Welcome to the great outdoors, where Mother Nature reigns supreme and adventure awaits at every turn! If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world, then you’re in luck. Today, we’re comparing two of America’s most breathtaking national parks: Isle Royale National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve.
Both of these parks offer unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes, but which one is right for you? If you’re a fan of remote wilderness and rugged landscapes, then Isle Royale National Park is the perfect destination for you. This remote island in the middle of Lake Superior offers visitors the chance to explore the rugged beauty of the northern wilderness.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a park with a little bit of everything, then Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is the place for you. With glaciers, snow capped mountains, and rolling tundra, this park is a true feast for the eyes. But that’s not all, it’s also home to an abundance of wildlife, including caribou, Dall sheep, and grizzly bears. So buckle up and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as we compare Isle Royale National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve!
Hiking Trails in Isle Royale National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Isle Royale National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most beautiful parks in the US, but they both offer different experiences when it comes to hiking.
Isle Royale is an island located in Lake Superior, and it is renowned for its scenic hiking trails. Hikes range from easy walks along the shoreline to challenging backcountry treks. One of the easiest hikes is the Minong Ridge Trail, which is a 2.6-mile hike that offers stunning views of the island and Lake Superior. The hardest hike is the Greenstone Ridge Trail, which is a 40-mile hike that takes several days to complete and requires backcountry camping.
Wrangell – St Elias, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is known for its rugged terrain and stunning glaciers. Hikes in this park range from easy walks along river valleys to challenging climbs up mountains and glaciers. One of the easiest hikes is the Root Glacier Trail, which is a 2.5-mile hike that leads to the stunning Root Glacier. The hardest hike is the Mount Bona Climb, which is a strenuous 14-mile hike that takes several days to complete and requires technical climbing skills.
Both Isle Royale and Wrangell – St Elias offer a range of hiking experiences, from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, these parks have something to offer for everyone.
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 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rankin Ridge Interpretive Trail | 1609.34 | 72.8472 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wind Cave Canyon Trail | 6115.492 | 64.9224 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Lookout Point Trail and Centennial Trail Loop | 8368.568 | 156.972 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Cold Brook Canyon Trail | 4506.152 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| East Bison Flats Trail | 16254.334 | 445.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boland Ridge Trail | 7724.832 | 248.7168 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Centennial Trail: Highway 87 to Highlander Rd | 13035.654 | 286.8168 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| Elk Mountain Interpretive Trail | 4023.35 | 99.9744 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Prairie Vista Loop | 1609.34 | 31.6992 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Highland Creek Trail to Centennial Trail Loop | 21887.024 | 443.7888 | Hard | loop | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Isle Royale National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Isle Royale National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the largest parks in the United States, offering visitors a chance to explore diverse and unique ecosystems. Wildlife is a major draw for visitors to both parks, but the species you’ll see will vary depending on the location.
At Isle Royale, visitors can expect to see moose, wolves, foxes, and beavers. The park is also home to a variety of bird species including the common loon and the bald eagle. There are also many small mammals like otter and marten, as well as a number of fish species in the lakes and streams. In contrast, Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is home to a wider range of wildlife, including caribou, grizzly and black bears, Dall sheep, and moose. Visitors may also see wolves, coyotes, and wolverines. The park is home to many bird species, including eagles, owls, and hawks. Additionally, there are many species of fish, including salmon, in the rivers and streams.
Both parks offer visitors a chance to see unique wildlife and experience the beauty of the natural world. Whether you’re interested in observing large mammals or bird watching, both Isle Royale and Wrangell – St Elias have something to offer.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Isle Royale National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Isle Royale National Park | Wrangell – St Elias 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 | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Isle Royale National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Striped Skunk | Black Bear |
| Little Brown Bat | Porcupine |
| Deer Mouse | Red Fox |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Puma |
| Hoary Bat | Mink |
| Red Fox | Mule Deer |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Wolf |
| Mink | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Gray Wolf | Snowshoe Hare |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Land Otter |
| Snowshoe Hare | Common Shrew |
| North American River Otter | Water Shrew |
| Canada Lynx | Red Squirrel |
| Marten | Montane Shrew |
| Moose | Long-Tailed Vole |
| Red Bat | Lynx |
| Norway Rat | Wolverine |
| Southern Red-Backed Vole | American Marten |
| Northern Long-Eared Bat | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Grizzly Bear | |
| Meadow Vole |
Fish
| Isle Royale National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Steelhead |
| Coaster Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brown Trout | Lake Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Northern Pike |
| Harvey Lake Fathead Minnow | Burbot |
| Golden Shiner | Silver Salmon |
| Lake Trout | King Salmon |
| Northern Pike | Slimy Sculpin |
| Ellpout | Threespine Stickleback |
| Coho Salmon | Sockeye Salmon |
| Chinook Salmon | Pink Salmon |
| Mottled Sculpin | Chum Salmon |
| Slimy Sculpin | Dolly Varden |
| Longnose Dace | Cutthroat Trout |
| Black Crappie | Arctic Grayling |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Creek Chub |
Amphibians
| Isle Royale National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Isle Royale National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Silvery Blue | |
| Clouded Sulphur |
Beautiful Landscapes in Isle Royale National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Isle Royale National Park is located in Lake Superior, Michigan and is known for its rugged wilderness and diverse wildlife. The park boasts a unique ecosystem, with moose and wolves being the most famous inhabitants. Visitors can hike the park’s trails to see beautiful overlooks and pristine lakes, or take a boat tour to see the park’s numerous islands and hidden coves.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is the largest national park in the United States. The park is known for its towering mountain ranges, glaciers, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can hike the park’s trails to see glaciers and alpine lakes, or take a scenic flight to see the stunning views of the park from above. The park is also home to the Root Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in North America.
Both parks offer unique landscapes and natural wonders that are sure to take your breath away. Whether you want to explore the rugged wilderness of Isle Royale or the towering mountain ranges of Wrangell-St. Elias, both parks are a must-visit for nature lovers. Whether you want to hike, boat, or fly, these parks offer something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience the beauty and grandeur of these two amazing national parks.
Things To-Do and Activities in Isle Royale National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Isle Royale National Park is located in northern Lake Superior and is known for its peaceful wilderness and excellent opportunities for backpacking and camping. Visitors come to Isle Royale to escape civilization and enjoy the serenity of the island’s rugged landscapes. In addition to camping, visitors can also go kayaking, fishing and wildlife watching. The island is home to many species of animals, including moose, wolves, and beavers.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is known for its incredible diversity of landscapes, including glaciers, valleys, and mountains. Visitors come to Wrangell-St. Elias for a wide range of activities, including hiking, fishing, whitewater rafting, and flight-seeing. The park is also home to several historic sites, such as the Kennicott Mine, which provides a unique opportunity to learn about the history of the area. Additionally, the park is a popular destination for backcountry skiing and snowboarding.
Both parks provide unique experiences for visitors and offer a range of activities that cater to different interests. Whether it’s exploring the rugged wilderness of Isle Royale or experiencing the incredible diversity of landscapes in Wrangell-St. Elias, these parks are sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
Best Time to Visit Isle Royale National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Isle Royale National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, both located in the United States, offer visitors unique and diverse natural experiences. However, the weather at each park is drastically different, affecting the best time to visit.
Isle Royale, located in the middle of Lake Superior, experiences harsh weather conditions including cold temperatures, snow, and precipitation throughout the year. Summer is the most popular time to visit the island, with milder temperatures and less precipitation. Winter is the least popular time to visit, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing and snow accumulation.
Wrangell – St Elias, on the other hand, is located in southern Alaska and experiences a subarctic climate with mild summers and harsh winters. Summer is the best time to visit, with temperatures ranging from 40-60°F and minimal precipitation. Winter is the least popular time to visit, with temperatures dropping below freezing and heavy snow accumulation, making it difficult to access many of the park’s features.
In conclusion, each park offers unique weather experiences and the best time to visit depends on your preferred weather conditions and accessibility to park features. Isle Royale is best visited during the summer, while Wrangell – St Elias is best visited in the summer or early fall.
Family Friendliness of Isle Royale National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Isle Royale National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are two unique and beautiful parks that offer different experiences for families traveling with children. Isle Royale National Park is a remote island located in Lake Superior and is accessible only by boat or seaplane. It is an ideal destination for families who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, kayaking, and fishing. It offers a peaceful and serene environment for families to explore and connect with nature.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is known for its vast wilderness, glaciers, and wildlife. It is a great destination for families who are looking for a more adventurous experience. This park offers opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also take a guided tour or go on a backcountry trip to experience the park’s rugged beauty. However, the park’s remote location and challenging terrain may not be suitable for very young children or families with mobility issues.
In conclusion, both parks are family-friendly but offer different experiences. Isle Royale National Park is ideal for families who enjoy peace and quiet, while Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is better suited for families looking for an adventurous experience. When deciding which park to visit, it is important to consider the age and interests of your children, as well as your family’s mobility and comfort level.