Badlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park are two of the most unique and breathtaking national parks in the United States. While both parks offer visitors the opportunity to explore the great outdoors, they couldn’t be more different from one another. Badlands National Park is a rugged and otherworldly landscape, with its layered rock formations and vast, open prairies. On the other hand, Crater Lake National Park is a serene and peaceful oasis, with its deep blue lake and lush, forested surroundings. Both parks are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors, and are a must-see for anyone who loves nature and adventure. So, whether you’re looking for an otherworldly landscape or a peaceful retreat, these two national parks have something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Badlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park are both known for their beautiful hiking trails, each offering visitors a unique experience.
Badlands National Park offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. Some of the easiest hikes at the park include the Door and Window trails, which are both short and relatively flat, making them perfect for families with young children or visitors looking for an easy hike. The Badlands Loop Road also offers scenic drives and pull-offs with overlooks that provide breathtaking views of the park’s rugged terrain. One of the most challenging hikes at the park is the Castle Trail, which is a 9-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to the top of the Badlands formations and offers some of the most spectacular views in the park.
Crater Lake National Park, on the other hand, is known for its beautiful hiking trails that offer visitors the chance to experience the natural beauty of the park. Some of the easiest hikes at the park include the Cleetwood Cove Trail, which leads visitors to the shore of Crater Lake, and the Sun Notch Trail, which offers visitors a short and easy hike with breathtaking views of the lake. For visitors looking for a more challenging hike, the Pacific Crest Trail, which is a 2,650-mile trail that runs from Mexico to Canada, passes through the park and offers hikers a challenging and rewarding hike. Another challenging hike is the Garfield Peak Trail, which is a 7.2-mile hike that takes visitors to the top of Garfield Peak and offers spectacular views of Crater Lake and the surrounding area.
In summary, both Badlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park offer visitors a wide range of hiking trails, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry hikes, making them perfect for visitors of all ages, interests, and skill levels. Whether you’re a family with young children or an experienced hiker, you’re sure to find a trail that suits your needs and interests.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notch Trail | 2092.142 | 39.9288 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Castle Trail | 16898.07 | 95.7072 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| The Door Trail | 1287.472 | 10.9728 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Saddle Pass Trail | 1126.538 | 65.8368 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Medicine Root Loop Trail | 7242.03 | 102.7176 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| The Window Trail | 321.868 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cliff Shelf Nature Trail | 804.67 | 19.812 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Fossil Exhibit Trail | 643.736 | 3.9624 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sage Creek Loop | 36692.952 | 245.9736 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| Sheep Mountain Table Road | 23496.364 | 180.7464 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
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 |
Wildlife in Badlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Badlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park are both known for their unique and diverse wildlife. However, the types of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen at each park are quite different due to the vastly different environments and ecosystems found in each park. Here is a comparison of the wildlife you can expect to see at Badlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park:
Badlands National Park:
– The park is home to a wide variety of mammals, including bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorns, bison, mule deer, and coyotes. Visitors may also spot a number of smaller mammals, such as prairie dogs, badgers, and raccoons.
– The park is also home to a diverse array of birds, including golden eagles, hawks, and turkey vultures. Visitors may also spot a variety of songbirds, such as meadowlarks and western tanagers.
– The park’s rugged terrain and harsh climate support a variety of unique plants, including cacti, sagebrush, and various species of grasses.
Crater Lake National Park:
– The park is home to a number of mammals, including black bears, mountain lions, deer, and elk. Visitors may also spot a variety of smaller mammals, such as marmots, pikas, and chipmunks.
– The park is also home to a diverse array of birds, including ospreys, eagles, and several species of waterfowl. Visitors may also spot a variety of songbirds, such as warblers and vireos.
– The park’s unique environment supports a variety of unique plants, including subalpine meadows, Douglas-fir, and western hemlock.
In summary, Badlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park are both home to unique and diverse wildlife. The park’s rugged terrain, harsh climate, and unique environments support a variety of different types of animals, birds, and plants. Visitors to Badlands National Park can expect to see a wide variety of mammals, birds and plants that are adapted to the harsh environment of the badlands, while visitors to Crater Lake National Park can expect to see a variety of mammals, birds, and plants that are adapted to the unique environment of the crater lake. Both parks are great for wildlife watching, but the wildlife that you will see will be different in each park.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Badlands National Park | Crater Lake 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 |
| American Kestrel | Bald Eagle |
| Bald Eagle | Song Sparrow |
| Song Sparrow | European Starling |
| European Starling | Northern Pintail |
| Northern Pintail | American Wigeon |
| American Wigeon | American Pipit |
| Green-Winged Teal | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Badlands National Park | Crater Lake 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 |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mountain Lion | House Mouse |
| Mule Deer | Mountain Lion |
| Gray Fox | Mink |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Mule Deer Or Black-Tailed Deer |
| Northern Myotis | Gray Fox |
| Badger | Wolf |
| Weasel | Long-Legged Myotis |
| North American River Otter | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Common Shrew | American Badger |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Ermine |
Reptiles
| Badlands National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Western Terestrial Garter Snake |
| Racer | Racer |
| Western Rattlesnake | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Common Garter Snake | Common Garter Snake |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | Rubber Boa |
| Milksnake | Western Skink |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Badlands National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Badlands National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Monarch | Red Admiral |
| American Painted Lady | Honey Bee |
| Red Admiral | Purplish Copper |
| Morning Cloak | Anise Swallowtail |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Check-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Badlands National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
|---|---|
| Fathead Minnow | Rainbow Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Brook Trout |
| European Carp | Brown Trout |
| Longnose Dace | Lake Trout |
| Yellow Bullhead | Silver Salmon |
| Channel Catfish | Kokanee Salmon |
| Black Bullhead | Cutthroat Trout |
| Creek Chub |
Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Badlands National Park is well-known for its unique and dramatic landscapes, featuring layered rock formations, deep canyons, and vast prairies. The park’s most famous landscape is the Badlands Loop Road, which winds through the park’s rugged terrain, offering visitors stunning views of the layered rock formations that give the park its name. Along the Loop Road, visitors can also spot bison, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn as well as different bird species.
Crater Lake National Park, on the other hand, is home to the deepest lake in the United States, Crater Lake. The lake was formed by the collapse of an ancient volcano, and is renowned for its deep blue color and stunning surrounding cliffs. Visitors can take a boat tour of the lake, hike the many trails that surround it, or drive around the Rim Drive, which offers panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding peaks of the Cascade Range. The park is also known for its natural beauty, including the Pinnacles, a volcanic spires, and the Phantom Ship, a small, rocky island in the lake. The park also offers several waterfalls like Plaikni and Vidae falls.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Badlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Both parks are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but the types of activities available at each park are quite different.
Badlands National Park is known for its hiking and backpacking trails. The park has several hiking trails that vary in difficulty and length, allowing visitors to explore the park’s rugged terrain and unique rock formations. The park also offers backpacking trails, allowing visitors to spend the night in the wilderness and experience the park’s beauty under the stars. Additionally, Badlands National Park offers a scenic drive, the Badlands Loop Road, which takes visitors through the park’s most spectacular landscapes, offering a great way to see the park if you’re short on time or have mobility constraints.
Crater Lake National Park is known for its water activities, such as swimming, boating, and fishing. The park’s main attraction is its namesake lake, which is the deepest lake in the United States and offers a stunning blue color. Visitors can take a boat tour of the lake, which provides a unique perspective on the park’s natural beauty, or rent a boat or canoe and explore the lake on their own. The park also offers several hiking trails, which provide visitors with breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding peaks of the Cascade Range. Fishing is another popular activity, visitors can fish for rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and lake trout.
Both parks also offer ranger-led programs, such as guided hikes, campfire talks, and Junior Ranger activities. They also have visitor centers where you can learn more about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife, as well as pick up maps, brochures, and souvenirs.
Overall, whether you’re looking for a rugged outdoor adventure or a peaceful retreat, Badlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park have something for everyone to enjoy.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Badlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park both offer visitors the opportunity to experience unique and beautiful landscapes, but the weather at these two parks can vary significantly.
Badlands National Park is located in the Great Plains region of the United States and experiences hot summers and cold winters. The park’s summer temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a popular destination during the cooler months of spring and fall. During the spring, visitors can enjoy the park’s wildflowers and during the fall, the park’s colorful foliage. The winter months can be very cold with temperatures dropping below freezing, but the park remains open and accessible. However, the park’s rugged terrain and remote location can make it difficult to navigate during the winter, so it is important to be well prepared if you plan to visit during this time.
Crater Lake National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon and experiences a more moderate climate. The park’s summer temperatures are generally in the mid-70s, making it a popular destination for visitors looking to escape the heat. The park’s beautiful blue lake is also a popular destination during the summer months. The park’s fall and spring seasons are also mild, making it a great destination for visitors looking to experience the park’s natural beauty without the crowds of the summer. The park’s winter season can be very cold, with heavy snowfall and icy roads making it difficult to access some areas of the park, but the park remains open and the winter season can offer visitors the opportunity to experience the park’s unique winter beauty.
In summary, both Badlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park offer visitors the opportunity to experience unique and beautiful landscapes, but the weather at these two parks can vary significantly. The best time to visit Badlands National Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is milder and the park’s wildflowers and foliage are in full bloom. The best time to visit Crater Lake National Park is during the summer when the weather is mild and the park’s beautiful blue lake is a popular destination. However, both parks can offer unique winter experiences to visitors who are willing to brave the cold weather.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Badlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park are both great options for families looking to experience the beauty of nature, but each park offers a unique set of experiences that may make one a better choice for your family depending on your interests and the ages of your children.
Badlands National Park offers a wide range of activities for families, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and educational programs. The park’s many hiking trails offer something for all ages and abilities, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry hikes. The park’s unique landscapes, including colorful rock formations and diverse wildlife, make it a great place to explore and learn about the natural world. The park also offers a variety of educational programs, including ranger-led tours and junior ranger activities, that can help children learn about the park’s history, geology, and ecology.
Crater Lake National Park, on the other hand, is centered around the park’s beautiful blue lake, which is the deepest lake in the United States and offers a variety of recreational activities such as swimming, boating and fishing. The park’s Rim Drive offers spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains, and is a great option for families with younger children who may not be able to hike the park’s more strenuous trails. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs and junior ranger activities that can help children learn about the park’s history, geology, and ecology.
In summary, both Badlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park are great options for families looking to experience the beauty of nature, but each park offers a unique set of experiences that may make one a better choice for your family depending on your interests and the ages of your children. Badlands National Park is great for families who enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing and educational programs, while Crater Lake National Park is great for families who enjoy swimming, boating and fishing and spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains.