Are you looking for an adventure in Alaska but can’t decide between Kenai Fjords National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve? Look no further! This article will compare these two stunning parks and give you a better idea of which one to visit. From glaciers to grizzly bears and everything in between, we’ll explore the unique features of each park and help you find the perfect fit for your next Alaskan adventure.
Kenai Fjords National Park is a marine wonderland, home to glaciers, fjords, and abundant wildlife. With over 40 glaciers and 700 miles of coastline, this park offers an awe-inspiring experience for visitors. Imagine watching humpback whales, sea otters, and sea lions swim in the icy waters or spotting a bald eagle soaring overhead.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a wilderness paradise. This park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. With its pristine lakes, glaciers, and rugged mountains, Lake Clark is a true gem of Alaska’s wilderness. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful hike in the woods or a thrilling fishing trip, Lake Clark has something for everyone. So, buckle up and let’s dive into the world of Kenai Fjords National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve!
Hiking Trails in Kenai Fjords National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning glaciers and rugged coastline. In contrast, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska as well and is known for its pristine lakes and diverse wildlife. When it comes to hiking, both parks offer a range of trails for visitors to explore.
In Kenai Fjords, some of the easiest hikes include the Exit Glacier Trail and the Harding Icefield Trail. The Exit Glacier Trail is a short and easy hike that takes visitors to the edge of the glacier. The Harding Icefield Trail is a moderate hike that takes visitors to the top of the icefield for stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and mountains.
For those looking for a challenge, the Kenai Fjords also offer some of the most difficult hikes in Alaska. The Crown Ridge Trail is a strenuous hike that takes visitors to the top of a ridge for panoramic views of the park. The Pioneer Ridge Trail is another challenging hike that takes visitors through a remote and rugged wilderness area.
At Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, the easiest hikes include the Telaquana Trail and the Skilak Lake Loop Trail. The Telaquana Trail is a short hike that takes visitors to a stunning lake with views of the surrounding mountains. The Skilak Lake Loop Trail is a moderate hike that takes visitors around a beautiful lake with views of the glaciers and wildlife.
For those looking for a challenge, the park offers some of the most difficult hikes in Alaska. The Twin Lakes Trail is a strenuous hike that takes visitors to two beautiful alpine lakes surrounded by glaciers and mountains. The Tanalian Falls Trail is another challenging hike that takes visitors to a stunning waterfall surrounded by rugged wilderness.
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 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 Kenai Fjords National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and is known for its glaciers and marine wildlife. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including harbor seals, sea lions, porpoises, and whales. Humpback whales and orcas are the most commonly seen whales in the park, and they are often observed feeding or playing in the waters around the park. In addition to marine wildlife, the park is also home to a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, puffins, and kittiwakes.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, also located in Alaska, is known for its diverse wildlife, including brown and black bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and trumpeter swan. In addition to its wildlife, the park is also known for its stunning scenery, including glaciers, rivers, and mountains. Visitors to Lake Clark National Park & Preserve can also observe the park’s geothermal activity, including geysers and hot springs.
In conclusion, both Kenai Fjords National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities. While Kenai Fjords is known for its marine wildlife and bird species, Lake Clark is known for its diverse terrestrial wildlife, including bear, moose, and caribou. Both parks are also home to a variety of bird species and offer stunning scenery. Visitors to either park will have the opportunity to observe and appreciate Alaska’s diverse wildlife and natural beauty.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Kenai Fjords National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Kenai Fjords National Park | 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 |
| 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 |
| Bald Eagle | American Kestrel |
| Song Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| European Starling | Song Sparrow |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Pipit | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Kenai Fjords National Park | 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 |
| Black-Tailed Deer | Gray Wolf |
| Gray Wolf | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Snowshoe Hare |
| California Myotis | Northern River Otter |
| Snowshoe Hare | Masked Shrew |
| Northern River Otter | Water Shrew |
| Masked Shrew | Red Squirrel |
| Red Squirrel | Montane Shrew |
| Montane Shrew | Lynx |
| Lynx | Wolverine |
| Wolverine | American Marten |
| American Marten | Brown Bear |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Meadow Vole |
| Brown Bear | Moose |
| Meadow Mouse | Least Weasel |
| Moose | Pygmy Shrew |
| Pygmy Shrew | Meadow Jumping Mouse |
Fish
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Steelhead |
| Longnose Sucker | Longnose Sucker |
| Burbot | Lake Trout |
| Silver Salmon | Northern Pike |
| Chinook Salmon | Burbot |
| Slimy Sculpin | Silver Salmon |
| Threespine Stickleback | King Salmon |
| Red Salmon | Slimy Sculpin |
| Pink Salmon | Threespine Stickleback |
| Chum Salmon | Sockeye Salmon |
| Dolly Varden | Pink Salmon |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Kenai Fjords National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and 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 provides visitors with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and rugged glaciers. Another popular destination in the park is the Exit Glacier, which visitors can hike to for a closer look at this massive glacier.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, also located in Alaska, is known for its stunning mountains and lakes. The park is home to the Chigmit Mountains, which are a part of the Aleutian Range and provide visitors with breathtaking views of rugged peaks and glaciers. Another popular destination in the park is the turquoise-colored Lake Clark, which is surrounded by towering mountains and is a popular spot for fishing and boating.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty of Alaska’s wilderness and to see some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. Whether you’re interested in glaciers and ice fields, or mountains and lakes, these parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Kenai Fjords National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Kenai Fjords National Park is known for its stunning views of glaciers and wildlife, including humpback whales, sea otters, and bald eagles. Visitors also enjoy kayaking, fishing, and whale watching tours. The park offers opportunities for visitors to get up close and personal with glaciers, including the Exit Glacier and Aialik Glacier, through guided hikes and ranger-led programs.
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is a remote wilderness area that is a must-visit for those seeking an authentic Alaskan adventure. Popular activities here include fishing, bear viewing, and backcountry camping. The park is also home to the popular Redoubt Volcano, which visitors can hike to for stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. Whether you’re fishing for salmon in a river or watching brown bears fish for salmon in a stream, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve offers a truly unique Alaskan experience.
Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience Alaska’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife, but the activities available at each park are quite different. Kenai Fjords is more focused on marine-based experiences, while Lake Clark is more focused on land-based experiences. Both parks are excellent destinations for those looking to explore the Alaskan wilderness, but each offers a different type of adventure.
Best Time to Visit Kenai Fjords National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Kenai Fjords National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are both popular destinations for visitors to Alaska. Both parks boast unique landscapes and wildlife, but the weather conditions in each park vary greatly.
Kenai Fjords National Park is located on the coast of Alaska and experiences a maritime climate with cool temperatures and high rainfall throughout the year. Summer temperatures average around 50°F, while winter temperatures can dip below freezing. The park is best visited during the summer months when visibility is good and the wildlife is most active.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in the interior of Alaska and experiences a subarctic climate with warm summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures average around 60°F, while winter temperatures can drop below zero. The park is best visited during the summer months when the weather is warm, but visitors should also be prepared for rain and potential storms. Winter visitors to Lake Clark can expect clear skies and ideal conditions for outdoor activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
In conclusion, both Kenai Fjords National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer unique experiences for visitors, but the best time to visit each park depends on the weather conditions and the type of activities you are interested in. Consider the climate and plan your trip accordingly to make the most of your visit to Alaska’s national parks.
Family Friendliness of Kenai Fjords National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Kenai Fjords National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two of Alaska’s most stunning natural treasures. When it comes to family-friendly activities, both parks offer a variety of options, but depending on your family’s interests, one may be a better fit than the other.
Kenai Fjords National Park is known for its glaciers, wildlife and stunning ocean views. It’s a great spot for whale watching, kayaking, and hiking. The park’s glaciers provide a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about the natural world. However, some of the park’s activities, such as boat tours or kayaking, may not be suitable for young children.
On the other hand, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is a great option for families with young children. It offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including fishing, camping, and wildlife watching. The park also has several easy hiking trails that are great for families, making it a great spot for a family picnic. Additionally, the park’s remote location means that it is less crowded, making it a great option for families who want a more peaceful and secluded experience.
In conclusion, both Kenai Fjords National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer unique experiences for families traveling to Alaska. However, depending on your family’s interests and the age of your children, Lake Clark may be a better option for families with young children, while Kenai Fjords may be a better fit for families with older children who are interested in exploring glaciers and wildlife.