Are you torn between visiting Lake Clark National Park & Preserve or Voyageurs National Park? Both parks offer unique and breathtaking experiences, but which one is right for you? In this article, we will compare and contrast these two magnificent parks and help you make an informed decision.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska, and is known for its stunning glaciers, abundant wildlife and scenic beauty. Visitors can go fishing, hiking, boating, and even take a scenic flight to get a bird’s eye view of the park. On the other hand, Voyageurs National Park is located in Minnesota and offers a completely different experience. This park is famous for its water-based recreational opportunities, such as canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy scenic boat tours and hike through the park’s forests.
So, are you ready to explore these two amazing parks and make a decision? Let’s dive into the comparison between Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park.
Hiking Trails in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park both offer unique hiking experiences for visitors. Lake Clark is known for its scenic and remote hikes, with several trails leading to hidden alpine lakes and glaciers. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Tanalian Falls Trail, a 2.5-mile round trip hike to a waterfall. On the other hand, the challenging Seven Lakes Trail is a 14.5-mile round trip hike through the park’s rugged terrain, offering stunning views of the park’s namesake, Lake Clark.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, offers a different type of hiking experience, with its network of interconnected waterways and forested trails. The park’s easiest hike is the Kettle Falls Trail, a 1.5-mile round trip hike to a waterfall. For those seeking a more strenuous hike, the Rainy Lake Trail is a 12-mile round trip hike through the park’s dense forests, offering stunning views of Rainy Lake and the surrounding wilderness.
Whether you’re seeking a challenging backcountry experience or a scenic stroll through the woods, both Lake Clark and Voyageurs National Parks offer something for every type of hiker. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a beginner, these parks are sure to provide a memorable and rewarding hiking experience.
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 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 Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is well-known for its abundant wildlife. Visitors to this park can expect to see a variety of animals, including Alaskan brown bears, caribou, wolves, and moose. The park is also home to over 200 species of birds, including bald eagles, ospreys, and a variety of waterfowl. In addition, the park is known for its stunning wildflowers and scenic beauty.
Voyageurs National Park is also known for its diverse wildlife, including the common loon, bald eagle, black bear, and beaver. The park is also home to a variety of waterfowl, such as ducks and geese, as well as a number of species of fish. In addition to animals, Voyageurs National Park is also known for its scenic beauty and its vast array of plant life, including northern conifers, aspen, and birch trees.
Both parks offer visitors the chance to see a variety of wildlife in their natural habitats. Whether you’re interested in observing birds, mammals, or plants, both Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park are excellent choices. However, if you’re looking for a more remote wilderness experience, Lake Clark may be the better choice, as it is more remote and less developed than Voyageurs National Park. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more developed park with easy access to recreational activities, such as boating and fishing, Voyageurs National Park may be the better choice for you.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | 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 |
| American Kestrel | American Kestrel |
| Bald Eagle | Bald Eagle |
| Song Sparrow | Song Sparrow |
| Northern Pintail | European Starling |
| American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
| American Pipit | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | 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 |
| Gray Wolf | Raccoon |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Black Bear |
| Snowshoe Hare | Porcupine |
| Northern River Otter | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Masked Shrew | Hoary Bat |
| Water Shrew | Red Fox |
| Red Squirrel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Montane Shrew | House Mouse |
| Lynx | Mountain Lion |
| Wolverine | Mink |
| American Marten | Common Gray Fox |
| Brown Bear | Plains Wolf |
| Meadow Vole | American Badger |
| Moose | Ermine |
| Least Weasel | Snowshoe Hare |
| Pygmy Shrew | River Otter |
| Meadow Jumping Mouse | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Steelhead | Largemouth Bass |
| Longnose Sucker | Longnose Sucker |
| Lake Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Northern Pike | Bluegill |
| Burbot | Fathead Minnow |
| Silver Salmon | Golden Shiner |
| King Salmon | Lake Trout |
| Slimy Sculpin | Northern Pike |
| Threespine Stickleback | Ellpout |
| Sockeye Salmon | Mottled Sculpin |
| Pink Salmon | Slimy Sculpin |
| Chum Salmon | Longnose Dace |
| Dolly Varden | Black Crappie |
| Arctic Grayling | Black Bullhead |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is located in South-Central Alaska, known for its stunning landscapes and scenic beauty. The park is home to an array of glaciers, volcanoes, and alpine lakes that make for breathtaking views. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views from the park’s many overlooks, such as the Redoubt Volcano and Mount Iliamna. The park is also home to several waterfalls, including the Upper and Lower Tanalian Falls, which are framed by the stunning Chigmit Mountains.
Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota and is famous for its chain of interconnected lakes and waterways. Visitors can explore the park by boat, kayak, or canoe, taking in the stunning scenery along the way. The park is also home to several beautiful landscapes, including the Kabetogama Peninsula, which is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets and sunrises. The park is also home to several waterfalls, including the Little American Falls and the Little American Rapids, which are surrounded by lush forests and stunning vistas.
Both parks offer a unique and unforgettable natural experience, from the towering volcanoes of Lake Clark to the calm waters of Voyageurs. Whether you’re a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, both parks offer something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska, and is a popular destination for those seeking outdoor adventure. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Lake Clark is home to numerous fish species and is a popular destination for sport fishing. The park is also home to brown bears, moose, and a variety of bird species, making it a popular destination for wildlife viewing.
Voyageurs National Park is located in Minnesota and is known for its water-based recreation opportunities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and kayaking on the park’s numerous lakes and rivers. Voyageurs is also popular for its night sky viewing opportunities, as it is one of the few places in the country that is designated as an International Dark Sky Park.
Both Lake Clark and Voyageurs offer a range of recreational activities for visitors, but each park has its own unique offerings. Lake Clark is ideal for those seeking outdoor adventure and wildlife viewing, while Voyageurs is perfect for those looking for water-based recreation and night sky viewing. Regardless of what you’re looking for, these parks offer something for everyone and are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park are two unique national parks located in the United States. Both parks offer a diverse range of activities and scenic views, but the seasonal weather at each park varies greatly. In Lake Clark, summer temperatures average around 60-70°F with occasional rain showers, while winter temperatures drop to below freezing with heavy snowfall. In contrast, Voyageurs experiences warm summers with temperatures in the 80s and mild winters with occasional snow.
The weather at Lake Clark is ideal for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and boating from late May to early September. Winter months bring challenging conditions for these activities, but offer opportunities for snow sports and winter camping. On the other hand, the mild weather at Voyageurs makes it a great destination for year-round activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Winter months may be chilly but are still suitable for outdoor activities with proper gear.
In conclusion, both Lake Clark and Voyageurs National Parks offer unique experiences and scenic beauty, but the weather greatly affects the best time to visit. Visitors to Lake Clark should plan their trip during the warmer months for optimal outdoor activities, while Voyageurs can be enjoyed year-round. Regardless of the season, both parks offer incredible opportunities to explore and connect with nature.
Family Friendliness of Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most beautiful places to visit in the United States. Both parks are great options for families, but they differ in terms of how family-friendly they are.
Voyageurs National Park is generally considered to be a better option for families traveling with children. This is because the park offers a wide range of activities that are suitable for kids, including boating, fishing, and hiking. There are also several campgrounds in the park, which are a great way for families to spend time together in the great outdoors. Additionally, there are ranger-led programs and educational opportunities for kids, making Voyageurs National Park a great place for families to learn about the natural world.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a bit more challenging for families with young children. While the park is beautiful and offers a variety of outdoor activities, it is more remote and less developed than Voyageurs National Park. Additionally, many of the park’s best attractions, such as the scenic lakes and glaciers, are only accessible by boat or plane, which can be difficult for families with young children. However, for families who are up for a challenge and want to experience the beauty of Alaska’s wilderness, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is a great option.