Acadia National Park and Olympic National Park are both natural gems that offer a wide variety of outdoor experiences for visitors. Both parks are located on the coast of the United States, with Acadia in Maine and Olympic in Washington. While they may seem vastly different on the surface, both parks offer breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, these two parks are sure to leave a lasting impression. If you’re trying to decide between the two, this guide will help you compare and contrast the experiences that each park has to offer, making it easier to choose which one is right for you. So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure as we take a closer look at the unique features of Acadia National Park and Olympic National Park.
Hiking Trails in Acadia National Park and Olympic National Park
Acadia National Park and Olympic National Park are both great options for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a wide variety of hiking trails. However, each park offers its own unique hiking experiences.
Acadia National Park is known for its rugged coastline and granite peaks, and offers a wide variety of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Jordan Pond Path, which is a 3-mile loop around a beautiful mountain pond, and the Precipice Trail, which is a 1.4-mile hike with great views of the ocean and the park’s cliffs. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Precipice Trail is a strenuous hike with steep sections and narrow ledges. The park also offers several carriage roads that are great for biking and strolling.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, offers a more diverse range of hiking experiences, with something for visitors of all skill levels. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Hoh River Trail, which is a relatively flat hike through a beautiful rainforest, and the Spruce Nature Trail, which is a short hike that offers great views of the park’s mountains and glaciers. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the park offers several strenuous hikes such as the High Divide Loop, which is a 8.2-mile hike with steep sections and great views of the park’s mountains and glaciers. The park also offers a wide variety of backcountry trails for experienced hikers.
Both parks are great options for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a wide variety of hiking trails, but Acadia National Park is known for its rugged coastline and granite peaks, while Olympic National Park offers a more diverse range of hiking experiences, including rainforest, mountains and glaciers. Both parks are great option depending on the type of hike you’re looking for.
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 Olympic National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge | 4988.954 | 242.9256 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Storm King | 6276.426 | 638.8608 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail | 2574.944 | 77.724 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss | 1609.34 | 23.7744 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Marymere Falls Trail | 2735.878 | 90.8304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hoh River Trail | 52786.352 | 1558.7472 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| High Divide – Seven Lakes Basin Loop | 30577.46 | 1617.8784 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Ruby Beach | 2253.076 | 20.7264 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Staircase Rapids Loop | 3379.614 | 64.9224 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Spruce Railroad Trail: Lake Crescent | 18024.608 | 131.9784 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Acadia National Park and Olympic National Park
Acadia National Park and Olympic National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife. At Acadia, visitors can expect to see a variety of animals such as white-tailed deer, moose, black bears, and foxes. The park is also home to many bird species, including peregrine falcons, ospreys, and eagles. Additionally, the park’s coastal location makes it a great spot for viewing seals and porpoises. The park’s forests and wetlands also host a wide variety of plant life, including wildflowers and mosses.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is known for its diverse ecosystems, which include rainforests, subalpine meadows, and coastal beaches. This diversity in habitat leads to a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors can expect to see black bears, mountain goats, elk, and a variety of bird species such as the marbled murrelet and the spotted owl. The park also has a large population of Roosevelt elk, which can be seen grazing in the meadows. The park is also home to several species of salmon and steelhead, which can be viewed at the Elwha River and other streams. Additionally, Olympic National Park is home to a wide variety of plant species including giant conifers, ferns, and wildflowers.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Acadia National Park and Olympic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Acadia National Park | Olympic 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 | 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 | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| 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 | Red Fox |
| Hoary Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Cross Fox | House Mouse |
| New York Weasel | Wolf |
| House Mouse | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Mink | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Gray Wolf | California Myotis |
| Bonaparte’s Weasel | Snowshoe Rabbit |
| Varying Hare | North American River Otter |
| Masked Shrew | Fringe-Tailed Myotis |
| Water Shrew | Masked Shrew |
| Red Squirrel | Water Shrew |
| Virginia Deer | Western Big-Eared Bat |
| Canada Lynx | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
Fish
| Acadia National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Steelhead/Rainbow Trout |
| Native Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Loch Leven Brown Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Largemouth Bass | Salish Sucker |
| Fathead Minnow | Coho Salmon |
| Golden Shiner | Chinook Salmon |
| Togue | Longnose Dace |
| Threespine Stickleback | Speckled Dace |
| Creek Chub | Threespine Stickleback |
| Brown Bullhead | Sockeye Salmon |
| Smallmouth Bass | Pink Salmon |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Acadia National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Acadia National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Ringneck Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Eastern Garter Snake | Common Garter Snake |
| Milk Snake | Rubber Boa |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Acadia National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Acadia National Park and Olympic National Park
Acadia National Park, located on the coast of Maine, is known for its rugged coastline, beautiful rocky beaches, and stunning views from Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the east coast of the United States. The park also features several hiking trails, including the Precipice Trail and Jordan Pond Path, as well as a number of lakes and ponds, such as Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake.
Olympic National Park, located in Washington state, is known for its diverse landscapes, including rainforests, alpine meadows, and rugged coastline. The park is home to the Olympic Mountains, which offer spectacular views from Hurricane Ridge and the summit of Mount Olympus. The park also features several hiking trails, such as the Hoh Rain Forest Trail and the Sol Duc Falls Trail, as well as a number of rivers and waterfalls, including the Sol Duc River and Sol Duc Falls.
Things To-Do and Activities in Acadia National Park and Olympic National Park
Acadia National Park and Olympic National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Acadia National Park, visitors can enjoy hiking on some of the park’s many trails, including the Precipice Trail and Jordan Pond Path, which offer breathtaking views of the park’s rugged coastline and granite peaks. Other popular activities at Acadia include biking, camping, and birdwatching. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, deer, and foxes.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is known for its diverse landscapes, which include rainforests, beaches, and snow-capped mountains. Hiking is a popular activity in the park, with trails such as the Hurricane Ridge and the Hoh Rainforest offering visitors the chance to explore these unique environments. Visitors can also enjoy camping, fishing, and kayaking in the park. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, black bears, and marmots.
Both parks are also family-friendly and offer a range of activities that are suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities. While Acadia offers more strenuous hikes and activities, Olympic National Park offer a wider range of hikes and activities for all ages, including easy hikes and ranger-led programs for children.
In conclusion, both Acadia National Park and Olympic National Park are great places to visit for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. The choice between the two may depend on personal preferences and the type of experiences you are looking for, such as rugged coastline or diverse landscapes.
Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park and Olympic National Park
Acadia National Park and Olympic National Park are both located in the northern hemisphere and have unique weather patterns that affect when is the best time of year to visit.
Acadia National Park, located on the coast of Maine, experiences a moderate maritime climate with warm summers and cold winters. The park’s peak season is during the summer months of June through August, when temperatures typically range from the low 60s to low 80s Fahrenheit. The park’s fall season, from September to October, is also a popular time to visit, with mild temperatures and spectacular foliage. Winter can be a great time to visit as well, but it can be very cold and snowy, making it less popular with visitors. The park’s spring season, from April to May, is a great time to see the park’s wildflowers and waterfalls, but the weather can be unpredictable.
Olympic National Park, located in Washington state, experiences a Mediterranean climate with mild summers and cool winters. The park’s peak season is during the summer months of June through August, when temperatures typically range from the mid 50s to mid 60s Fahrenheit. The park’s fall season, from September to October, is also a popular time to visit, with mild temperatures and spectacular foliage. Winter is a less popular time to visit the park, as the park’s higher elevations can receive heavy snowfall and many of the park’s facilities are closed. The park’s spring season, from April to May, is a great time to see the park’s wildflowers and waterfalls, but the weather can be unpredictable.
In summary, the best time to visit Acadia National Park is during the summer and fall months, while the best time to visit Olympic National Park is also during the summer and fall months. However, each park offers different experiences during different seasons, so it depends on what type of weather and activities you prefer.
Family Friendliness of Acadia National Park and Olympic National Park
Both Acadia National Park and Olympic National Park are great options for families looking to enjoy the outdoors and explore the natural beauty of the United States. However, each park has its own unique features that may make it more or less suitable for a family visit depending on the interests and needs of your children.
Acadia National Park is considered to be more family-friendly than Olympic National Park. The park has a variety of easy hiking trails and carriage roads for families to explore. The park also has a number of ranger-led programs and activities for children, including campfires, animal tracking and bird watching, and guided hikes. Additionally, the park is home to several campgrounds and picnic areas, providing families with plenty of options for overnight stays and meals.
Olympic National Park, while also a great option for family, is a bit more rugged, offering more strenuous hikes and backpacking opportunities. The park has a number of ranger-led programs and activities, but they may not be as frequent and as diverse as in Acadia. Additionally, the park has fewer campground options and it may be harder to find a spot to stay overnight.
Therefore, if you’re traveling with children and looking for a more family-friendly experience, Acadia National Park may be a better option. But if you’re looking for a more adventurous and rugged trip, then Olympic National Park may be a good fit.