Lassen Volcanic National Park and North Cascades National Park are two of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the United States. Both parks offer stunning landscapes, breathtaking views, and a chance to experience the raw power of nature. But, which one is the better choice for your next adventure?
In this article, we will compare these two parks and highlight the unique features of each. From the fiery peaks of Lassen Volcanic National Park to the jagged peaks of the North Cascades, each park offers a unique experience. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful escape, you’ll find something to love in these two parks.
So, grab your hiking boots, pack your camping gear and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. Let’s dive in and discover which park is the best for your next outdoor excursion.
Hiking Trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park and North Cascades National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and North Cascades National Park are two stunning national parks in the United States that offer a diverse range of hiking trails for visitors to explore.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to the iconic Lassen Peak, an active volcano that offers a challenging hike to the summit with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. For those looking for an easier hike, the park also offers the Bumpass Hell trail, a 3-mile round trip hike through a unique and colorful hydrothermal area.
North Cascades National Park, located in Washington state, is known for its rugged beauty and offers a variety of challenging hikes through craggy peaks, deep valleys and glaciers. One of the most popular hikes in the park is the Cascade Pass trail, a 5.4-mile round trip hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks. For those looking for a less strenuous hike, the park also offers the Easy Pass trail, a 2.4-mile round trip hike that takes you through a beautiful valley with views of the surrounding peaks.
In conclusion, both Lassen Volcanic National Park and North Cascades National Park offer a range of hiking trails to suit all abilities, from easy walks to challenging summit hikes. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views or unique hydrothermal areas, these parks are sure to provide an unforgettable hiking experience.
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 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in North Cascades National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 291.9984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail | 17541.806 | 1175.9184 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sourdough Mountain Trail | 14644.994 | 1555.6992 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail to Cottonwood Camp | 25588.506 | 1422.8064 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail | 10460.71 | 542.8488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sahale Arm Trail to Quien Sabe Glacier | 19955.816 | 1651.7112 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk | 3057.746 | 21.9456 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Fourth of July Pass via Panther Creek Trail | 14966.862 | 759.8664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July and Thunder Creek Trail | 23335.43 | 1949.8056 | Hard | out and back | 4 |
| Gorge Creek Falls Trail | 804.67 | 11.8872 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
Wildlife in Lassen Volcanic National Park and North Cascades National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and North Cascades National Park are two popular destinations for nature lovers. When it comes to wildlife, both parks offer unique experiences. Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to a variety of mammals including black bears, mountain lions, and deer. Visitors may also spot smaller mammals like squirrels and chipmunks. Bird-watching is also popular in the park, with species like the Steller’s Jay and the American Dipper being commonly seen. In terms of plant life, Lassen is home to a diverse range of vegetation including conifers, wildflowers, and meadows.
In contrast, North Cascades National Park is known for its diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, mountain goats, and elk. Additionally, bird enthusiasts will love the park’s numerous species including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and the Great Gray Owl. North Cascades is also home to a wide range of plant life, including old-growth forests, subalpine meadows, and alpine tundra. Whether you’re interested in wildlife or just want to experience the beauty of nature, both Lassen Volcanic National Park and North Cascades National Park are excellent options.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Lassen Volcanic National Park and North Cascades National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | North Cascades 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 | 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 | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| American Beaver | Coyote |
| Muskrat | American Beaver |
| Bobcat | Muskrat |
| Striped Skunk | Big Brown Bat |
| Raccoon | Bobcat |
| Black Bear | Striped Skunk |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Raccoon |
| Mountain Lion | Black Bear |
| Mink | Porcupine |
| Mule Deer | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Gray Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Wolf | Red Fox |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Snowshoe Hare | House Mouse |
| Fringed Myotis | Puma |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Mink |
| Yuma Myotis | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Bighorn Sheep | Wolf |
| Montane Shrew | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Tailed Vole | Western Long-Eared Bat |
| Ringtail | Ermine |
| Virginia Opossum | California Myotis |
| Wolverine | Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Fathead Minnow | Longnose Sucker |
| Golden Shiner | Lake Trout |
| Silver Salmon | Burbot |
| King Salmon | Silver Salmon |
| Mottled Sculpin | King Salmon |
| Speckled Dace | Slimy Sculpin |
| Brown Bullhead | Longnose Dace |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Western Yellowbelly Racer |
| Racer | Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Western Rattlesnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Rubber Boa |
| Sagebrush Lizard | Western Fence Lizard |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog |
Insects
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Monarch Butterfly | Red Admiral |
| American Painted Lady | Mourning Cloak |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | Silvery Blue |
| Honey Bee | Clouded Sulphur |
| Buckeye | Honey Bee |
| Anise Swallowtail | Purplish Copper |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Lassen Volcanic National Park and North Cascades National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in Northern California and is home to the largest plug dome volcano in the world, Lassen Peak. Visitors can hike to the summit of the peak and take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. In addition to Lassen Peak, the park is also home to many other volcanic features such as boiling mud pots, steaming vents, and crystal-clear mountain lakes.
North Cascades National Park, located in Washington State, is known for its rugged peaks, glaciers, and waterfalls. The park is home to over 300 glaciers and is considered one of the most geologically active areas in the country. Visitors can hike to the summit of one of the many peaks in the park or take a scenic drive along the North Cascades Highway for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to several beautiful waterfalls and is a popular destination for kayaking and rafting along the Skagit River.
Things To-Do and Activities in Lassen Volcanic National Park and North Cascades National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and North Cascades National Park are two of the most popular national parks in California and Washington. Both parks are known for their scenic beauty, but they offer different types of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is a popular destination for those looking to explore the unique geological features of an active volcanic landscape. Visitors can hike to the top of Lassen Peak, the dominant feature of the park, and explore the many hydrothermal features like boiling mud pots, steaming vents, and fumaroles. In addition, the park also offers opportunities for camping, fishing, and horseback riding.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. The park’s rugged terrain provides endless opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and climbing. The park is also famous for its spectacular waterfalls and its abundant wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and elk. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and kayaking on the many lakes and rivers throughout the park.
In conclusion, both Lassen Volcanic National Park and North Cascades National Park offer unique experiences for visitors. Whether you are interested in exploring the geological wonders of an active volcano or the rugged beauty of the Cascade Mountains, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Lassen Volcanic National Park and North Cascades National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and North Cascades National Park are two popular outdoor destinations in the United States. Both parks offer scenic beauty and provide opportunities for outdoor activities. However, the seasonal weather at each park is different and this affects when is the best time of year to visit.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in northern California and is known for its hot summers and cold winters. During the summer, temperatures average in the mid-70s to mid-80s, making it an ideal time for hiking and camping. Winter temperatures are much colder, with snow and ice covering the park. This makes winter a great time for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
North Cascades National Park is located in Washington State and is known for its rainy and cloudy weather, especially during the winter months. Despite the rain, the park is still a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, as the rain often leads to breathtaking waterfalls and lush greenery. Summer temperatures are warm, with average temperatures in the mid-60s to mid-70s, making it a great time for hiking and camping.
In conclusion, both Lassen Volcanic National Park and North Cascades National Park have unique weather patterns that make them ideal for different seasons. Visitors should consider the weather when planning their visit, as the seasonal weather can greatly affect their experience.
Family Friendliness of Lassen Volcanic National Park and North Cascades National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and North Cascades National Park are two beautiful parks in California and Washington, respectively. Both parks offer scenic landscapes, outdoor recreational activities, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. However, when it comes to family-friendliness, the two parks differ in some ways.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is considered a better option for families with children. The park has a number of hiking trails that are suitable for families, including the easy Bumpass Hell trail and the moderate Lassen Peak trail. The park also offers ranger-led programs for kids, as well as a junior ranger program. In addition, the park has a campground and several picnic areas, making it easy for families to spend a day or a night in the park.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is a more challenging park to visit with children. The park has a limited number of hiking trails that are suitable for families, and many of the trails are steep and rocky. In addition, the park is more remote and less developed than Lassen Volcanic National Park, making it a less convenient option for families with young children. However, the park is a great option for families who are looking for a more adventurous and remote experience.
In conclusion, while both Lassen Volcanic National Park and North Cascades National Park offer beautiful landscapes, outdoor activities, and wildlife viewing opportunities, Lassen Volcanic National Park is a better option for families with children who are looking for a convenient, family-friendly experience. North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is a better option for families who are looking for a more challenging and remote experience.