for backcountry adventure, wildlife viewing, or simply taking in the stunning natural beauty, these parks have something to offer for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Glacier National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are both stunning natural destinations, but their seasonal weather patterns differ dramatically. Glacier National Park, located in Montana, is known for its long, cold winters and short, warm summers. During the winter months, temperatures can drop below zero, and snow can accumulate to over ten feet in some areas. This makes winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing popular, but it can also make some areas of the park inaccessible.
In contrast, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve in Alaska experiences much milder weather conditions. Summer temperatures average in the mid-50s to 60s, with occasional rain and fog. Winter temperatures are also relatively mild, hovering around freezing, with snowfall being less frequent than in Glacier National Park. This makes Lake Clark National Park & Preserve a popular destination for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and camping year-round.
Therefore, the best time to visit Glacier National Park is during the summer months, when the roads are clear, the weather is warm, and the park is accessible. On the other hand, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is a great destination any time of year, with its mild weather and year-round accessibility. Whether you’re looking for a winter adventure or a summer getaway, both Glacier National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are worth considering for your next national park trip.
Family Friendliness of Glacier National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Glacier National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two popular destinations for families with children. Both parks offer scenic beauty and outdoor activities, but each has its own unique qualities that make it ideal for families.
Glacier National Park is known for its stunning glaciers, alpine meadows, and abundant wildlife. The park has a variety of family-friendly activities, such as hiking, fishing, and boating. Its scenic drives, such as the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, offer breathtaking views that are sure to delight kids and adults alike.
Meanwhile, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is a more remote and rugged destination that is perfect for families looking for adventure. The park is known for its pristine lakes, glaciers, and abundant wildlife, including brown bears. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, fishing, and backpacking, and the park’s remote location makes it an ideal destination for families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
In conclusion, while both Glacier National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer family-friendly activities and breathtaking scenery, Glacier National Park is better suited for families with younger children who may not be ready for the more rugged terrain and remote location of Lake Clark. On the other hand, Lake Clark is perfect for families seeking adventure and a more remote wilderness experience.