Kobuk Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the lesser-known parks in the United States but they have a lot to offer. They are both unique in their own way and cater to different types of travelers. Whether you’re an adventure junkie or a nature lover, you’ll find something to love in these two parks.
Kobuk Valley National Park is located in Alaska and is famous for its massive sand dunes that reach up to 100 feet tall. It’s the only park in the US where you can see the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun, making it a must-visit for any stargazer.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is located in Minnesota and is a water-based park with over 40% of its area being covered by lakes. It’s a perfect destination for boaters and anglers, with opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. The park is also known for its stunning night skies, making it the perfect place to escape the city lights and stargaze.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these two parks and compare them to help you decide which one is right for your next adventure. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the beauty of Kobuk Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park.
Hiking Trails in Kobuk Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Kobuk Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but each offers a unique hiking experience.
At Kobuk Valley National Park, visitors can explore the sand dunes that make up the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. This is a strenuous hike, but the view from the top is worth the effort. The park also offers a number of easier hikes through the surrounding wilderness, including the Caribou Trail and the Rainbow Trail.
On the other hand, Voyageurs National Park is known for its scenic water-based trails. Hikers can explore the park by boat, visiting remote islands and bays. The park also offers a number of challenging hikes through the wilderness, including the Kabetogama Peninsula and the Ash River Trail.
No matter what your hiking level is, both parks offer a range of options for you to explore. Whether you’re looking for a strenuous challenge or a leisurely stroll, there’s something for everyone in these two stunning national parks.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Kobuk Valley 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 | 4.6 |
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 Kobuk Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Kobuk Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two unique national parks located in Alaska that offer a variety of wildlife experiences for visitors. Both parks are known for their diverse wildlife populations, but each park has its own distinct offerings.
At Kobuk Valley National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of large mammals such as caribou, grizzly bears, and moose. In addition, the park is home to a large population of wolves, as well as smaller mammals like beavers, otters, and foxes. Visitors are also likely to see a variety of birds, including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and a wide variety of waterfowl.
Voyageurs National Park is known for its diverse water-based wildlife. Visitors can expect to see a variety of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, and lake sturgeon. In addition, the park is home to a large population of loons, as well as eagles and other birds of prey. Visitors may also see beavers, otters, and mink along the park’s waterways.
Both parks offer a unique and exciting wildlife experience, but the specific wildlife that visitors can expect to see will depend on the time of year and individual park. Regardless, both Kobuk Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park are excellent destinations for wildlife enthusiasts looking to see a variety of Alaska’s diverse wildlife populations.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Kobuk Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Kobuk Valley 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 |
| Northern Flicker | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Merlin | Northern Flicker |
| Savannah Sparrow | Merlin |
| American Kestrel | Barn Swallow |
| Bald Eagle | Savannah Sparrow |
| Northern Pintail | Great Blue Heron |
| American Wigeon | Hermit Thrush |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Kestrel |
| American Pipit | Bald Eagle |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Song Sparrow |
| White-Crowned Sparrow | European Starling |
| Northern Shoveler | Northern Pintail |
| Golden Eagle | American Wigeon |
| Rough-Legged Hawk | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Kobuk Valley National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Black Bear | Big Brown Bat |
| Porcupine | Bobcat |
| Red Fox | Striped Skunk |
| Mink | Little Brown Bat |
| Wolf | Deer Mouse |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Raccoon |
| Snowshoe Hare | Black Bear |
| River Otter | Porcupine |
| Common Shrew | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Squirrel | Hoary Bat |
| Montane Shrew | Red Fox |
| Lynx | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Wolverine | House Mouse |
| American Marten | Mountain Lion |
| Grizzly Bear | Mink |
| Moose | Common Gray Fox |
| Least Weasel | Plains Wolf |
| Pygmy Shrew | American Badger |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Ermine |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| River Otter | |
| Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Kobuk Valley National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Largemouth Bass |
| Lake Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Northern Pike | Green Sunfish |
| Burbot | Bluegill |
| Coho Salmon | Fathead Minnow |
| King Salmon | Golden Shiner |
| Slimy Sculpin | Lake Trout |
| Alaskan Stickleback | Northern Pike |
| Pink Salmon | Ellpout |
| Chum Salmon | Mottled Sculpin |
| Dolly Varden | Slimy Sculpin |
| Arctic Grayling | Longnose Dace |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Kobuk Valley National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Kobuk Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Kobuk Valley National Park in Alaska is often referred to as the “Land of the Midnight Sun.” This park is home to the largest sand dunes in the Arctic and is a unique landscape unlike any other in the country. The dunes are created by the Kobuk River and are a popular destination for visitors. The park also features the beautiful Kobuk River, which is a popular spot for fishing and boating.
Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota is known for its stunning waterways and scenic lakes. The park is located on the northern edge of the state and is home to more than 400 lakes and waterways. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and kayaking in the park and get a close-up look at the beautiful landscapes that surround them. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is Kabetogama Peninsula, which provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Both parks are unique and offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty and diversity of the American wilderness. Whether you’re interested in exploring the stunning sand dunes of Kobuk Valley or the pristine waters of Voyageurs National Park, these parks are sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
Things To-Do and Activities in Kobuk Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Kobuk Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most popular parks in Alaska, each offering a unique set of activities for visitors to enjoy. While both parks are known for their scenic beauty, they have different landscapes and attractions that appeal to different types of travelers.
In Kobuk Valley National Park, visitors can explore the park’s sand dunes, which are among the largest in the world. These dunes, formed by the Kobuk River, offer a unique contrast to the surrounding forest and are a popular spot for hiking and backpacking. The park also has several rivers and streams that are popular for fishing, and visitors can also take guided canoe trips to see the park’s abundant wildlife in its natural habitat.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is centered around four large lakes, which are popular for boating, fishing, and exploring the numerous islands that dot the waterways. Visitors to the park can also take guided boat tours to see the park’s stunning landscapes, including towering cliffs, dense forests, and pristine waterways. The park also has several hiking trails, but they are less well-known than the trails at Kobuk Valley National Park.
In conclusion, both Kobuk Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer a range of activities that appeal to different types of travelers. Whether you’re looking for a scenic hike, a peaceful paddle, or an exciting fishing trip, both parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Kobuk Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Kobuk Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two beautiful nature reserves with vastly different seasonal weather patterns. Situated in Alaska, Kobuk Valley is known for its long, harsh winters and relatively short, mild summers. During the winter months, temperatures can drop as low as -60°F and the landscape becomes covered in snow and ice. The summer months are milder, with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F, but the park still receives a significant amount of rainfall. Due to the extreme weather conditions, the best time to visit Kobuk Valley is during the summer months, when the weather is milder and the park is accessible by air.
Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, experiences a more temperate climate, with warm summers and cold but not as harsh as Kobuk Valley, winters. Summer temperatures range from 60°F to 80°F and the park sees relatively little rainfall. Winter temperatures in the park can drop to -20°F, but snow and ice cover is not as extensive as in Kobuk Valley. Due to the milder weather conditions, the best time to visit Voyageurs National Park is during the summer months, when the park is at its most beautiful and accessible by water.
Family Friendliness of Kobuk Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Kobuk Valley National Park in Alaska is a remote wilderness area with limited facilities and few services. The park is best known for its sand dunes, which are among the largest in the world, and the annual migration of caribou. While Kobuk Valley is a beautiful and unique place to visit, it is not the best choice for families with young children. The lack of amenities, remote location, and rugged terrain make it a challenging destination for those looking for a more relaxed and family-friendly experience.
Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota, on the other hand, is a great option for families. This park, located on the US-Canada border, offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, and camping. There are also several well-developed campgrounds and lodges within the park, making it easier for families to find accommodations that meet their needs. In addition, Voyageurs National Park offers a variety of educational programs and ranger-led activities, making it a great place to learn about the natural world and have fun at the same time.
For families looking for a national park experience, Voyageurs National Park is a better choice than Kobuk Valley National Park. With its variety of recreational opportunities, well-developed infrastructure, and family-friendly atmosphere, Voyageurs offers a great escape for families looking to spend time together in the great outdoors.