Acadia National Park and North Cascades National Park are both hidden gems in the United States, offering visitors a chance to escape into the wild and experience some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the country. But what makes these two parks so unique and worth visiting? If you’re looking for an adventure that combines rugged peaks, sparkling lakes, and diverse wildlife, then both of these parks should be at the top of your list. Imagine yourself hiking through dense forests, crossing glistening streams, and reaching awe-inspiring mountain summits. Now, imagine doing all of this in two different national parks with each offering their own unique experience. Acadia National Park offers a diverse mix of rocky coastlines and lush forests, while North Cascades National Park offers a rugged wilderness experience with glaciers and rugged peaks. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful retreat, these two national parks have something for everyone. So, come along with me as we explore the beauty and wonder of Acadia National Park and North Cascades National Park.
Hiking Trails in Acadia National Park and North Cascades National Park
Acadia National Park and North Cascades National Park are both known for their beautiful hiking trails and natural wonders. Both parks offer a wide range of hiking trails, from easy, family-friendly hikes to challenging backcountry treks.
In Acadia National Park, some of the easiest hikes include the Jordan Pond Nature Trail, the Precipice Trail, and the Jordan Pond Path. These hikes offer great views of the park’s natural beauty, including Jordan Pond, the Bubbles, and the Precipice. For more challenging hikes, visitors can try the Precipice Trail, which takes hikers up steep cliffs and offers views of the park’s rugged coastline, or the Jordan Pond Path, which takes hikers through rocky terrain and offers great views of the park’s mountains and valleys.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, offers a wide range of hiking trails, from easy, family-friendly hikes to challenging backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes include the Trail of the Cedars, the Easy Pass Trail, and the Maple Pass Loop. These hikes offer great views of the park’s natural beauty, including the North Cascades Mountains, rivers and lakes. For more challenging hikes, visitors can try the Park Butte Trail, which takes hikers to the summit of Park Butte, a popular spot for panoramic views of the park, or the Cascade Pass Trail, which takes hikers through rugged terrain and offers great views of the park’s glaciers and mountain peaks.
In summary, both Acadia National Park and North Cascades National Park offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels. While Acadia National Park is known for its easy hikes, family-friendly trails and coastal views, North Cascades National Park is known for its challenging hikes, backcountry treks and stunning views of the North Cascades mountains and valleys.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Acadia National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Beehive Loop Trail | 2253.076 | 148.7424 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Cadillac North Ridge Trail | 6437.36 | 340.7664 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Jordan Pond Full Loop Trail | 5471.756 | 28.956 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Ocean Path and Gorham Mountain Loop Trail | 4988.954 | 181.9656 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail Loop | 12070.05 | 684.8856 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Precipice, Orange and Black and Champlain North Ridge Trail Loop | 3379.614 | 319.7352 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Ocean Path Trail: Thunder Hole and Monument Cove | 7242.03 | 113.9952 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Great Head Trail (Short Option) | 2574.944 | 91.7448 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| South Bubble Mountain and Jordan Pond Loop | 2253.076 | 149.9616 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cadillac Summit Loop Trail | 482.802 | 13.716 | 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 Acadia National Park and North Cascades National Park
Acadia National Park and North Cascades National Park are both known for their diverse and abundant wildlife populations.
At Acadia, visitors can expect to see a variety of animals such as white-tailed deer, moose, black bears, foxes, and coyotes. Along the coast, you may also spot seals, porpoises, and a variety of seabirds. The park is also home to many different species of songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl.
North Cascades National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, elk, marmots, and mountain goats. The park is also known for its birdwatching opportunities, with over 200 species of birds such as the Peregrine Falcon, the Bald Eagle and the Harlequin Duck.
Both parks are also known for their wide variety of plants, with Acadia having both coniferous and deciduous forests, as well as wildflowers, ferns, and mosses. North Cascades has a wide range of wildflowers, berries, and shrubs, as well as old-growth forests of Douglas fir, western hemlock, and western red cedar.
Overall, both parks offer a wide variety of wildlife and plant life to discover, and visitors should be prepared to encounter different animals and plants depending on the season and location in the park.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Acadia National Park and North Cascades National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Acadia 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
| Acadia National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Raccoon | Raccoon |
| Black Bear | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Cross Fox | Red Fox |
| New York Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| House Mouse | House Mouse |
| Mink | Puma |
| Gray Wolf | Mink |
| Bonaparte’s Weasel | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Varying Hare | Wolf |
| Masked Shrew | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Water Shrew | Western Long-Eared Bat |
| Red Squirrel | Ermine |
| Virginia Deer | California Myotis |
| Canada Lynx | Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Acadia National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Native Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Loch Leven Brown Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Largemouth Bass | Longnose Sucker |
| Fathead Minnow | Lake Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Burbot |
| Togue | Silver Salmon |
| Threespine Stickleback | King Salmon |
| Creek Chub | Slimy Sculpin |
| Brown Bullhead | Longnose Dace |
| Smallmouth Bass | Threespine Stickleback |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Acadia National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Leopard Frog | |
| Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Acadia National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Ringneck Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Eastern Garter Snake | Western Yellowbelly Racer |
| Milk Snake | Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Acadia National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Acadia National Park and North Cascades National Park
Acadia National Park and North Cascades National Park both offer a wide variety of beautiful landscapes and natural features that are sure to take your breath away.
Acadia National Park, located on the coast of Maine, is known for its rocky coastline and rugged cliffs that offer spectacular ocean views. The park’s most famous landscape is Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the eastern coast of the United States. Visitors can take a drive or hike to the summit for panoramic views of the park and the surrounding area. The park also offers a variety of other landscapes, including lush forests, serene lakes, and cascading waterfalls. The Jordan Pond Path is a popular hike that offers views of the Jordan Pond and the Bubbles Mountains, and the Precipice Trail is a strenuous hike that rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the ocean and the park’s cliffs.
North Cascades National Park, located in Washington State, is known for its rugged wilderness and towering peaks. The park’s most famous landscape is the North Cascades mountain range, which boasts some of the most rugged and dramatic peaks in the country. Visitors can take a drive or hike to the summit for panoramic views of the park and the surrounding area. The park also offers a variety of other landscapes, including pristine alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests. The Diablo Lake Trail offers a great view of the lake and the surrounding peaks and the Cascade Pass Trail offers a great view of the mountains and glaciers.
Both parks offer a unique and diverse range of landscapes that are sure to take your breath away. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful retreat, these two national parks have something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Acadia National Park and North Cascades National Park
Acadia National Park and North Cascades National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Acadia National Park, some of the most popular activities include hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to over 120 miles of hiking trails, including the iconic Precipice Trail and Jordan Pond Path, which offer stunning views of the park’s rugged coastline and mountains. Camping is also a popular activity, with several campgrounds and backcountry sites available for visitors to explore. Wildlife viewing is also a big draw at Acadia, with opportunities to see a variety of animals including deer, moose, foxes, and black bears.
Similarly, North Cascades National Park offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park, with over 400 miles of trails available for visitors to explore. The park is also a popular destination for backpacking, with several backcountry campsites available for visitors to spend the night. Additionally, the park is home to a number of scenic drives, including the North Cascades Highway, which offers visitors the opportunity to see the park’s rugged mountains and glaciers. Rock climbing and mountaineering are also popular activities in the park.
In terms of activities, both parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. However, North Cascades National Park might be considered more challenging and rugged than Acadia National Park, with more options for backpacking, rock climbing and mountaineering. Acadia National Park has more easy hikes and family-friendly options. Both parks are great options for visitors looking to explore the natural beauty of the United States, and the best time to visit will depend on personal preferences and the specific activities you’re interested in.
Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park and North Cascades National Park
Acadia National Park and North Cascades National Park are both located in the northern hemisphere and have similar seasonal weather patterns. However, the weather in each park can vary greatly depending on the elevation and location within the park.
At Acadia National Park, located in Maine, the best time to visit is during the summer months of June to September when the weather is warm and there is the least amount of rainfall. The park has a moderate climate with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to mid-70s during the summer months. Fall is also a popular time to visit, with beautiful foliage and mild temperatures. Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping below freezing and the park receiving significant snowfall.
North Cascades National Park, located in Washington state, experiences a much cooler and wetter climate than Acadia. The best time to visit is during the summer months of June to September, when the weather is typically dry and warm. However, since the park is located in a mountainous area, temperatures can vary greatly depending on elevation. The park receives a significant amount of snowfall during the winter months, making it a popular destination for winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The park is also known for its fall foliage, which can be beautiful in September and October.
In summary, both parks offer great hiking opportunities, but the weather conditions are different. Best time to visit Acadia National Park is during the summer and fall, while North Cascades National Park can be enjoyed in summer and also in winter for winter sports enthusiasts.
Family Friendliness of Acadia National Park and North Cascades National Park
Acadia National Park and North Cascades National Park are both great options for families looking to experience the great outdoors, but each park offers its own unique family-friendly features.
Acadia National Park is a great option for families with children of all ages. The park has a wide variety of family-friendly activities, including easy hiking trails, carriage roads for biking and strolling, and scenic drives with great views. The Jordan Pond Path is a popular hike that is easy for the whole family, and the Precipice Trail is a strenuous hike that rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the ocean and the park’s cliffs. The park also offers ranger-led programs and campfire talks, as well as a visitor center with interactive exhibits.
North Cascades National Park is also a great option for families with children of all ages, but it’s a bit more rugged compared to Acadia National Park. The park has a wide variety of family-friendly activities, including easy hiking trails, scenic drives with great views, and ranger-led programs. The Diablo Lake Trail is a popular hike that is easy for the whole family, and the Cascade Pass Trail offers a great view of the mountains and glaciers. While the park does not have a lot of family-friendly activities like ranger-led programs, the park’s visitor center has a variety of exhibits and information that visitors can enjoy.
Both parks are great options for families looking to experience the great outdoors, but Acadia National Park offers a more diverse range of family-friendly activities and ranger-led programs, making it a better option for families with children of all ages. North Cascades National Park is a great option for families looking for a more rugged wilderness experience.