Nestled between two vast mountain ranges, Alaska and Washington State are two of America’s most breathtaking national parks. Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park are two of the most unique and awe-inspiring parks in the country, each offering its own set of natural wonders and adventures.
Imagine a place where glaciers, wild rivers, and towering peaks coexist with pristine beaches, old-growth forests, and alpine meadows. These are the landscapes of Lake Clark and Olympic National Parks, two of the most diverse and captivating places in the United States. Both parks are a nature lover’s paradise, offering an array of activities and sights that will leave you in awe.
So, which park should you choose for your next epic adventure? The answer is not a simple one, as both parks offer a range of unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a hiker, angler, or wildlife enthusiast, you’ll find plenty to keep you engaged and entertained. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park, comparing their similarities, differences, and what makes each one so special.
Hiking Trails in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its rugged terrain and breathtaking scenery. Olympic National Park, located in Washington, is known for its diverse landscape, including rainforests, beaches, and mountains.
When it comes to hiking, both parks offer a range of trails for all skill levels. Lake Clark NP has the Telaquana Trail, a moderate hike that offers stunning views of the park’s glaciers, lakes, and wildlife. For a more challenging hike, the Pioneer Ridge Trail is a strenuous hike that takes you through alpine tundra and offers panoramic views of the park.
Olympic NP offers several easy hikes, such as the Spruce Nature Trail, which is a one-mile loop through an old-growth forest, and the Rialto Beach Trail, a 2.5-mile hike along the Pacific coast. For a more challenging hike, the Hurricane Ridge Trail is a strenuous hike with steep inclines that takes you to the summit of Hurricane Ridge and offers breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains.
Both parks offer unique and beautiful hiking experiences, but the trails in Lake Clark NP tend to be more rugged and challenging, while Olympic NP offers a wider range of trails for all skill levels, including several easy trails for those who prefer a more leisurely hike.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
| 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 | 4.7 |
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 Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is located in southwestern Alaska and is known for its diverse wildlife. Visitors can expect to see brown bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. The park is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds including eagles, gulls, and waterfowl. The park is also home to various fish species in its rivers and lakes.
Olympic National Park, located in Washington State, is home to a diverse range of wildlife including elk, black bears, mountain goats, and a variety of bird species. The park is also known for its lush vegetation, including ancient forests and diverse plant species. Visitors can also expect to see a variety of marine mammals, including seals, sea lions, and whales, along the park’s coastline.
Both parks offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, but each park has its own unique features. Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is known for its large mammals and birdwatching opportunities, while Olympic National Park is known for its diverse range of wildlife and vegetation. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, mammal enthusiast, or just looking for a unique wildlife experience, both parks offer something for everyone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | 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 |
| American Kestrel | Bald Eagle |
| Bald Eagle | Song Sparrow |
| Song Sparrow | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Pipit | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | 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 |
| Gray Wolf | Black Bear |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Porcupine |
| Snowshoe Hare | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Northern River Otter | Red Fox |
| Masked Shrew | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Water Shrew | House Mouse |
| Red Squirrel | Wolf |
| Montane Shrew | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Lynx | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Wolverine | California Myotis |
| American Marten | Snowshoe Rabbit |
| Brown Bear | North American River Otter |
| Meadow Vole | Fringe-Tailed Myotis |
| Moose | Masked Shrew |
| Least Weasel | Water Shrew |
| Pygmy Shrew | Western Big-Eared Bat |
| Meadow Jumping Mouse | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
Fish
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Steelhead | Steelhead/Rainbow Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Brook Trout |
| Lake Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Northern Pike | Salish Sucker |
| Burbot | Coho Salmon |
| Silver Salmon | Chinook Salmon |
| King Salmon | Longnose Dace |
| Slimy Sculpin | Speckled Dace |
| Threespine Stickleback | Threespine Stickleback |
| Sockeye Salmon | Sockeye Salmon |
| Pink Salmon | Pink Salmon |
| Chum Salmon | Chum Salmon |
| Dolly Varden | Dolly Varden |
| Arctic Grayling | Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Bullfrog |
Reptiles
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning glaciers, pristine lakes, and rugged mountain ranges. The park is home to Mount Redoubt, an active volcano that offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also enjoy boating and fishing on the many lakes in the park, as well as hiking and backpacking on the many trails that wind through the rugged terrain.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is located in Washington State and is known for its diverse landscapes, including rugged coastlines, lush rainforests, and majestic mountain ranges. The park is home to Hurricane Ridge, a popular destination for visitors who want to experience the beauty of the Olympic Mountains. The park also has many hiking trails and scenic drives that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the Hoh Rainforest, which is one of the wettest places in the United States.
Things To-Do and Activities in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both parks offer an array of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. However, each park has its own unique attractions that set it apart from the other.
At Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, visitors enjoy exploring the park’s rugged backcountry and scenic waterways. The park is home to some of the best fishing in Alaska, with opportunities to catch salmon, rainbow trout, and arctic grayling. Visitors also come to Lake Clark to experience the park’s diverse wildlife, including brown bears, moose, caribou, and bald eagles. In addition, visitors can take scenic flights over the park’s glaciers and mountains for a spectacular view of the Alaska wilderness.
In contrast, Olympic National Park is known for its diverse landscapes, including glaciers, rainforests, and coastal beaches. Visitors to Olympic National Park love exploring the park’s rugged coastline, including the famous Kalaloch Beach and Ruby Beach. The park is also home to some of the largest temperate rainforests in the world, making it a haven for hikers and nature lovers. Visitors can also take guided tours of the park’s glaciers, including the Blue Glacier, for a unique perspective on the park’s natural beauty.
In conclusion, both Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park offer visitors an array of outdoor activities and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re looking for an Alaska wilderness adventure or a Pacific Northwest escape, these parks have something to offer for every type of traveler.
Best Time to Visit Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park are two of Alaska and Washington’s most stunning natural areas, respectively. While both parks offer breathtaking landscapes, they differ in terms of seasonal weather and the best time to visit.
In Lake Clark, summer is the best time to visit with temperatures ranging from 40-60°F. This is the time when the park’s glaciers begin to melt, creating stunning waterfalls and allowing for scenic boat tours. Winter, on the other hand, is incredibly cold with temperatures dropping to as low as -20°F.
Olympic National Park, located in the Pacific Northwest, experiences a milder climate than Lake Clark. Summer temperatures range from 50-70°F, making it an ideal time for hiking, backpacking and camping. Winters are much milder, with temperatures averaging in the 30s. However, the park receives high amounts of rainfall during the winter months, which can make some trails impassable.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Lake Clark and Olympic National Parks depends on the type of activities you’re interested in. If you’re looking for a more mild climate with less precipitation, summer is the best time to visit Olympic National Park. For those who love the cold and want to experience the full beauty of Lake Clark, winter is the perfect time to go.
Family Friendliness of Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park are both stunning destinations for families looking to explore the great outdoors. Lake Clark is a remote wilderness park that offers stunning views of glaciers and volcanic mountains, as well as opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is a more developed park with a wider range of family-friendly activities, including hiking, camping, and scenic drives.
In terms of accessibility, Olympic National Park is a better option for families with young children. The park has a number of car-accessible trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds, making it easy for families to enjoy the park. Additionally, Olympic National Park has a number of ranger-led programs and educational opportunities, which are great for kids who are interested in learning more about the park and its natural environment.
However, if your family is looking for a more rugged and remote wilderness experience, Lake Clark might be a better option. The park offers a number of backcountry camping opportunities, as well as opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, and kayaking. Just be aware that the park is more remote and less accessible, so it may not be the best option for families with young children or those who are looking for a more relaxed vacation experience.