Looking for a new adventure? Then you’re in the right place! In this article, we will compare two of the most fantastic national parks in the United States: Kenai Fjords National Park and Voyageurs National Park. Both of these parks offer stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
But which one is the right fit for you? Whether you’re a hiker, kayaker, or just looking to enjoy the scenery, each park has its own unique set of features to offer. Kenai Fjords National Park is home to glaciers, fjords, and abundant marine life, while Voyageurs National Park is dotted with over 400 lakes, offering a peaceful escape into the wilderness.
So, are you ready to discover which park is best for you? Grab your park map and let’s go on an adventure! In the rest of the article, we’ll delve into the details of each park, comparing their wildlife, hiking trails, and water-based activities. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which park is the perfect destination for your next outdoor adventure.
Hiking Trails in Kenai Fjords National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Voyageurs National Park both offer breathtaking landscapes and incredible hiking opportunities. Kenai Fjords is located in Alaska and is known for its rugged wilderness, glaciers, and abundant wildlife. Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota and is centered around four large lakes and the Kabetogama Peninsula.
When it comes to hiking trails, Kenai Fjords offers a range of difficulties. The Harding Icefield Trail is one of the park’s most popular and challenging hikes, providing incredible views of the icefield and the surrounding mountains. On the other hand, the Exit Glacier Nature Trail is a relatively easy, accessible hike that provides a closer look at the glacier and its surroundings.
At Voyageurs National Park, the trails tend to be shorter and less strenuous, with plenty of opportunities for scenic water views. The Kabetogama Peninsula Trail is a popular hike that provides breathtaking views of the lake and its surrounding forests, while the Rainy Lake Trail is a more challenging hike that takes you through the park’s dense forests and rugged terrain.
In conclusion, both Kenai Fjords National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer unique and diverse hiking opportunities, from rugged and challenging hikes to more relaxed and scenic trails. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner, these parks are sure to provide a unforgettable experience.
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 Voyageurs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Kenai Fjords National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park (Alaska) and Voyageurs National Park (Minnesota) are two popular destinations for nature lovers, but each offers a unique experience.
At Kenai Fjords, visitors can expect to see a diverse array of marine wildlife, including harbor seals, sea lions, whales, and sea otters. The park is also home to numerous bird species, such as the bald eagle, puffins, and cormorants. On land, visitors may spot black and brown bears, moose, and mountain goats.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its water-based wildlife, including beavers, muskrats, and otters. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 270 species of birds recorded, including the common loon, the bald eagle, and the osprey. Visitors can also spot white-tailed deer, black bears, and gray wolves in the park.
In terms of flora, Kenai Fjords boasts a beautiful subalpine forest while Voyageurs National Park is home to a diverse array of trees and shrubs, including white and red pine, spruce, and cedar.
Whether you are interested in marine wildlife or land-based creatures, both Kenai Fjords National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Kenai Fjords National Park and Voyageurs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Voyageurs 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 | Voyageurs 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 | Mountain Lion |
| Lynx | Mink |
| Wolverine | Common Gray Fox |
| American Marten | Plains Wolf |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | American Badger |
| Brown Bear | Ermine |
| Meadow Mouse | Snowshoe Hare |
| Moose | River Otter |
| Pygmy Shrew | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Longnose Sucker | Longnose Sucker |
| Burbot | Green Sunfish |
| Silver Salmon | Bluegill |
| Chinook Salmon | Fathead Minnow |
| Slimy Sculpin | Golden Shiner |
| Threespine Stickleback | Lake Trout |
| Red Salmon | Northern Pike |
| Pink Salmon | Ellpout |
| Chum Salmon | Mottled Sculpin |
| Dolly Varden | Slimy Sculpin |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Kenai Fjords National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska, and is known for its stunning glaciers, which are some of the largest in the world. Visitors to the park can take a boat tour to see these glaciers up close, or they can hike on the shoreline to get a better view of them. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, sea lions, whales and otters.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is located in Minnesota and is known for its water-based recreational opportunities. Visitors can rent a canoe or kayak to explore the park’s many lakes and rivers, or they can take a guided tour to learn more about the park’s history and wildlife. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, wolves, beavers, and bald eagles.
Both parks offer a unique and breathtaking experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in glaciers, wildlife, or water-based activities, these parks have something for everyone. If you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, these parks are a great option. Visitors can enjoy scenic views and beautiful landscapes while also getting in touch with nature.
Things To-Do and Activities in Kenai Fjords National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, and Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, are both popular tourist destinations. However, they offer different experiences and activities for visitors.
At Kenai Fjords, visitors can take a boat tour to see glaciers and wildlife, including whales, seals, sea lions, and porpoises. The park also offers kayaking, fishing, and camping opportunities. In the winter, visitors can go dog sledding and cross-country skiing.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is known for its water-based recreation, including canoeing, kayaking, and motor boating. Visitors can explore the many interconnected waterways and bays, visit remote island campsites, and see wildlife such as bald eagles and moose. The park also offers opportunities for hiking, stargazing, and winter sports such as snowshoeing and ice fishing.
Both parks offer unique experiences for visitors, but those looking for a more rugged adventure with opportunities to see glaciers and wildlife may prefer Kenai Fjords National Park, while those seeking a water-based vacation with opportunities for camping, boating, and fishing may prefer Voyageurs National Park.
Best Time to Visit Kenai Fjords National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska and Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota are two popular destinations for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. While both parks offer unique landscapes and experiences, the weather in each park varies greatly throughout the year.
At Kenai Fjords, the weather is typically cool and wet, with temperatures ranging from the mid 30s to mid 50s in the summer months, and dropping to well below freezing in the winter. The park is known for its heavy rain and snowfall, with average annual precipitation of over 70 inches. Visitors should be prepared for inclement weather at any time of year, and the park’s facilities are often closed during the winter months due to snow and ice.
In contrast, Voyageurs National Park experiences moderate temperatures and low precipitation levels, with average summer temperatures ranging from the mid 60s to low 80s, and winter temperatures dropping to the single digits. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the water is accessible for boating and other water-based activities.
When planning a visit to either park, it is important to consider the weather and how it may impact your experience. While Kenai Fjords is a stunning destination for those who enjoy rugged landscapes and challenging adventures, the best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is more mild and the facilities are open. On the other hand, Voyageurs National Park is a great destination for those seeking a more temperate climate and a variety of outdoor activities year-round.
Family Friendliness of Kenai Fjords National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is a stunning location that offers breathtaking views of glaciers and wildlife, but is not as family-friendly as Voyageurs National Park when it comes to traveling with children. The park can be difficult to navigate, and many of the activities require strenuous hiking or boating, which may not be suitable for younger children.
On the other hand, Voyageurs National Park is a great option for families. It offers a variety of activities that are suitable for all ages, including canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and hiking. The park also has several campgrounds and lodges, making it easy for families to stay overnight and experience the park in a more immersive way. Additionally, the park’s waterways provide a unique opportunity for children to learn about the ecosystem and see wildlife up close.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children, Voyageurs National Park is the better option compared to Kenai Fjords National Park. The park provides a variety of family-friendly activities and accommodations, making it an ideal destination for families looking to spend time in the great outdoors.