The great outdoors is a treasure trove of natural wonders, and it can be tough to choose where to go for your next adventure. Two National Parks that stand out for their unique offerings are Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska and Lassen Volcanic National Park in California.
Kenai Fjords National Park is a place of glaciers, whales and stunningly beautiful fjords. It’s a place where you can kayak in the shadow of glaciers, watch whales breach the water’s surface, and marvel at the majesty of the fjords. This park is a true wilderness experience, so be prepared to be awed by the natural beauty that surrounds you.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, on the other hand, is a place of geothermal activity and towering vistas. Here, you can witness the boiling mud pots, steam vents and bubbling hot springs, and hike to the top of Lassen Peak to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. This park is a unique blend of natural beauty and geological wonders, making it a truly fascinating place to visit.
So, whether you’re a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a unique experience, these two National Parks offer something for everyone. Read on to find out which one is the perfect fit for your next adventure!
Hiking Trails in Kenai Fjords National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The park boasts over 40 miles of stunning coastline and breathtaking glaciers that are perfect for hiking and exploring. The park’s easiest hike is the Exit Glacier Nature Trail, which is a 1.2-mile round trip hike that takes visitors through a lush forest to the base of the glacier. On the other hand, the park’s hardest hike is the Harding Icefield Trail, which is an 8.2-mile round trip hike through steep and rugged terrain to the top of the icefield.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in northern California, is home to an array of volcanic features including hot springs, mudpots, and steam vents. The park’s easiest hike is the Bumpass Hell Trail, which is a 3-mile round trip hike that takes visitors through a lush forest to a thermal area. The park’s hardest hike is the Lassen Peak Trail, which is a strenuous 5-mile round trip hike to the top of the park’s most famous volcano. Both parks offer a diverse range of hikes for all skill levels, making them perfect destinations for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
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 Lassen Volcanic National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lassen Peak | 8207.634 | 599.8464 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Kings Creek Falls Trail | 4345.218 | 143.8656 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Cinder Cone Nature Trail | 7724.832 | 317.9064 | Hard | loop | 5 |
Brokeoff Mountain Trail | 12230.984 | 786.9936 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Mill Creek Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 237.744 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Manzanita Lake Loop | 3057.746 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Devil’s Kitchen Trail | 7402.964 | 187.7568 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Chaos Crags Trail | 6437.36 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Cluster Lakes Loop Trail | 16737.136 | 451.7136 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Boiling Springs Lake Loop Trail | 3701.482 | 75.8952 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Kenai Fjords National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska is known for its stunning glaciers and abundant marine life, including humpback whales, orcas, seals, sea lions, and otters. Visitors can also spot bald eagles, puffins, and other seabirds. On land, the park is home to moose, black bears, and mountain goats.
Lassen Volcanic National Park in California is home to a diverse range of wildlife, from black bears and mountain lions to deer and squirrels. The park also offers opportunities to see unique volcanic-loving species, such as the Lassen snail and the Lassen tree vole. In the summer months, wildflowers and meadows abound, providing habitat for numerous species of birds, including the American goldfinch and the mountain bluebird.
Both parks offer a chance to experience the diversity of wildlife in their respective environments, but Kenai Fjords is a true haven for marine life, while Lassen is a unique opportunity to see how wildlife reacts to volcanic landscapes. Whether you’re interested in observing large mammals, birdwatching, or exploring unique environments, both parks are sure to leave you with a sense of awe and appreciation for the natural world.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Kenai Fjords National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Kenai Fjords National Park | Lassen Volcanic 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 | 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 | European Starling |
American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
American Pipit | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
Kenai Fjords National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
---|---|
Coyote | American Beaver |
American Beaver | Muskrat |
Muskrat | Bobcat |
Little Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
Black Bear | Raccoon |
Porcupine | Black Bear |
Red Fox | Silver-Haired Bat |
Mink | Hoary Bat |
Black-Tailed Deer | Long-Tailed Weasel |
Gray Wolf | Mountain Lion |
Short-Tailed Weasel | Mink |
California Myotis | Mule Deer |
Snowshoe Hare | Gray Fox |
Northern River Otter | Wolf |
Masked Shrew | Long-Eared Myotis |
Red Squirrel | Snowshoe Hare |
Montane Shrew | Fringed Myotis |
Lynx | Western Harvest Mouse |
Wolverine | Yuma Myotis |
American Marten | Bighorn Sheep |
Northern Flying Squirrel | Montane Shrew |
Brown Bear | Long-Tailed Vole |
Meadow Mouse | Ringtail |
Moose | Virginia Opossum |
Pygmy Shrew | Wolverine |
Fish
Kenai Fjords National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
---|---|
Redband Trout | Redband Trout |
Longnose Sucker | Brook Trout |
Burbot | Brown Trout |
Silver Salmon | Fathead Minnow |
Chinook Salmon | Golden Shiner |
Slimy Sculpin | Silver Salmon |
Threespine Stickleback | King Salmon |
Red Salmon | Mottled Sculpin |
Pink Salmon | Speckled Dace |
Chum Salmon | Brown Bullhead |
Dolly Varden |
Amphibians
Kenai Fjords National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
---|---|
Wood Frog | Bullfrog |
Reptiles
Kenai Fjords National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
---|---|
Gopher Snake | |
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
Racer | |
Western Rattlesnake | |
Ring-Necked Snake | |
Sagebrush Lizard | |
Common Garter Snake | |
Common Kingsnake | |
Rubber Boa | |
Striped Whipsnake | |
Western Whiptail | |
Western Skink | |
Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
Kenai Fjords National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
---|---|
Orange Sulphur | |
Painted Lady | |
Monarch Butterfly | |
American Painted Lady | |
Common Checkered-Skipper | |
Honey Bee | |
Buckeye | |
Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Kenai Fjords National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two of the most beautiful national parks in the United States. Kenai Fjords, located in Alaska, is famous for its stunning fjords, glaciers, and wildlife. The park’s most famous landscapes include the Harding Icefield, which covers over 300 square miles, and the stunning Aialik Bay, where visitors can see glaciers calving into the sea. Another popular attraction is Exit Glacier, which is one of the few glaciers in the world that visitors can walk up to and touch.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in California, is famous for its geothermal features, including boiling mud pots, steam vents, and hot springs. The park’s most famous landscape is Lassen Peak, an active volcano that last erupted in 1915. Visitors can hike to the summit of the peak for a truly breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. Another popular attraction is Bumpass Hell, a geothermal area that is home to boiling pools, steam vents, and bubbling mud pots. Whether you’re an avid hiker, nature lover, or simply looking for a breathtaking landscape, both Kenai Fjords National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are sure to provide a unique and unforgettable experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Kenai Fjords National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the US, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both parks offer unique experiences that are sure to make your trip one to remember.
At Kenai Fjords National Park, visitors can take a scenic cruise through the fjords to see the glaciers, wildlife, and stunning scenery. Wildlife viewing is a popular activity here, with opportunities to see sea lions, whales, and a variety of birds. Kayaking and fishing are also popular, with many visitors taking advantage of the park’s pristine lakes and rivers.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for its active volcanic activity, with visitors able to see steam vents, hot springs, and even volcanic eruptions. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, including the popular Bumpass Hell Trail, which takes visitors through a series of steam vents and bubbling mud pots. Visitors can also go camping, fishing, and horseback riding in the park.
Both parks offer a range of activities that cater to different interests, whether it’s exploring the natural beauty of glaciers and volcanic activity, or experiencing the thrill of wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventurer, or just looking for a scenic escape, Kenai Fjords National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are both excellent choices.
Best Time to Visit Kenai Fjords National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska and Lassen Volcanic National Park in California offer vastly different weather experiences. In Kenai Fjords, the weather is characterized by cool, wet conditions that can be windy and foggy. Summer temperatures are usually in the 40s and 50s (F), while winter temperatures can drop to below freezing. Snow is common in the winter, but the park remains open year-round.
Lassen Volcanic, on the other hand, experiences hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. The park is also known for its geothermal activity, which can be seen in the form of steam vents, boiling mud pots, and hot springs. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s (F), while winter temperatures can drop below freezing. Snow is common in the winter, but the park remains open year-round.
Both parks offer unique experiences that are best enjoyed during different times of the year. Kenai Fjords is best visited during the summer months, when the weather is mild and wildlife is abundant. Lassen Volcanic is best visited during the summer and fall months, when the weather is warm and the geothermal activity is at its peak. Winter visitors to Lassen Volcanic can enjoy the park’s snowy landscape and engage in winter sports, such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Family Friendliness of Kenai Fjords National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are popular tourist destinations for families with young children. However, each park offers a unique range of experiences that appeal to different age groups and interests.
When it comes to family-friendly activities, Kenai Fjords National Park is a great option for families with young children. The park offers various ranger-led programs and boat tours that are educational and fun for kids. These programs provide a great opportunity for families to learn about the local wildlife, such as whales, otters, and sea lions, and the park’s stunning glaciers. Additionally, the park has a number of easy hiking trails, including the Exit Glacier Trail, that are great for families to explore.
On the other hand, Lassen Volcanic National Park is better suited for families with older children. The park is known for its volcanic activity, including steaming vents, boiling mud pots, and geysers. These geological wonders are sure to fascinate children and adults alike. Additionally, the park has a number of challenging hiking trails, such as the Lassen Peak Trail, that are perfect for families who love adventure.
In conclusion, both Kenai Fjords National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park offer a range of family-friendly activities. However, Kenai Fjords National Park is a better option for families with young children, while Lassen Volcanic National Park is ideal for families with older children who love adventure and geological wonders.