Are you torn between visiting Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska or Olympic National Park in Washington? Both are breathtaking national parks, but they offer entirely different experiences. From the glaciers and fjords in Alaska to the lush rainforests and rugged coastline in Washington, each park has its unique charm. In this article, we’ll compare these two national parks, highlighting their similarities and differences. We’ll also give you a glimpse into what you can expect from your visit, whether it be kayaking among icebergs, hiking through pristine wilderness, or observing wildlife in their natural habitats. So, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to a national park, keep reading to find out which one is the best fit for you.
Hiking Trails in Kenai Fjords National Park and Olympic National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Olympic National Park are two of the most beautiful national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore, but there are some differences between the two parks when it comes to the trails.
Kenai Fjords National Park is known for its rugged and remote terrain. Hiking trails in this park range from easy walks along the shore, to steep and challenging hikes up into the mountains. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Exit Glacier trail, which is a one-mile round trip hike to the face of the glacier. On the other hand, one of the hardest hikes in the park is the 11-mile round trip hike to the top of the Harding Icefield. This hike is strenuous and involves climbing over rough terrain, but the views from the top are well worth the effort.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is known for its lush rainforest and stunning coastline. Hiking trails in this park range from easy walks through the forest, to strenuous hikes up steep mountains. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Hoh River trail, which is a gradual hike through the lush rainforest to the Hoh River. One of the hardest hikes in the park is the Hurricane Ridge trail, which is a steep hike up to the top of the ridge for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
In conclusion, both Kenai Fjords National Park and Olympic National Park offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore. The trails in each park range from easy walks to challenging hikes, so there is something for everyone.
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 Olympic National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge | 4988.954 | 242.9256 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Storm King | 6276.426 | 638.8608 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail | 2574.944 | 77.724 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss | 1609.34 | 23.7744 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Marymere Falls Trail | 2735.878 | 90.8304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hoh River Trail | 52786.352 | 1558.7472 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| High Divide – Seven Lakes Basin Loop | 30577.46 | 1617.8784 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Ruby Beach | 2253.076 | 20.7264 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Staircase Rapids Loop | 3379.614 | 64.9224 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Spruce Railroad Trail: Lake Crescent | 18024.608 | 131.9784 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Kenai Fjords National Park and Olympic National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Olympic National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States, and each offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities.
At Kenai Fjords, visitors can see a variety of marine mammals, including humpback whales, harbor seals, and sea lions. In addition, the park is home to a variety of bird species, including puffins, murres, and bald eagles. On land, visitors may spot black and brown bears, moose, and mountain goats.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, offers a different type of wildlife experience. The park is home to a variety of forest-dwelling animals, including black bears, mountain lions, and elk. In addition, visitors can see a variety of bird species, including eagles, ravens, and owls. The park also features a unique ecosystem, with a mix of temperate rainforest and subalpine meadows.
Both parks offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. For those interested in marine wildlife, Kenai Fjords is the better option. For those interested in forest-dwelling animals and unique ecosystems, Olympic National Park is the way to go.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Kenai Fjords National Park and Olympic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Olympic 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 | 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 | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Little Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Striped Skunk |
| Porcupine | Little Brown Bat |
| Red Fox | Deer Mouse |
| Mink | Raccoon |
| Black-Tailed Deer | Black Bear |
| Gray Wolf | Porcupine |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Silver-Haired Bat |
| California Myotis | Red Fox |
| Snowshoe Hare | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Northern River Otter | House Mouse |
| Masked Shrew | Wolf |
| Red Squirrel | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Montane Shrew | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Lynx | California Myotis |
| Wolverine | Snowshoe Rabbit |
| American Marten | North American River Otter |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Fringe-Tailed Myotis |
| Brown Bear | Masked Shrew |
| Meadow Mouse | Water Shrew |
| Moose | Western Big-Eared Bat |
| Pygmy Shrew | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
Fish
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Steelhead/Rainbow Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Brook Trout |
| Burbot | Largemouth Bass |
| Silver Salmon | Salish Sucker |
| Chinook Salmon | Coho Salmon |
| Slimy Sculpin | Chinook Salmon |
| Threespine Stickleback | Longnose Dace |
| Red Salmon | Speckled Dace |
| Pink Salmon | Threespine Stickleback |
| Chum Salmon | Sockeye Salmon |
| Dolly Varden | Pink Salmon |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Bullfrog |
Reptiles
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Kenai Fjords National Park and Olympic National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in the state of Alaska and is famous for its stunning fjords, glaciers, and wildlife. The park offers visitors a chance to see the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness first-hand, with popular attractions including the Exit Glacier, Aialik Glacier, and the Holgate Arm. Visitors can also see a variety of marine life, including whales, sea otters, and seals.
Olympic National Park, located in Washington state, is famous for its diverse landscapes, including the Olympic Mountains, the Hoh Rainforest, and the Sol Duc Falls. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, black bears, and the Olympic marmot. The park’s temperate rainforest is a must-see for nature lovers, offering a lush and verdant landscape unlike anything else in the country.
Both parks offer a unique and breathtaking experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for stunning fjords, towering mountain ranges, or lush rainforests, these parks offer something for everyone. With so many breathtaking landscapes to explore, it’s no wonder why these parks are among the most visited in the country.
Things To-Do and Activities in Kenai Fjords National Park and Olympic National Park
Visitors to Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska come for its stunning glaciers, whales, and marine wildlife. Kayaking and boat tours are popular activities for exploring the fjords, as well as wildlife viewing from shore. In the summer, visitors can go on guided hikes, take scenic flights, or experience the park’s glaciers up close on a glacier hike or ice climbing adventure. In the winter, visitors can go dog sledding or cross-country skiing.
Olympic National Park in Washington offers a diverse range of activities, from the Pacific coastline to the temperate rainforest and high alpine areas. Hiking is a popular activity, with trails leading to scenic waterfalls, secluded beaches, and alpine meadows. The park’s 73 miles of coastline offer opportunities for beachcombing, tidepooling, and wildlife viewing. In the Hoh Rainforest, visitors can take guided walks to see the giant trees and diverse plant and animal life. The park’s alpine areas provide breathtaking views and great opportunities for backcountry camping and exploring.
Best Time to Visit Kenai Fjords National Park and Olympic National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska and Olympic National Park in Washington offer unique and stunning landscapes, but their seasonal weather patterns are vastly different.
In Kenai Fjords, summer temperatures average in the mid-50s to low 60s and the park receives relatively low rainfall. This makes summer the best time to visit for outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife viewing. Winter temperatures drop to the low 20s and the park experiences high amounts of snowfall, making it more challenging to access certain areas of the park.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, has temperate rainforest conditions with heavy rainfall throughout the year. Summer temperatures average in the mid-60s to low 70s and the park receives less rainfall compared to the rest of the year. Winter temperatures drop to the mid-40s to low 50s with increased rainfall, making it a prime time for those seeking a more serene, misty landscape.
Both parks offer unique experiences depending on the time of year, but visitors should consider the weather patterns when planning their trip. Those looking for clear skies and mild temperatures may prefer visiting Kenai Fjords in the summer, while those seeking a more lush, green landscape may find Olympic National Park more appealing in the winter.
Family Friendliness of Kenai Fjords National Park and Olympic National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska and Olympic National Park in Washington are two of the most beautiful parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique outdoor experiences, but which is better for families with children?
In terms of family-friendliness, Olympic National Park is the more accessible of the two. With a variety of trails and scenic drives, families can easily explore the park’s diverse habitats, including the rainforest, the coast, and the mountains. There are also several campgrounds and picnic areas, making it easy to spend a day or two in the park.
On the other hand, while Kenai Fjords National Park is a stunning place to visit, it can be more challenging for families with young children. The park is primarily accessible by boat, and while this offers a unique opportunity to see whales, sea lions, and glaciers up close, it may not be the best choice for families with young children. Additionally, the park’s rugged terrain and lack of facilities can make it difficult for families to spend extended periods of time there.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children, Olympic National Park is the better choice for a family-friendly experience. The park’s accessibility and variety of activities make it an ideal destination for families looking for a fun and educational outdoor adventure.