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#6 on this list
Boundary Waters
Minnesota
Warm water for swimming between portages; berries ripen.
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#7 on this list
Kenai Fjords National Park
Alaska
Glacier cruises, whales, and puffins in long daylight.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Boundary Waters | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Managing Agency | U.S. Forest Service (Superior National Forest) | — |
| Location | Northeastern Minnesota | — |
| Total Acreage | Approximately 1,090,000 acres | — |
| Access Type | Canoe paddle, kayak, and foot travel only | — |
| Permit Requirement | Quota permit required from May 1 to September 30 | — |
| Campsite Type | Designated backcountry sites with fire grate and latrine | — |
| Gateway Town | — | Seward, Alaska |
| Road Access | — | Exit Glacier Road only |
| Landscape Core | — | Harding Icefield and marine fjords |
| Prime Window | — | Late June through early August |
| Entrance Fee | — | Free |
| Primary Travel | — | Commercial boat charter or sea kayak |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Boundary Waters
- Warm lake temperatures allow comfortable swimming after grueling overland portages
- Abundant wild blueberries and raspberries ripen directly along sunny portage paths
- World-class freshwater fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike
- Expansive human-powered territory entirely free of motorized craft in most zones
- Intense mosquito and biting fly activity along portages and forested shorelines
- Popular entry routes and island campsites face heavy competition in midsummer
- Severe afternoon thunderstorms present sudden wind and lightning dangers on open lakes
Kenai Fjords National Park
- Direct boat access to actively calving tidewater glaciers
- High-density sightings of marine mammals and seabird colonies
- Demanding day hike delivering unobstructed views of the Harding Icefield
- Long daylight hours maximize time on the water and trail
- Heavy coastal rainfall and maritime fog frequently cancel boat runs
- Road access is restricted to a single glacier terminus
- Commercial charter and water taxi costs run exceptionally high
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