Katmai National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two of Alaska’s most magnificent wild lands. Both offer breathtaking landscapes and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. From the iconic bear-viewing opportunities in Katmai to the rugged beauty of Lake Clark, these parks will leave you in awe. Whether you are a seasoned hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or just looking for a scenic escape, these parks have something to offer everyone.
As you explore the rugged coastlines, glistening glaciers, and dense forests, you’ll come face-to-face with some of the most incredible wildlife on the planet. From the majestic brown bears that roam the shores of Katmai to the wolves, moose, and other creatures that call Lake Clark home, these parks are teeming with life. With so much to see and do, it can be hard to choose between the two. That’s why we’ve put together this comparison guide to help you decide which park is the perfect fit for your next Alaskan adventure.
Hiking Trails in Katmai National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Katmai and Lake Clark National Parks & Preserves are two of Alaska’s most popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Both offer breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring. However, the hiking trails in these two parks are quite different in terms of difficulty and length.
At Katmai, the trails range from easy, short walks to strenuous, multi-day backpacking trips. The Brooks River Trail is one of the most popular, offering a relatively easy 2.5-mile hike along the Brooks River to observe the famous Brooks Falls and watch bears fish for salmon. On the other hand, the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes is a challenging hike that takes visitors through an otherworldly landscape of volcanic ash and steam vents.
In contrast, Lake Clark has a more limited selection of trails, but they are all quite strenuous, with elevation gains reaching several thousand feet. The Tanalian Falls Trail is one of the most popular, offering a challenging 8-mile hike to a remote waterfall surrounded by stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The nearby Twin Lakes Trail is another popular option, but it is even more difficult, requiring a strenuous 12-mile hike to reach the serene mountain lakes.
No matter which park you choose, both Katmai and Lake Clark offer a truly unique and unforgettable hiking experience in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for an easy stroll, these parks have something for everyone.
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 |
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 Katmai National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Katmai National Park and Preserve and Lake Clark National Park and Preserve are two beautiful Alaskan national parks that offer unique wildlife viewing experiences.
Katmai is known for its large population of brown bears, who come to the park to feed on the sockeye salmon that run up Brooks River. Visitors can observe the bears from a viewing platform or take guided tours to get even closer. The park is also home to moose, caribou, and a variety of bird species, including bald eagles and sandhill cranes.
Lake Clark is famous for its diverse wildlife, including brown bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. Visitors can also see a variety of marine mammals, including sea otters, harbor seals, and orcas. Birders will appreciate the park’s rich birdlife, including puffins, eagles, and seabirds. The park is also home to a diverse array of plant life, including wildflowers, shrubs, and trees, making it an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts.
Both parks offer unique opportunities to observe Alaska’s incredible wildlife, but Katmai is the best choice for those specifically interested in brown bears, while Lake Clark offers a more diverse experience for those interested in a variety of wildlife species.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Katmai National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Katmai National Park & Preserve | 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 |
| Northern Flicker | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Merlin | Northern Flicker |
| Barn Swallow | Merlin |
| Savannah Sparrow | Barn Swallow |
| Hermit Thrush | Savannah Sparrow |
| American Kestrel | Great Blue Heron |
| Bald Eagle | Hermit Thrush |
| Song Sparrow | American Kestrel |
| European Starling | Bald Eagle |
| Northern Pintail | Song Sparrow |
| American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
| American Pipit | Green-Winged Teal |
| Swainson’s Thrush | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Katmai National Park & Preserve | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| Mink | Mink |
| Gray Wolf | Gray Wolf |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Varying Hare | Snowshoe Hare |
| Northern River Otter | Northern River Otter |
| Masked Shrew | Masked Shrew |
| Red Squirrel | Water Shrew |
| Montane Shrew | Red Squirrel |
| Lynx | Montane Shrew |
| Wolverine | Lynx |
| American Marten | Wolverine |
| Grizzly Bear | American Marten |
| Meadow Vole | Brown Bear |
| Moose | Meadow Vole |
| Least Weasel | Moose |
| Pygmy Shrew | Least Weasel |
| Meadow Jumping Mouse | Pygmy Shrew |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Meadow Jumping Mouse |
Fish
| Katmai National Park & Preserve | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Steelhead |
| Longnose Sucker | Longnose Sucker |
| Lake Trout | Lake Trout |
| Northern Pike | Northern Pike |
| Burbot | Burbot |
| Silver Salmon | Silver Salmon |
| King Salmon | King Salmon |
| Slimy Sculpin | Slimy Sculpin |
| Threespine Stickleback | Threespine Stickleback |
| Sockeye Salmon | Sockeye Salmon |
| Pink Salmon | Pink Salmon |
| Chum Salmon | Chum Salmon |
| Dolly Varden | Dolly Varden |
| Arctic Grayling | Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Katmai National Park & Preserve | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Katmai National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Katmai National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two of Alaska’s most stunning natural wonders.
Katmai is famous for its rugged coastline and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a volcanic landscape filled with steam vents, fumaroles, and ash deposits. The park is also known for its large population of brown bears, which visitors can observe while fishing for salmon in Brooks River.
Lake Clark is famous for its scenic beauty with glaciers, alpine tundra, and rugged peaks. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is the Redoubt Volcano, which is a stratovolcano located in the Chigmit Mountains. In addition to its geological wonders, Lake Clark is also home to a number of glaciers and alpine lakes, as well as diverse wildlife, including bears, moose, caribou, and wolves.
Visitors to both parks can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping. Whether you’re looking to explore the beauty of Alaska’s wilderness or observe its abundant wildlife, both Katmai National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer unforgettable experiences.
Things To-Do and Activities in Katmai National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Katmai National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two of Alaska’s most popular park destinations. While both parks offer breathtaking natural beauty, they differ greatly in terms of activities and experiences.
Katmai is renowned for its brown bears and is one of the best places in the world to observe them in their natural habitat. Visitors can observe the bears from viewing platforms or go on guided tours to see them up close. Other popular activities in Katmai include fishing, scenic flightseeing and backpacking.
Lake Clark, on the other hand, is a paddler’s paradise. Kayaking and canoeing are popular ways to explore the park’s stunning glacial lakes, rivers and fjords. Hiking is also popular, though the park’s trails are more rugged and remote than those in Katmai. The park is also home to a large population of salmon, making it a popular destination for sport fishing.
Both parks offer a unique and unforgettable Alaska experience, so it really comes down to personal preference. Whether you’re an avid bear-watcher, a paddler, or just looking for a scenic escape, both Katmai and Lake Clark have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Katmai National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Katmai National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two popular parks located in Alaska, USA. When it comes to seasonal weather, both parks experience wildly different conditions depending on the time of year.
Katmai National Park & Preserve is known for its mild summers and harsh winters. During the months of June through August temperatures can reach up to 60°F, while during the winter months temperatures can drop as low as -40°F. The summer months also bring heavy rainfall, making it an ideal time for visitors to view the park’s famous brown bears as they come to the Brooks River to catch salmon.
In contrast, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve has a more temperate climate, with warm summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 70°F, while winter temperatures generally stay above freezing. The park also receives less rainfall compared to Katmai, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation, such as hiking and fishing.
Both parks offer unique experiences depending on the time of year, but for those looking for the best weather, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve may be the better option, with its milder temperatures and lower rainfall. However, for those looking for a truly unique experience, a visit to Katmai during the summer to witness the annual salmon run and bear activity is a must-see.
Family Friendliness of Katmai National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Katmai National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two of Alaska’s most stunning and unique national parks, both offering unique experiences for visitors. However, when it comes to family-friendliness, there are differences to consider.
Katmai National Park & Preserve is a great option for families with children due to its accessibility and variety of activities. The park is known for its famous Brooks Falls, where visitors can observe brown bears fishing for salmon, and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a volcanic valley filled with steam vents and ash-filled craters. These two areas can be easily reached by boardwalk trails, making them perfect for families with strollers or young children.
On the other hand, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is a more rugged and remote destination, making it less suitable for families with young children. However, families with older kids and adventurous spirits will find plenty to do here. With its stunning glaciers, crystal-clear lakes and rugged wilderness, this park offers a range of activities such as kayaking, fishing and hiking. Visitors can also opt for a scenic flightseeing tour to see the park’s glaciers, volcanoes, and wildlife.
In conclusion, families with young children may find Katmai National Park & Preserve to be a better option, while families with older kids and an adventurous spirit will likely prefer Lake Clark National Park & Preserve. Both parks offer unique experiences and breathtaking scenery, making either one a great choice for families looking to explore the beauty of Alaska.