Arches National Park and Olympic National Park are two vastly different and stunning National Parks located in the western United States. Arches National Park, located in Utah, is known for its red rock formations and over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, while Olympic National Park, located in Washington, boasts a diverse landscape of rugged coastline, lush rainforests, and snow-capped peaks. Both parks offer a unique and unparalleled outdoor experience, but in very different ways. If you’re looking to explore the otherworldly landscapes of red rock formations or hike through ancient rainforests, these parks offer a diverse range of experiences. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences of these two parks, and which one may be the best fit for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Arches National Park and Olympic National Park
Arches National Park and Olympic National Park are both popular tourist destinations, and they offer a wide variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy.
Arches National Park is known for its beautiful red rock formations and ancient sandstone arches, and the park offers a variety of hiking trails that allow visitors to explore these natural wonders. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Park Avenue trail, which is a short, easy hike that offers great views of the Park Avenue rock formation, and the Windows trail, which is a moderate hike that offers great views of the North and South Windows arches. The park also offers a variety of more challenging hikes, such as the Delicate Arch trail, which is a 3-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to the base of the famous Delicate Arch, and the Devils Garden trail, which is a 7.2-mile round trip hike that takes visitors through a variety of beautiful arches and rock formations.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is known for its beautiful wilderness, with a wide range of hiking trails that offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s diverse landscapes, including the ocean, rainforests, and mountain ranges. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Lake Crescent Trail, which is a 2.4-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through old-growth forest and along the beautiful Lake Crescent, and the Spruce Railroad Trail, which is a 4.5-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors along the shore of Lake Crescent. The park also offers a variety of more challenging hikes, such as the Seven Lakes Basin, which is a 17-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through beautiful alpine meadows and past seven different lakes, and the Hurricane Ridge trail, which is a 3-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to the top of Hurricane Ridge, offering great views of the Olympic Mountains.
In summary, Arches National Park offers a variety of hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the park’s beautiful red rock formations and ancient sandstone arches, with easy to moderate hikes such as Park Avenue trail and Windows trail, and more challenging hikes like Delicate Arch trail and Devils Garden trail. Olympic National Park, on the other hand, offers a wide range of hiking trails that take visitors through the park’s diverse landscapes, with easy hikes such as the Lake Crescent Trail and Spruce Railroad Trail, and more challenging hikes like the Seven Lakes Basin and Hurricane Ridge trail.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Arches National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delicate Arch Trail | 4988.954 | 186.8424 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Devils Garden Loop Trail with 7 Arches | 12070.05 | 325.8312 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Double Arch Trail | 804.67 | 9.7536 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Fiery Furnace and Surprise Arch | 2735.878 | 132.8928 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Landscape Arch Trail | 3057.746 | 78.9432 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Windows Loop and Turret Arch Trail | 1931.208 | 51.816 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Balanced Rock Loop Trail | 482.802 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Park Avenue Trail | 2896.812 | 90.8304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sand Dune Arch Trail | 482.802 | 32.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wolfe Ranch and Petroglyph Trail | 804.67 | 4.8768 | 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 Arches National Park and Olympic National Park
Arches National Park and Olympic National Park are both home to a diverse range of wildlife. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a variety of animals, birds, and plants that are unique to the regions.
Arches National Park is known for its desert wildlife, which includes animals such as desert bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and coyotes. Visitors can also see a variety of birds, such as golden eagles and red-tailed hawks, as well as reptiles like the desert iguana. The park also has a variety of cacti and desert plants that are unique to the region.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is known for its diverse ecosystems, which include rainforests, coastal beaches, and alpine meadows. The park is home to a wide variety of animals, such as black bears, mountain goats, and elk. Visitors can also see many different species of birds, such as the Olympic mountain bluebird, and a variety of marine life along the coast, such as gray whales and sea otters. The park also boasts a wide variety of plant life, from towering old-growth forests to delicate wildflowers.
Both parks offer great opportunities to see wildlife, however, Olympic National Park offer a more diverse range of animals, birds and plants than Arches National Park as it has a much broader range of ecosystems. Visitors should be aware that wildlife in both parks is wild and should be respected and viewed from a safe distance.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Arches National Park and Olympic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Arches 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
| Arches 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 |
| Red Fox | House Mouse |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Wolf |
| House Mouse | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Mountain Lion | Long-Eared Myotis |
| American Mink | California Myotis |
| Mule Deer | Snowshoe Rabbit |
| Common Gray Fox | North American River Otter |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Fringe-Tailed Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Masked Shrew |
| American Badger | Water Shrew |
| California Myotis | Western Big-Eared Bat |
| Northern River Otter | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
Reptiles
| Arches National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Eastern Racer | Rubber Boa |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Western Fence Lizard |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard |
Amphibians
| Arches National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Arches National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Steelhead/Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Largemouth Bass |
| Fathead Minnow | Salish Sucker |
| Common Carp | Coho Salmon |
| Speckled Dace | Chinook Salmon |
| Yellow Bullhead | Longnose Dace |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Insects
| Arches National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Arches National Park and Olympic National Park
Arches National Park and Olympic National Park both offer a variety of unique and breathtaking landscapes.
Arches National Park is known for its red rock formations and over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. The park’s most famous landmarks include Delicate Arch, which is featured on the Utah state license plate, and the iconic Double Arch. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives and hikes through the park’s many canyons and fins.
Olympic National Park offers a diverse landscape of rugged coastline, lush rainforests, and snow-capped peaks. The park’s most famous landscapes include the rugged Pacific coastline, including the famous Rialto Beach and Ruby Beach, the Hoh Rainforest, one of the largest temperate rainforests in the United States, and the glacially-capped peaks of the Olympic Mountains, including Mount Olympus, the park’s highest peak. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives and hikes through the park’s many forests, meadows, and alpine areas.
In summary, Arches National Park is known for its red rock formations and natural sandstone arches, while Olympic National Park is known for its diverse landscapes of rugged coastline, lush rainforests, and snow-capped peaks. Both parks offer a range of beautiful landscapes and natural features that are sure to take your breath away.
Things To-Do and Activities in Arches National Park and Olympic National Park
Arches National Park in Utah and Olympic National Park in Washington state are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer a variety of activities, but they have different natural features and climates that make them unique.
At Arches National Park, visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking, camping, and rock climbing. The park is known for its over 2,000 natural stone arches, as well as its other unique rock formations, such as balanced rocks and fins. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park, with trails ranging from easy, family-friendly hikes to strenuous backcountry treks. Visitors can also take a scenic drive to see the park’s famous arches or go rock climbing on some of the park’s fins and towers.
At Olympic National Park, visitors can also enjoy a range of activities, including hiking, camping, and backpacking. The park is known for its diverse landscapes, including the Olympic Mountains, the Pacific coastline, and the Hoh Rainforest. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park, with trails ranging from easy, family-friendly hikes to strenuous backcountry treks. Visitors can also go backpacking in the park’s wilderness areas or go sea kayaking along the park’s rugged coastline.
In summary, Arches National Park is known for its unique rock formations and hiking trails, while Olympic National Park is known for its diverse landscapes, including the Olympic Mountains, the Pacific coastline, and the Hoh Rainforest. Both parks are great options for outdoor enthusiasts, but depending on your interests, one park may be a better fit for you than the other.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park and Olympic National Park
Arches National Park and Olympic National Park are both located in the western United States and have distinct seasonal weather patterns that can greatly impact when is the best time to visit each park.
Arches National Park is located in the high desert of southern Utah and has a dry, arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. The summer months of June, July, and August can be extremely hot, with temperatures often reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, these months also offer the best weather for hiking and exploring the park’s beautiful red rock formations and ancient sandstone arches. Spring and fall are also good times to visit, with milder temperatures and less crowds. Winter can be mild, but snowfall is rare and the park can be closed due to icy road conditions.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Pacific Northwest of Washington state and has a much more diverse climate, with a wide range of weather patterns depending on the area of the park you are visiting. The park’s coastal areas have a cool, wet climate with high rainfall throughout the year, while the interior of the park is much drier and cooler. The summer months of June, July and August can be the best time to visit the park’s coastal areas, with mild temperatures and less rainfall. The park’s interior and the high mountain areas can be visited during the late spring, summer and early fall with mild weather and less chance of snow. Winter can be very wet and chilly with snow at higher elevations.
In summary, Arches National Park is best visited during the spring, fall or summer months when the weather is mild and dry and the park’s red rock formations and ancient sandstone arches can be easily explored. Olympic National Park is best visited during the late spring, summer, and early fall when the weather is mild and the park’s diverse landscapes can be easily explored. The park’s coastal areas are best visited during the summer months when it is less rainy, while the park’s interior and high mountain areas are best visited during the late spring, summer and early fall.
Family Friendliness of Arches National Park and Olympic National Park
Arches National Park and Olympic National Park are both great options for families looking to enjoy the great outdoors, but they offer different types of experiences.
Arches National Park is a great option for families with children who are interested in hiking and exploring the natural wonders of the park. The park has a variety of easy hikes and short trails that are suitable for children, such as the Park Avenue Trail and the Windows Trail. The park also offers ranger-led activities and Junior Ranger programs that are designed to educate and engage children.
Olympic National Park is also a great option for families, but it offers a different type of experience. The park has a variety of activities that are suitable for children, such as beachcombing, wildlife watching, and ranger-led activities. The park also offers a variety of easy hikes, such as the Spruce Nature Trail and the Hoh River Trail. However, the park also offers some longer and more strenuous hikes, such as the Hurricane Hill Trail and the Elwha River Trail, which might not be suitable for very young children.
In summary, both Arches National Park and Olympic National Park are family-friendly and offer a range of activities that are suitable for children, but Arches National Park is more suitable for families with children who are interested in hiking and exploring the natural wonders of the park, while Olympic National Park offers a more diverse range of activities and landscapes, but some hikes might be too challenging for very young children.