Indiana Dunes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two vastly different parks that are both worth your time to visit. Whether you’re into sand dunes or volcanic landscapes, one of these parks is sure to captivate you. The article will compare these two unique parks and help you decide which one is right for your next adventure.
Indiana Dunes National Park is a hidden gem located in the Midwest, offering 15,000 acres of sand dunes, wetlands, forests, and prairies. The park is perfect for hiking, swimming, and birdwatching. It also offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse ecosystems that make up the Great Lakes region.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, on the other hand, is located in Northern California and is a true geological wonder. The park features a variety of volcanic features, including the world-famous Lassen Peak, hot springs, and boiling mud pots. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual visitor, Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a unique experience that you’ll never forget. With its stunning landscapes and geological wonders, it’s easy to see why Lassen Volcanic National Park is considered one of the most spectacular national parks in the country.
Hiking Trails in Indiana Dunes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two distinct and diverse national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks.
At Indiana Dunes National Park, the trails vary from sandy beaches to steep dunes and forests. One of the easiest hikes is the Dunes Ridge Trail, a 1.5-mile loop that offers stunning views of the park’s sand dunes and the surrounding wetlands. For a more strenuous hike, visitors can take the 6-mile round trip trek to the top of Mount Baldy, the tallest sand dune in the park.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in northern California, features a diverse landscape of volcanic features, including geysers, hot springs, and boiling mud pots. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Bumpass Hell Trail, a 3-mile round trip hike through a valley filled with boiling mud pots, steam vents, and sulfur vents. For a more strenuous hike, visitors can take the 5.5-mile round trip hike to the summit of Lassen Peak, the park’s centerpiece and the largest plug dome volcano in the world.
Both Indiana Dunes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park offer a variety of hiking trails for different skill levels, from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a strenuous hike, these parks have something for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Indiana Dunes National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cowles Bog Trail | 6920.162 | 64.9224 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Little Calumet River Trail Loop | 6276.426 | 50.9016 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
West Beach Loop with Scallop Dunes and Long Lake Trail | 5471.756 | 78.9432 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
Dune Succession and West Beach Walk | 4345.218 | 43.8912 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
West Beach Loop | 1770.274 | 28.956 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Miller Woods Trail | 6115.492 | 40.8432 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Dune Ridge Trail | 1448.406 | 26.8224 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
Tolleston Dunes | 5149.888 | 52.7304 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
Beach Trail to Waverly Beach | 1609.34 | 5.7912 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Indiana’s Lake Michigan Shoreline Scenic Drive | 35083.612 | 84.7344 | Moderate | point to point | 3.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lassen Peak | 8207.634 | 599.8464 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Kings Creek Falls Trail | 4345.218 | 143.8656 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Cinder Cone Nature Trail | 7724.832 | 317.9064 | Hard | loop | 5 |
Brokeoff Mountain Trail | 12230.984 | 786.9936 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Mill Creek Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 237.744 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Manzanita Lake Loop | 3057.746 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Devil’s Kitchen Trail | 7402.964 | 187.7568 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Chaos Crags Trail | 6437.36 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Cluster Lakes Loop Trail | 16737.136 | 451.7136 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Boiling Springs Lake Loop Trail | 3701.482 | 75.8952 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Indiana Dunes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park is located in northern Indiana along the shore of Lake Michigan and is known for its diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, prairies, forests, and dunes. Visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, muskrats, beavers, and coyotes. Additionally, over 300 species of birds, such as the bald eagle, sandhill crane, and red-tailed hawk, can be seen at the park.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in northern California, is a unique park that features a variety of volcanic features, including boiling mud pots, steam vents, and hot springs. In addition to its geological wonders, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and the threatened Sierra Nevada red fox. Birdwatchers can also enjoy observing species such as the mountain bluebird, western tanager, and the pygmy owl.
Both parks offer breathtaking views and opportunities for wildlife viewing, making them perfect destinations for nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in observing birds or mammals, both Indiana Dunes and Lassen Volcanic National Parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Indiana Dunes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Indiana Dunes National Park | Lassen Volcanic 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 |
European Starling | European Starling |
Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
Indiana Dunes National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
---|---|
Coyote | American Beaver |
American Beaver | Muskrat |
Muskrat | Bobcat |
Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
Bobcat | Raccoon |
Striped Skunk | Black Bear |
Little Brown Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
Deer Mouse | Hoary Bat |
Raccoon | Long-Tailed Weasel |
Black Bear | Mountain Lion |
Silver-Haired Bat | Mink |
Hoary Bat | Mule Deer |
Red Fox | Gray Fox |
Long-Tailed Weasel | Wolf |
House Mouse | Long-Eared Myotis |
Mink | Snowshoe Hare |
Gray Fox | Fringed Myotis |
North American River Otter | Western Harvest Mouse |
Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Yuma Myotis |
White-Tailed Deer | Bighorn Sheep |
Virginia Opossum | Montane Shrew |
Eastern Red Bat | Long-Tailed Vole |
White-Footed Mouse | Ringtail |
Norway Rat | Virginia Opossum |
Eastern Cottontail | Wolverine |
Amphibians
Indiana Dunes National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
---|---|
Bullfrog | Bullfrog |
Fish
Indiana Dunes National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
---|---|
Largemouth Bass | Redband Trout |
Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
Bluegill | Brown Trout |
Fathead Minnow | Fathead Minnow |
Golden Shiner | Golden Shiner |
European Carp | Silver Salmon |
Yellow Bullhead | King Salmon |
Graceful Catfish | Mottled Sculpin |
Black Crappie | Speckled Dace |
Black Bullhead | Brown Bullhead |
Mosquitofish | |
Creek Chub | |
Brown Bullhead | |
Goldfish | |
Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
Indiana Dunes National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
---|---|
Gopher Snake | |
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
Racer | |
Western Rattlesnake | |
Ring-Necked Snake | |
Sagebrush Lizard | |
Common Garter Snake | |
Common Kingsnake | |
Rubber Boa | |
Striped Whipsnake | |
Western Whiptail | |
Western Skink | |
Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
Indiana Dunes National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
---|---|
Orange Sulphur | |
Painted Lady | |
Monarch Butterfly | |
American Painted Lady | |
Common Checkered-Skipper | |
Honey Bee | |
Buckeye | |
Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Indiana Dunes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park is located in northwestern Indiana and is known for its 15,000 acres of sand dunes along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. The most famous landscape in the park is Mount Baldy, a 126-foot tall sand dune that visitors can climb for a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The park also features several other sand dunes, as well as forests, wetlands, and prairies that provide habitats for a variety of plant and animal species.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in northern California and is known for its volcanic landscapes, including the Lassen Peak, the largest plug dome volcano in the world. The park has several hydrothermal areas, including boiling mud pots and steaming vents, as well as several lakes and meadows. The park also features several popular hiking trails, including the Bumpass Hell trail, which takes visitors through a landscape of boiling mud pots and steam vents. Lassen Peak, which is approximately 10,000 feet tall, can be reached by a strenuous, but rewarding, hike to the summit.
Things To-Do and Activities in Indiana Dunes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are both renowned for their natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Indiana Dunes National Park is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, and features 15,000 acres of sand dunes, forests, wetlands, and prairies. Popular activities here include hiking, fishing, camping, and beach-combing. Visitors also enjoy birdwatching, as the park is home to over 300 species of birds.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in northern California, is home to the largest plug dome volcano in the world and features a unique landscape of geothermal areas, meadows, and forests. The park is popular for its scenic drives, including the Lassen Peak Highway, and its various camping, hiking, and fishing opportunities. Visitors also enjoy exploring the park’s hydrothermal areas, including Boiling Springs Lake, Bumpass Hell, and Terminal Geyser. Additionally, the park offers winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Overall, both parks offer a wide range of opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure. Whether you love hiking, fishing, camping, or exploring unique landscapes, Indiana Dunes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Indiana Dunes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park is located in the Midwest region of the United States and has a humid continental climate. Summer temperatures average around 80°F (27°C) while winter temperatures average around 30°F (-1°C). Summer is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures and a variety of outdoor activities available such as hiking and swimming. Winter can be cold and snowy, making outdoor activities limited.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, on the other hand, is located in Northern California and has a subalpine climate. Summer temperatures average around 70°F (21°C) while winter temperatures average around 30°F (-1°C). Lassen is known for its volcanic activity, including geysers, mud pots and steam vents. Summer is the best time to visit, as snow can limit access to park features during the winter. Additionally, the park offers winter sports such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing for those who enjoy winter activities.
Both parks offer unique experiences, but the best time to visit depends on the type of activities you want to participate in and your tolerance for extreme weather. Indiana Dunes is best visited during the summer for warm weather activities, while Lassen Volcanic is best visited in the summer for access to its volcanic features, or in winter for winter sports.
Family Friendliness of Indiana Dunes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two unique parks in the United States, and both offer families a chance to experience the great outdoors. Indiana Dunes is situated along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, and is a popular destination for families who enjoy swimming, fishing, and hiking. The park has a variety of trails ranging from easy to challenging, making it suitable for families with kids of all ages. Additionally, there are several picnic areas and campgrounds, making it easy for families to spend the day or even extend their stay.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in northern California, and is known for its stunning volcanic landscapes. This park is a great destination for families who are interested in geology and natural history. There are several walks and hikes available, ranging from easy to strenuous. Children can learn about the park’s volcanic history and see steam vents, mud pots, and other geological wonders. There are also several campgrounds for families who want to spend the night, and ranger-led programs are available for kids.
While both parks are great for families, Indiana Dunes National Park is probably the better option for those traveling with children. The park’s swimming and fishing opportunities, as well as its variety of trails, make it a more kid-friendly destination. By contrast, Lassen Volcanic National Park is a better choice for families who are interested in geology and natural history, as the park’s volcanic landscapes are a unique and educational experience.