Kenai Fjords National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are two of Alaska’s most stunning natural wonders. Both are home to breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure. But which one is right for you?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Kenai Fjords National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park, side by side, to help you decide which one to add to your bucket list. From glaciers to grizzly bears, we’ll cover it all. Whether you’re an avid hiker, wildlife enthusiast or just looking for a new outdoor escape, this article is for you.
So, pack your bags, grab a map and get ready to experience two of Alaska’s most awe-inspiring national parks. The question is, will it be the icy majesty of Kenai Fjords or the wild beauty of Kobuk Valley? The choice is yours!
Hiking Trails in Kenai Fjords National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are two unique and beautiful parks in Alaska with different offerings for hikers.
Kenai Fjords National Park is known for its stunning glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. One of the easiest hikes is the Exit Glacier Nature Trail, a 1.5 mile round-trip trail that leads up to the glacier. Another popular trail is the Harding Icefield Trail, an 8.2 mile round-trip trail that takes you to the top of the icefield for a breathtaking view. This trail is considered one of the most difficult hikes in the park and is only recommended for experienced hikers.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is known for its sand dunes. The park has only one hiking trail, the 7-mile round-trip hike to the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. This hike is considered moderate and takes you through a beautiful valley and up to the sand dunes. The dunes are a unique and stunning landscape that offers a one-of-a-kind hiking experience.
Both parks offer unique and challenging hiking experiences, but hikers should be prepared for the remote and rugged Alaskan wilderness. Whether you’re looking for a easy nature walk or a strenuous hike, both Kenai Fjords National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Kenai Fjords National Park
| 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 | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Kobuk Valley National Park
| 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 | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Kenai Fjords National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are two different national parks in Alaska, each with its own unique wildlife. In Kenai Fjords, visitors can expect to see a diverse range of wildlife, including harbor seals, sea lions, whales, and porpoises. In addition, the park is home to a variety of bird species, including puffins, cormorants, and bald eagles. The park is also home to several species of fish, including halibut, salmon, and cod.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is known for its herds of caribou and grizzly bears, as well as its unique landscape, which includes sand dunes and the Kobuk River. Visitors to the park may also see gray wolves, moose, and foxes. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of bird species, including the tundra swan and the gyrfalcon.
Both parks offer the opportunity to see a range of unique and fascinating wildlife, but the types of animals and birds that can be seen will vary depending on the park. Visitors to Kenai Fjords will have the opportunity to see a diverse range of marine wildlife, while those visiting Kobuk Valley will be able to see a variety of land-based animals, including caribou and grizzly bears. Regardless of which park visitors choose, they are sure to be amazed by the beauty and diversity of Alaska’s wildlife.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Kenai Fjords National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| 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 | Northern Flicker |
| Northern Flicker | Merlin |
| Merlin | Savannah Sparrow |
| Barn Swallow | American Kestrel |
| Savannah Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| Great Blue Heron | Northern Pintail |
| Hermit Thrush | American Wigeon |
| Bald Eagle | Green-Winged Teal |
| Song Sparrow | American Pipit |
| European Starling | Swainson’s Thrush |
| Northern Pintail | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| American Wigeon | Northern Shoveler |
| Green-Winged Teal | Golden Eagle |
| American Pipit | Rough-Legged Hawk |
Mammals
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Little Brown Bat | Black Bear |
| Black Bear | Porcupine |
| Porcupine | Red Fox |
| Red Fox | Mink |
| Mink | Wolf |
| Black-Tailed Deer | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Gray Wolf | Snowshoe Hare |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | River Otter |
| California Myotis | Common Shrew |
| Snowshoe Hare | Red Squirrel |
| Northern River Otter | Montane Shrew |
| Masked Shrew | Lynx |
| Red Squirrel | Wolverine |
| Montane Shrew | American Marten |
| Lynx | Grizzly Bear |
| Wolverine | Moose |
| American Marten | Least Weasel |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Pygmy Shrew |
| Brown Bear | Northern Bog Lemming |
| Meadow Mouse | |
| Moose | |
| Pygmy Shrew |
Fish
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Longnose Sucker | Lake Trout |
| Burbot | Northern Pike |
| Silver Salmon | Burbot |
| Chinook Salmon | Coho Salmon |
| Slimy Sculpin | King Salmon |
| Threespine Stickleback | Slimy Sculpin |
| Red Salmon | Alaskan Stickleback |
| Pink Salmon | Pink Salmon |
| Chum Salmon | Chum Salmon |
| Dolly Varden | Dolly Varden |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Kenai Fjords National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, is known for its stunning glaciers and fjords. The most famous landscape in the park is the Harding Icefield, which covers over 300 square miles and is one of the largest icefields in the United States. Visitors can hike to the top of Exit Glacier, which provides stunning views of the icefield and the surrounding mountains. Another popular spot in the park is the Aialik Bay, where visitors can see glaciers calving into the bay and watch for whales and other marine life.
Kobuk Valley National Park, also located in Alaska, is home to the largest sand dunes in the Arctic. The park is best known for the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, which cover over 17 square miles and reach heights of up to 500 feet. Visitors can hike to the top of the dunes for panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. The park is also home to the Kobuk River, which is a popular spot for fishing and rafting. During the summer, visitors can also see caribou migrations in the park.
Both Kenai Fjords and Kobuk Valley National Parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes that are sure to leave visitors in awe. Whether you’re interested in glaciers and fjords or sand dunes and wildlife, both parks offer unforgettable experiences and stunning natural beauty that are worth a visit.
Things To-Do and Activities in Kenai Fjords National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and covers over 669,000 acres of land. The park is famous for its glaciers and fjords, which are the most popular attraction for visitors. Glacier kayaking, whale watching and boat tours are the most popular activities in the park. Visitors can also take part in wildlife viewing and bird watching, as well as fishing and camping.
Kobuk Valley National Park, located in Alaska as well, is a remote wilderness area and covers over 1 million acres. The park is known for its unique sand dunes, which are the largest in North America. Visitors come to the park to hike, camp, and take part in backcountry adventures. The park is also home to the famous Kobuk River, which attracts visitors for its fishing and rafting opportunities.
Both parks offer a unique experience for visitors and are known for their natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. However, Kenai Fjords National Park is more popular among tourists and offers a wider range of activities, while Kobuk Valley National Park is more remote and offers a more rugged, wilderness experience. Visitors to both parks should be prepared for challenging terrain, as well as unpredictable weather. Regardless of the park you choose, both offer a truly unforgettable experience for those who love nature and the great outdoors.
Best Time to Visit Kenai Fjords National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, boasts breathtaking glaciers and coastlines, making it a popular destination for visitors. The seasonal weather in this park ranges from cool summers to cold, snowy winters with average temperatures ranging from the low 40s to low 50s. The best time to visit is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is mild and the glaciers are most accessible for boat tours and hiking.
In contrast, Kobuk Valley National Park, also located in Alaska, has a completely different seasonal weather pattern. The park is characterized by its sand dunes, the largest in North America, and the Kobuk River. Summer temperatures in this park are warm, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low 60s. Winter temperatures, on the other hand, can drop to below zero, making the park inaccessible to most visitors. The best time to visit is in the summer, from June to August, when the sand dunes are most accessible for hiking and backpacking.
Both Kenai Fjords and Kobuk Valley National Parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes that attract visitors from all over the world. However, it’s important to consider the seasonal weather when planning a trip to either park. The weather can greatly affect the accessibility and enjoyment of the park’s features, so it’s best to plan a trip during the most favorable weather conditions.
Family Friendliness of Kenai Fjords National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are two of Alaska’s most renowned national parks, and both offer unique and spectacular landscapes. When it comes to family-friendly activities, both parks have much to offer, but each has distinct advantages.
Kenai Fjords National Park is an ideal destination for families looking to experience the beauty of Alaska’s glaciers and wildlife. The park offers ranger-led activities and educational programs designed for families, including guided hikes, whale watching trips, and glacier cruises. Children will also enjoy exploring the park’s scenic trails and observing the diverse wildlife, including sea lions, harbor seals, and birds.
On the other hand, Kobuk Valley National Park is a less developed and less visited park, which makes it a great option for families who prefer a more remote and wilderness-like experience. The park is home to the world’s largest sand dunes, which are surrounded by stunning wilderness, and offer endless opportunities for exploration, hiking and wildlife viewing. The park’s remote location, however, means that there are fewer facilities and amenities and a more limited range of family-friendly activities.
Overall, both Kenai Fjords National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are great options for families looking to experience the beauty of Alaska’s national parks, but the best choice will depend on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a more developed and accessible park with a wider range of family-friendly activities, Kenai Fjords National Park is the better choice. If you’re seeking a remote and wilderness-like experience, then Kobuk Valley National Park is the way to go.