If you’re looking for a vacation spot that combines natural beauty with geological wonder, look no further than Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve. These two parks offer a unique look at the forces of nature, as well as a chance to explore some of the most remote and pristine wilderness in the world.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is home to Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in geology and natural history. Meanwhile, Katmai National Park & Preserve is famous for its extensive network of remote wilderness, as well as its stunning views of the Brooks River and the surrounding landscape.
Whether you’re looking for an adventure-filled vacation or simply a chance to relax and soak up the beauty of nature, these two parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags, grab your hiking shoes, and get ready to explore the wonders of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve!
Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is home to a variety of hiking trails that offer different experiences for visitors. The park features several easy trails, including the Kilauea Iki Trail and the Crater Rim Trail, which provide stunning views of the volcano and its surroundings. The Kilauea Iki Trail is a 4-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through a volcanic crater and past steam vents and sulfur banks. The Crater Rim Trail is a 11-mile loop trail that offers views of Kilauea Caldera and Halema’uma’u Crater.
On the other hand, Katmai National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its rugged and challenging hikes. The park features several of the hardest hikes in the country, including the Brooks Falls Trail and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. The Brooks Falls Trail is a challenging 4-mile hike that takes visitors to Brooks Falls to view salmon jumping and bears fishing. The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes is a 6-mile hike through a volcanic valley filled with steam vents and ash-filled craters. Both of these hikes are strenuous and require a high level of physical fitness, but offer unique experiences and stunning views of the park’s volcanic landscape.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kilauea Iki Trail and Crater Rim Trail | 4828.02 | 209.7024 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Kalapana Lava Viewing | 15288.73 | 196.9008 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pu’u Huluhulu via Napau Crater Trail | 4023.35 | 94.7928 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Halema���uma���u Steam Bluff and Sulfur Banks | 2092.142 | 24.9936 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Puu Loa Petroglyphs Trail | 1931.208 | 25.908 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Mauna Loa via Observatory Trail and Summit Trail | 20760.486 | 905.8656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Devastation Trail to Puu Puai Overlook | 1609.34 | 37.7952 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| End of Chain of Craters Road Trail to Lava Viewing | 16576.202 | 130.7592 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Sandalwood (Iliahi) Trail | 1931.208 | 13.716 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Halema’uma’u Trail | 2735.878 | 130.7592 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
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 Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two iconic National Parks in the United States, each with its own unique wildlife. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is known for its active volcanoes and diverse landscapes. Visitors to this park can see a variety of wildlife, including endemic Hawaiian species like the Nene (Hawaiian Goose) and the Hawaiian Hoary Bat. The park is also home to many rare and endangered species, such as the Hawaiian Hawk and the Hawaiian Petrel.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is famous for its large population of brown bears. Visitors to this park can observe these magnificent animals as they fish for salmon in the Brooks River. In addition to brown bears, visitors may also see a variety of other wildlife, including moose, caribou, and foxes. The park is also home to a large number of bird species, including bald eagles, gulls, and cormorants.
Both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve offer unique wildlife experiences to visitors. Whether you are interested in observing active volcanoes and endemic species in Hawai’i or watching brown bears fish in Alaska, both parks are a must-visit for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Canada Goose | Northern Harrier |
| Great Blue Heron | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Rock Pigeon | Osprey |
| House Sparrow | Tree Swallow |
| Northern Mockingbird | Mallard |
| Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Canada Goose |
| Wild Turkey | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Barn Owl | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| Cattle Egret | American Robin |
| Sanderling | Great Horned Owl |
| Ring-Necked Pheasant | Northern Flicker |
| Chukar | Merlin |
| Ruddy Turnstone | Barn Swallow |
| Northern Cardinal | Savannah Sparrow |
| California Quail | Hermit Thrush |
| American Kestrel | |
| Bald Eagle | |
| Song Sparrow | |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal | |
| American Pipit | |
| Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| House Mouse | Coyote |
| Norway Rat | American Beaver |
| ‘Iole | Muskrat |
| Domestic Cattle | Little Brown Bat |
| Feral Hog | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | |
| Red Fox | |
| Mink | |
| Gray Wolf | |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | |
| Varying Hare | |
| Northern River Otter | |
| Masked Shrew | |
| Red Squirrel | |
| Montane Shrew | |
| Lynx | |
| Wolverine | |
| American Marten | |
| Grizzly Bear | |
| Meadow Vole | |
| Moose | |
| Least Weasel | |
| Pygmy Shrew | |
| Meadow Jumping Mouse | |
| Northern Bog Lemming |
Amphibians
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Wood Frog |
Insects
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Fish
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Beautiful Landscapes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two of the most famous national parks in the United States. Both parks are known for their stunning natural landscapes and offer visitors a chance to witness the power and majesty of nature.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is best known for its active volcanoes, including Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Visitors to the park can hike through lush rainforests, witness steam vents and lava flows, and explore the unique landscapes created by volcanic activity.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is famous for its incredible brown bear population and the stunning Brooks Falls. Visitors can observe the bears as they fish for salmon in the Brooks River and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding Alaskan wilderness. The park also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, and hiking.
Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the United States, and both are must-see destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to witness the power of active volcanoes or the majesty of Alaska’s bears, these parks are sure to leave you in awe.
Things To-Do and Activities in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a popular destination for visitors who love to explore the great outdoors and witness the power of active volcanoes. The park is home to Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the most active volcanoes in the world. Visitors can take guided hikes to see steam vents, craters, and even active lava flows. One of the most popular activities at the park is the volcano boat tour, which takes visitors out to see lava entering the ocean and creating new land.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is home to over 2,000 brown bears, which can often be seen fishing in Brooks River or feeding on the abundant salmon runs. Visitors can take guided bear viewing tours by boat or by foot, or they can observe the bears from a viewing platform at Brooks Camp. The park also offers opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and backcountry camping, making it a popular destination for adventure seekers.
Both parks offer unique experiences and are popular destinations for different reasons. Whether you are looking to witness the power of active volcanoes or get up close and personal with Alaska’s brown bears, these parks are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Best Time to Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two unique and beautiful National Parks located in different parts of the United States. Both parks offer spectacular natural views and diverse ecosystems, but their seasonal weather patterns differ greatly.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and experiences a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The park is driest from April to October and receives the majority of its rainfall during the winter months. This makes it a great place to visit during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the views are clear. However, the park is also known for its frequent volcanic activity, so visitors should be prepared for potential ash and gas emissions that can impact visibility and air quality.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and experiences a subarctic climate with temperatures ranging from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The park is known for its abundant wildlife, including brown bears, salmon, and eagles, and is best visited during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the animals are most active. However, visitors should be prepared for potential rain and fog, which can impact visibility and access to certain areas of the park.
Family Friendliness of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, and both are great destinations for families. However, each park offers a different experience, so it’s important to consider what you’re looking for before you visit.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a great choice for families with children because it offers a wide range of age-appropriate activities that are both interactive and educational. Here, kids can explore the park’s many trails, observe the unique and diverse flora and fauna, and learn about the geological history of the Hawaiian Islands. The park also offers ranger-led programs that are specifically designed for families, and kids can even earn a junior ranger badge by participating in park activities.
On the other hand, Katmai National Park & Preserve is a more rugged and remote destination, which can be a great option for families looking for an adventure. Here, visitors can watch Alaska’s famous brown bears as they fish for salmon in the Brooks River, and explore the park’s many scenic backcountry trails. However, because of its remote location, visitors should be prepared for a more rugged experience, and may need to bring additional supplies and gear.
In conclusion, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve offer unique and family-friendly experiences, but they cater to different types of families. If you’re traveling with children, the more developed and interactive experience offered by Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park may be the better choice, while Katmai National Park & Preserve is better suited to families looking for a more rugged and adventurous experience.