Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park vs Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

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Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park vs Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two of the most unique and breathtaking national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors the chance to experience the untamed wilderness of America and the natural beauty of the great outdoors. But which park is right for you? It all depends on what you’re looking for in a national park experience.

Do you dream of hiking through lush, tropical rainforests and seeing active volcanic eruptions up close? Then Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park might just be the place for you. This park offers visitors the chance to explore volcanic landscapes and see the powerful forces of nature at work. From bubbling lava lakes to towering volcanic peaks, this park is a true geological wonder.

Or maybe you’re more of an adventurer, seeking out remote wilderness areas and the chance to catch a glimpse of the Alaskan wilderness. If this sounds like you, then Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is the place for you. This park offers visitors the chance to explore pristine wilderness areas, fish for wild salmon, and spot wildlife like brown bears and moose. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or just looking for a new adventure, Lake Clark has something for everyone.

Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two of Alaska’s and Hawaii’s most popular national parks, known for their stunning natural beauty and diverse hiking opportunities. When it comes to hiking trails, both parks offer a range of options from easy to challenging.

At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, visitors can experience the park’s volcanic landscapes on hikes like the Kilauea Iki Trail, a 4-mile round trip hike through a crater created by a volcanic eruption. Another popular hike is the Crater Rim Trail, a 11-mile loop that offers panoramic views of the park’s landscapes.

In contrast, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is known for its challenging hikes, including the Twin Lakes Trail, a 12-mile round trip hike that takes you through alpine tundra and offers views of the park’s glaciers and mountains. Another challenging hike is the Tanalian Falls Trail, a 8-mile round trip hike that takes you through dense forests and past waterfalls.

For those seeking an easier hike, both parks offer options. At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, the Rainforest Trail is a 1.2-mile round trip hike through a lush tropical rainforest, while at Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, the Chinitna Bay Trail is a 2.5-mile round trip hike that takes you through the park’s tundra and offers views of the park’s wildlife.

In conclusion, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer a range of hiking trails for visitors of all levels, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry hikes. Whether you’re looking for stunning views of glaciers and mountains or lush tropical rainforests, both parks have something to offer.

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 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 Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two unique and valuable national parks in the United States. Both parks are known for their rich wildlife, but each has its own distinct array of species.

At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of endemic and exotic birds, including the Hawaiian Goose, the Hawaiian Honeycreeper, and the Hawaiian Hawk. There are also many different species of plants and animals that are unique to the Hawaiian Islands, such as the nēnē (Hawaiian Goose), ʻōhiʻa lehua (Hawaiian tree), and the Hawaiian hoary bat.

In contrast, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is known for its abundant brown bear population and its diverse birdlife, including the bald eagle, the northern harrier, and the common loon. In addition to these birds, visitors can also see a variety of fish, such as salmon and whitefish, as well as moose, caribou, and wolves.

Both parks are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, but each offers its own unique experience for visitors. Whether you’re interested in seeing rare and exotic species, or observing the natural beauty of the Alaskan wilderness, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are must-visit destinations for any nature lover.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Lake Clark 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 Red-Tailed Hawk
Chukar Northern Flicker
Ruddy Turnstone Merlin
Northern Cardinal Barn Swallow
California Quail Savannah Sparrow
Great Blue Heron
Hermit Thrush
American Kestrel
Bald Eagle
Song Sparrow
Northern Pintail
American Wigeon
Green-Winged Teal
American Pipit

Mammals

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Lake Clark 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
Snowshoe Hare
Northern River Otter
Masked Shrew
Water Shrew
Red Squirrel
Montane Shrew
Lynx
Wolverine
American Marten
Brown Bear
Meadow Vole
Moose
Least Weasel
Pygmy Shrew
Meadow Jumping Mouse

Amphibians

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Bullfrog Wood Frog

Insects

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Painted Lady
Monarch Butterfly
American Painted Lady
Red Admiral
Cabbage White
Honey Bee

Fish

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Steelhead
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 Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is known for its active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, which offer visitors unique landscapes and geothermal wonders. The park is home to a vast wilderness of volcanic craters, steam vents, and lava tubes. The park’s famous landscapes include the Kīlauea Iki Crater and Thurston Lava Tube, which showcase the raw power of volcanic activity. Visitors can also witness the creation of new land as molten lava pours into the ocean, a truly awe-inspiring sight.

Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is a rugged wilderness located in Alaska. It’s famous for its stunning beauty and diverse landscapes that include glaciers, tundra, and high peaks. The park is home to the stunning Lake Clark, a crystal clear lake surrounded by towering mountains, glaciers, and wildlife. Visitors can explore the park’s stunning landscapes by hiking, kayaking, or fishing. The park also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, such as the chance to see brown bears fishing for salmon in the Brooks River or bald eagles soaring overhead.

Things To-Do and Activities in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are both unique and popular national parks in the United States. While both offer a chance to experience the beauty of nature, the activities available at each park vary greatly.

At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, visitors can witness the power of volcanic activity with opportunities to see Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes. The park offers a variety of scenic drives, including the Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road, where visitors can see the results of past eruptions. The park also has several trails that lead to steam vents, lava tubes, and volcanic craters.

Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is a wilderness paradise, offering visitors the chance to experience Alaska’s rugged and remote landscapes. Popular activities include bear viewing, fishing, boating, and kayaking. The park is also known for its stunning glaciers and offers visitors the chance to see glaciers up close and personal. Visitors can also enjoy scenic flights over the park’s glaciers and mountains, providing a unique and breathtaking perspective.

When visiting these two parks, it is clear that visitors will have vastly different experiences. Whether it’s exploring the power of active volcanoes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park or experiencing the rugged wilderness of Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, both parks offer something special and unique for visitors to enjoy.

Best Time to Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two unique national parks with different seasonal weather patterns. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii, and its weather is warm and consistently humid year-round. The average temperature is around 70°F, with occasional rainfall and occasional high humidity. The rainy season runs from November to March, but the park remains open year-round.

Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and experiences a wider range of temperatures and precipitation. Summer temperatures average in the mid-50s to low 60s°F, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing. The park also experiences heavy rainfall and snow, especially in the winter months. Summer is the best time to visit Lake Clark National Park, as the weather is mild and the wildlife is more active.

The seasonal weather patterns at both parks play a significant role in determining the best time to visit. At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, the warm and humid climate makes it a great destination for visitors all year round, with the rainy season offering a unique opportunity to experience the park’s lush vegetation. In contrast, visitors to Lake Clark National Park should plan their trip for the summer months to take advantage of the mild weather and increased wildlife activity.

Family Friendliness of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer different experiences for families traveling with children.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a popular destination for families with children due to its diverse landscapes and educational opportunities. The park offers several ranger-led programs, including hikes and talks, that allow families to learn about the park’s unique volcanic features. Additionally, the park has several picnic areas and scenic drives that offer families the opportunity to relax and enjoy the beauty of the park.

On the other hand, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is known for its remote wilderness and opportunities for outdoor recreation. While it may be less accessible to families with young children, it is a great option for families with older children who are interested in more adventurous activities, such as fishing, kayaking, and backpacking. The park has several scenic trails that offer breathtaking views and the opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.

In conclusion, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve have much to offer families. However, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park may be a better option for families with young children who are looking for educational opportunities and more accessible recreation. Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is a great option for families with older children who are interested in more adventurous activities.

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