Crater Lake National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two vastly different but equally captivating destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Crater Lake boasts a stunning, deep blue lake surrounded by towering cliffs and forests, while Petrified Forest offers a unique landscape of colorful, petrified wood and other prehistoric artifacts. Whether you seek serenity and tranquility or the thrill of discovering ancient wonders, these parks have something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen and get ready to embark on a journey through two of the United States’ most fascinating national parks.
Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Crater Lake and Petrified Forest NP both offer diverse hiking experiences. Crater Lake has several trails, with easy ones like Rim Village and challenging ones like Cleetwood Cove. Petrified Forest has fewer trails, with easy ones like Giant Logs and difficult ones like Blue Mesa. Trails at both parks offer scenic views, Crater Lake has clear blue waters and Petrified Forest has colorful petrified wood and ancient artifacts such as petroglyphs and Native American ruins.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park
Name
Length
Elevation
Type
Difficulty
Visitor Ratings
Garfield Peak Trail
5471.756
325.8312
Moderate
out and back
4.5
Cleetwood Cove Trail
3379.614
189.8904
Moderate
out and back
4.5
The Watchman Peak Trail
2574.944
117.9576
Moderate
out and back
4.5
Mount Scott Trail
6759.228
383.7432
Moderate
out and back
4.5
Discovery Point Trail
6437.36
278.892
Easy
out and back
4.5
Plaikni Falls Trail
3218.68
40.8432
Easy
out and back
4
Wizard Island Trail
3701.482
228.9048
Moderate
loop
4.5
Sun Notch Trail
1287.472
38.7096
Easy
loop
4.5
Pinnacles Valley Trail
1126.538
11.8872
Easy
out and back
4
Mazama Village to Rim Village at Crater Lake
13357.522
530.9616
Moderate
out and back
4.5
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Petrified Forest National Park
Name
Length
Elevation
Type
Difficulty
Visitor Ratings
Blue Mesa Trail
1448.406
32.9184
Easy
loop
4.5
Crystal Forest Trail
1448.406
10.9728
Easy
loop
4.5
Painted Desert Rim Trail
1770.274
11.8872
Easy
out and back
4
Petrified Forest Scenic Drive
46027.124
297.7896
Moderate
point to point
4.5
Giant Logs Trail
965.604
10.9728
Easy
loop
4
Onyx Bridge Trail
7402.964
134.7216
Moderate
loop
4
Long Logs and Agate House Loop Trail
3379.614
24.9936
Easy
loop
4
Puerco Pueblo Trail
482.802
2.7432
Easy
loop
4
Devil’s Playground Loop
12070.05
144.78
Moderate
loop
4.5
Old Jasper Forest Road
4184.284
53.9496
Easy
loop
4.5
Wildlife in Crater Lake National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is known for its stunning blue waters and volcanic landscapes. Wildlife commonly seen in the area include black bears, mule deer, chipmunks, and squirrels. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, ospreys, and the common raven.
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is famous for its petrified wood formations and colorful badlands. Visitors can expect to see species such as pronghorns, rattlesnakes, and coyotes. The park is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with species such as the greater roadrunner and the cactus wren often seen. In terms of vegetation, the park is a transition zone between the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts and is home to unique plant life such as agave and yucca.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Crater Lake National Park and Petrified Forest National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Crater Lake National Park
Petrified Forest 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
Bald Eagle
American Kestrel
Song Sparrow
Bald Eagle
European Starling
Song Sparrow
Northern Pintail
European Starling
American Wigeon
Northern Pintail
American Pipit
American Wigeon
Swainson’s Thrush
Green-Winged Teal
Mammals
Crater Lake National Park
Petrified Forest National Park
Coyote
Coyote
American Beaver
Big Brown Bat
Muskrat
Bobcat
Big Brown Bat
Striped Skunk
Bobcat
Little Brown Bat
Striped Skunk
Deer Mouse
Little Brown Bat
Raccoon
Deer Mouse
Black Bear
Raccoon
Porcupine
Black Bear
Silver-Haired Bat
Porcupine
Hoary Bat
Silver-Haired Bat
Red Fox
Hoary Bat
Long-Tailed Weasel
Red Fox
Mountain Lion
Long-Tailed Weasel
Mule Deer
House Mouse
Gray Fox
Mountain Lion
Wolf
Mink
Long-Legged Myotis
Mule Deer Or Black-Tailed Deer
Badger
Gray Fox
California Myotis
Wolf
Fringed Myotis
Long-Legged Myotis
Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat
Long-Eared Myotis
Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat
American Badger
Bushy-Tailed Woodrat
Ermine
Western Harvest Mouse
Fish
Crater Lake National Park
Petrified Forest National Park
Rainbow Trout
Brook Trout
Brown Trout
Lake Trout
Silver Salmon
Kokanee Salmon
Cutthroat Trout
Reptiles
Crater Lake National Park
Petrified Forest National Park
Western Terestrial Garter Snake
Gopher Snake
Racer
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Sagebrush Lizard
Western Rattlesnake
Common Garter Snake
Sagebrush Lizard
Rubber Boa
Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard
Western Skink
Side-Blotched Lizard
Western Fence Lizard
Common Kingsnake
Nightsnake
Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard
Milksnake
Striped Whipsnake
Southwestern Black-Headed Snake
Eastern Collared Lizard
Eastern Fence Lizard
Glossy Snake
Amphibians
Crater Lake National Park
Petrified Forest National Park
Bullfrog
Northern Leopard Frog
Tiger Salamander
Woodhouse’s Toad
Red-Spotted Toad
Plains Spadefoot
Insects
Crater Lake National Park
Petrified Forest National Park
Orange Sulphur
Painted Lady
Red Admiral
Honey Bee
Purplish Copper
Anise Swallowtail
Beautiful Landscapes in Crater Lake National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Crater Lake is famous for its deep blue waters and steep cliffs. Petrified Forest is known for its petrified wood formations and the Painted Desert. Both parks offer scenic drives and hiking trails showcasing their unique natural wonders.
Things To-Do and Activities in Crater Lake National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Crater Lake National Park is famous for its deep blue Crater Lake, attracting visitors with scenic drives, boat tours, and short hikes with stunning views. Petrified Forest National Park offers a different experience with its petrified wood, badlands, and Native American petroglyphs, appealing to those interested in backcountry hiking, scenic drives, and cultural history. While both parks offer unique and beautiful vistas, Crater Lake is more focused on water and short hikes, while Petrified Forest is geared toward backcountry and cultural activities.
Best Time to Visit Crater Lake National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is characterized by cold and snowy winters with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 30°F, while summers are mild with temperatures in the 50s to 60s°F. Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona experiences hot and dry summers with average temperatures in the 80s to 90s°F, while winters there are mild with temperatures in the 40s to 50s°F. The best time to visit Crater Lake is during the summer months of June to September, while Petrified Forest is best visited between October and April, during the cooler months. The weather plays a significant role in determining the accessibility and enjoyment of the attractions and activities offered at each park. For instance, Crater Lake offers opportunities for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in winter, while Petrified Forest provides scenic drives and ranger-led walks throughout the year.
Family Friendliness of Crater Lake National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Both Crater Lake National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer family-friendly experiences, but each has its own highlights. Crater Lake is great for scenic drives, boat tours, and hikes, while Petrified Forest offers scenic drives, ranger-led activities, and a stroller-friendly path. Both have Junior Ranger programs. The best park for families will depend on personal preferences, but Crater Lake may be more appealing to kids interested in outdoor activities, while Petrified Forest may be better for families with younger children or those interested in geology and history.