“Nature lovers, pack your bags and get ready for a scenic adventure like no other! We’ve got two of the most breathtaking national parks in the United States up for comparison – Kenai Fjords National Park and North Cascades National Park. These two parks are a nature lover’s dream come true and offer a range of activities for anyone seeking adventure. From glaciers and rugged coastlines to snow-capped mountains and sprawling forests, these two parks have it all. But which one is the ultimate destination for your next outdoor excursion? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what each park has to offer and help you decide which one to visit. So sit back, relax, and get ready to be transported to a world of natural beauty and wonder!”
Hiking Trails in Kenai Fjords National Park and North Cascades National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, offers a diverse range of hiking trails that vary in difficulty. One of the easier hikes is the Exit Glacier hike, which is a three-mile round trip hike to the base of the glacier. The Harding Icefield trail, on the other hand, is one of the park’s most challenging hikes. It’s an eight-mile round trip hike that takes you to the top of the icefield for stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and mountains.
North Cascades National Park, located in Washington State, also has a variety of hiking trails. The Trail of the Cedars is one of the park’s easiest hikes, and a great place to start if you’re new to hiking. It’s a one-mile loop trail that takes you through a forest of giant cedar trees. On the other hand, the Cascade Pass hike is one of the park’s most challenging hikes, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. This hike is a five-mile round trip hike and can be strenuous, but the views from the top are worth it.
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 North Cascades National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 291.9984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail | 17541.806 | 1175.9184 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sourdough Mountain Trail | 14644.994 | 1555.6992 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail to Cottonwood Camp | 25588.506 | 1422.8064 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail | 10460.71 | 542.8488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sahale Arm Trail to Quien Sabe Glacier | 19955.816 | 1651.7112 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk | 3057.746 | 21.9456 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Fourth of July Pass via Panther Creek Trail | 14966.862 | 759.8664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July and Thunder Creek Trail | 23335.43 | 1949.8056 | Hard | out and back | 4 |
| Gorge Creek Falls Trail | 804.67 | 11.8872 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
Wildlife in Kenai Fjords National Park and North Cascades National Park
Kenai Fjords and North Cascades National Parks are both popular destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers. These parks are known for their diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.
At Kenai Fjords, visitors can expect to see a variety of marine mammals, including humpback whales, sea lions, and seals. The park is also home to a population of sea otters, which can be seen playing in the tide pools along the coast. In addition to marine life, visitors may also spot black and brown bears, moose, and other mammals.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is known for its diverse bird life, including bald eagles, ospreys, and peregrine falcons. The park is also home to a variety of mammals, including black bears, mountain lions, and deer. In addition, visitors may also see a variety of plant life, including wildflowers, conifers, and deciduous trees.
Both parks offer unique opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitats, but each park has its own unique characteristics that make it worth visiting. Whether you’re interested in marine mammals, birds, or plants, both Kenai Fjords and North Cascades National Parks are sure to provide a memorable wildlife viewing experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Kenai Fjords National Park and North Cascades National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Kenai Fjords National Park | North Cascades 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 | Merlin |
| Merlin | Barn Swallow |
| Barn Swallow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Great Blue Heron |
| Great Blue Heron | Hermit Thrush |
| Hermit Thrush | 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 |
| American Pipit | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Kenai Fjords National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Little Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Bobcat |
| Porcupine | Striped Skunk |
| Red Fox | Little Brown Bat |
| Mink | Deer Mouse |
| Black-Tailed Deer | Raccoon |
| Gray Wolf | Black Bear |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Porcupine |
| California Myotis | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Snowshoe Hare | Hoary Bat |
| Northern River Otter | Red Fox |
| Masked Shrew | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Squirrel | House Mouse |
| Montane Shrew | Puma |
| Lynx | Mink |
| Wolverine | Black-Tailed Deer |
| American Marten | Wolf |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Brown Bear | Western Long-Eared Bat |
| Meadow Mouse | Ermine |
| Moose | California Myotis |
| Pygmy Shrew | Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Kenai Fjords National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Redband Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Brook Trout |
| Burbot | Largemouth Bass |
| Silver Salmon | Longnose Sucker |
| Chinook Salmon | Lake Trout |
| Slimy Sculpin | Burbot |
| Threespine Stickleback | Silver Salmon |
| Red Salmon | King Salmon |
| Pink Salmon | Slimy Sculpin |
| Chum Salmon | Longnose Dace |
| Dolly Varden | Threespine Stickleback |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Kenai Fjords National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Kenai Fjords National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Yellowbelly Racer | |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Kenai Fjords National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Kenai Fjords National Park and North Cascades National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and is well known for its stunning glaciers and fjords. The park features the Harding Icefield, which is one of the largest ice fields in the United States. Visitors can hike to the top of the ice field for a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. Another popular spot in the park is Exit Glacier, which is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska and offers a great opportunity for visitors to experience a glacier up close.
North Cascades National Park, located in Washington, is known for its rugged mountain ranges and beautiful alpine lakes. The park is home to more than 300 glaciers, including the largest glaciers in the contiguous United States. Visitors can hike to the top of Mount Shuksan for a stunning view of the surrounding landscape and take in the beauty of Diablo Lake, which is surrounded by towering peaks. The park also offers a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including camping, backpacking, and rock climbing.
Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature and the grandeur of the great outdoors. Whether you’re looking for stunning landscapes, breathtaking views, or opportunities for adventure and recreation, these parks have something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Kenai Fjords National Park and North Cascades National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and North Cascades National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, and both offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Kenai Fjords, visitors love to take boat tours to see the glaciers and wildlife. The park also offers opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. For those interested in history, the park has several cultural sites and historic structures, including the Alutiiq Village and the Seward Small Boat Harbor.
In contrast, North Cascades is a hiker’s paradise, with over 500 miles of trails for visitors to explore. The park is also popular for rock climbing, mountaineering, and backpacking, with many challenging routes for experienced climbers and backpackers. Additionally, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, fishing, and wildlife viewing, and there are several campgrounds throughout the park for those who want to spend more time in the wilderness.
Both parks offer unique experiences, from the glaciers and wildlife of Kenai Fjords to the rugged peaks and diverse landscapes of North Cascades. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the water or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, these parks have something to offer for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Kenai Fjords National Park and North Cascades National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and North Cascades National Park are two popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Both parks offer unique landscapes, but the weather in each park can vary greatly depending on the season.
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and is known for its glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. The park is situated in a maritime climate, which means that it experiences mild, wet weather throughout the year. During the summer months, temperatures in the park can reach into the 60s, but it is still important to pack rain gear as showers are common. In the winter, temperatures can drop to below freezing and the park can experience heavy snow.
North Cascades National Park is located in Washington State and is known for its rugged peaks, glaciers, and diverse ecosystems. The park is situated in a Mediterranean climate, which means that it experiences dry, warm summers and wet, mild winters. During the summer, temperatures in the park can climb into the 80s, but visitors should be prepared for thunderstorms in the afternoon. In the winter, temperatures can drop well below freezing and the park can experience heavy snow.
The best time to visit each park will depend on what you are looking for. If you are interested in experiencing the glaciers and wildlife in Kenai Fjords National Park, the summer months may be the best time to visit. If you are interested in hiking and exploring the rugged peaks in North Cascades National Park, the summer and early fall months may be the best time to visit. Regardless of when you visit, it is important to be prepared for the weather and to check weather conditions before you go.
Family Friendliness of Kenai Fjords National Park and North Cascades National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and North Cascades National Park are two popular family-friendly destinations in the United States. Both parks boast stunning natural beauty and offer a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. However, they differ in terms of accessibility and the types of activities they offer, making one park a better option than the other for families traveling with children.
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and is best known for its breathtaking glaciers and stunning fjords. The park is accessible by boat or plane, making it a more remote destination. While this lack of accessibility may be a drawback for some families, it also means that the park is relatively quiet and less crowded. In addition, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including kayaking, fishing, and whale watching.
On the other hand, North Cascades National Park is located in Washington and is known for its rugged, mountainous terrain. The park is easily accessible by car, making it a more convenient destination for families. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and rock climbing. However, the park’s terrain can be challenging for young children, so it may not be the best option for families with very young children.
Overall, both parks offer families a chance to experience stunning natural beauty and engage in outdoor recreation. However, Kenai Fjords National Park may be the better option for families traveling with children due to its relatively quiet and less crowded environment and the variety of activities it offers.