Badlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are two of America’s most spectacular and diverse national parks. They are both unique in their own way and offer an array of breathtaking landscapes, outdoor activities, and wildlife. Badlands National Park is located in South Dakota, and it is known for its rugged beauty and its vast expanses of unspoiled wilderness. On the other hand, Mount Rainier National Park is located in Washington state, and it is home to one of the most iconic volcanoes in the country, Mount Rainier. The park is also known for its stunning glaciers, alpine meadows, and old-growth forests. Both parks offer an array of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. If you are an outdoor enthusiast and looking for an unforgettable experience, these two parks are a must-visit. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a nature lover, the natural beauty of these two parks will leave you in awe. This comparison of Badlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park will give you a glimpse of what each park has to offer and will help you decide which one is the best fit for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Badlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are both popular destinations for hikers, offering a wide variety of trails for visitors to explore.
Badlands National Park is known for its rugged terrain and unique landscapes. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy, family-friendly hikes to more strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes at Badlands National Park include the boardwalk trail, which is a paved, wheelchair-accessible trail that leads to a scenic overlook, and the door trail, which is a short, easy hike that offers beautiful views of the park’s unique landscapes. The Badlands also offers a strenuous hike to the Notch Trail that takes hikers to a narrow pass through the Badlands formations and rewards them with a panoramic view.
Mount Rainier National Park is known for its stunning mountain landscapes and diverse ecosystems. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy, family-friendly hikes to more strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes at Mount Rainier National Park include the Grove of the Patriarchs, which is a boardwalk trail that leads through a grove of old-growth Douglas firs, and the Nisqually Vista trail, which is a short, easy hike that offers beautiful views of the Nisqually River Valley. The park also offers strenuous hikes like the Skyline trail that takes hikers to the summit of Mount Rainier and offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas.
In conclusion, both Badlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park offer visitors a wide variety of hiking trails to explore. The Badlands National Park is known for its unique landscapes and rugged terrain, while Mount Rainier National Park is known for its stunning mountain landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Both parks offer easy, family-friendly hikes as well as more strenuous backcountry treks for experienced hikers. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, both parks have something to offer visitors of all skill levels.
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 Mount Rainier National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tolmie Peak Trail | 8851.37 | 463.9056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Skyline Trail | 8529.502 | 535.8384 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Comet and Christine Falls | 6920.162 | 610.8192 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Camp Muir Route Via Skyline Trail | 13518.456 | 1403.9088 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail | 15127.796 | 780.8976 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Naches Peak Loop Trail | 5310.822 | 193.8528 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Spray Park Trail to Mount Pleasant | 11104.446 | 635.8128 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Fremont Lookout Trail | 9012.304 | 348.996 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Pinnacle Peak Saddle Trail | 3862.416 | 321.8688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Summerland Trail | 13196.588 | 655.9296 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Badlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Badlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife, although the types of animals and plants that can be found in each park are quite different.
Badlands National Park is located in the Great Plains of South Dakota, and as such, is home to a variety of grassland and prairie animals. Some of the most commonly seen animals in the park include bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and coyotes. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the golden eagle, the ferruginous hawk, and the swift fox. In addition to its animal life, the park is also home to a diverse array of plants, including prairie grasses and wildflowers such as the prickly pear cactus and the yucca plant.
Mount Rainier National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Pacific Northwest and is home to a variety of alpine and subalpine animals and plants. Some of the most commonly seen animals in the park include black bears, mountain goats, and marmots. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the Steller’s jay, the mountain bluebird and the spotted owl. The park is also home to a variety of plants, including subalpine fir, mountain hemlock and vine maple, as well as wildflowers such as the western columbine, and the paintbrush.
Both Badlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife, although the types of animals and plants that can be found in each park are quite different. The Badlands National Park is known for its prairie and grassland animals, while Mount Rainier National Park is known for its alpine and subalpine animals. Both parks also offer a variety of bird species, and a diverse array of plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Badlands National Park | Mount Rainier 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 | Great Horned Owl |
| American Robin | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Great Horned Owl | Barn Swallow |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Savannah Sparrow |
| Northern Flicker | Great Blue Heron |
| Merlin | Hermit Thrush |
| Barn Swallow | European Starling |
| Savannah Sparrow | Northern Pintail |
| Great Blue Heron | American Wigeon |
| Hermit Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Kestrel | American Pipit |
| Bald Eagle | Killdeer |
| Song Sparrow | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| European Starling | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Northern Pintail | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
| American Wigeon | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| Green-Winged Teal | Northern Shoveler |
Mammals
| Badlands National Park | Mount Rainier 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 | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| House | House Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Mountain Lion |
| Mule Deer | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Gray Fox | Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Northern Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Badger | Ermine |
| Weasel | California Myotis |
| North American River Otter | Snowshoe Hare |
| Common Shrew | North American River Otter |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Masked Shrew |
Reptiles
| Badlands National Park | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Racer | Common Garter Snake |
| Western Rattlesnake | Rubber Boa |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Badlands National Park | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Badlands National Park | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Mourning Cloak |
| Painted Lady | Cabbage White |
| Monarch | Silvery Blue |
| American Painted Lady | Purplish Copper |
| Red Admiral | Anise Swallowtail |
| Morning Cloak | |
| 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 | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Fathead Minnow | Rainbow Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Eastern Brook Trout |
| European Carp | Brown Trout |
| Longnose Dace | Coho Salmon |
| Yellow Bullhead | Chinook Salmon |
| Channel Catfish | Mottled Sculpin |
| Black Bullhead | Slimy Sculpin |
| Creek Chub | Threespine Stickleback |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Badlands National Park and Mount Rainer National Park both have unique and spectacular landscapes that are sure to leave visitors in awe.
Badlands National Park is known for its rugged beauty and vast expanses of unspoiled wilderness. The park’s landscapes are characterized by layered rock formations, deep canyons, and rolling hills that are painted in shades of orange, red, and yellow. The park’s most famous landscape is the Badlands Loop Road, which is a scenic drive that takes visitors through the park’s most spectacular landscapes, including the Pinnacles Overlook, which offers panoramic views of the park’s rugged terrain. The park also has several hiking trails, including the Badlands Loop Road, which takes visitors through the park’s most spectacular landscapes.
Mount Rainier National Park, on the other hand, is known for its iconic volcano, Mount Rainier, which is one of the most famous and highest peaks in the continental United States. The park’s landscapes are characterized by glaciers, alpine meadows, and old-growth forests. The park’s most famous landscape is the Sunrise Viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the mountain and the surrounding landscape. Another popular landscape is the Paradise Visitor Center, which is the park’s most popular destination and is known for its wildflowers and the spectacular views of the mountain. The park also offers several hiking trails, including the Skyline Trail, which takes visitors to the summit of the mountain.
In summary, Badlands National Park is known for its rugged beauty and vast expanses of unspoiled wilderness, while Mount Rainier National Park is known for its iconic volcano, Mount Rainier, and its glaciers, alpine meadows, and old-growth forests. Both parks offer a wide range of landscapes and natural features, and visitors can enjoy panoramic views, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Badlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park both offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, although the types of activities that are popular at each park are quite different.
Badlands National Park is known for its hiking and backpacking trails, which offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s unique landscape and see its diverse array of wildlife. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs and guided tours, which are a great way to learn more about the park’s natural and cultural history. In addition, the park also offers a number of scenic drives and overlooks that provide visitors with breathtaking views of the park’s rugged terrain.
Mount Rainier National Park is known for its hiking and backpacking trails, which offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s alpine and subalpine environments. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs and guided tours, which are a great way to learn more about the park’s natural and cultural history. Another popular activity in the park is climbing the Mount Rainier, which is the highest mountain in the state of Washington. Visitors can also enjoy wildlife viewing, and scenic drives, as well as fishing and camping.
Both Badlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park offer visitors the opportunity to explore the great outdoors and see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. However, the types of activities that are popular at each park are quite different. The Badlands National Park is known for its rugged terrain and diverse array of wildlife, while Mount Rainier National Park is known for its alpine and subalpine environments, as well as its iconic mountain. Both parks offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, from hiking and backpacking to wildlife viewing, and ranger-led programs and guided tours, as well as other activities like climbing, fishing and camping.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Badlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are both located in different regions of the United States, resulting in different seasonal weather patterns. Understanding the seasonal weather at each park can help visitors plan the best time of year to visit.
Badlands National Park is located in South Dakota, and the park’s weather can be quite extreme. Summer months are hot, with temperatures often reaching into the 90s Fahrenheit. Winters are cold, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing and snowfall is common. Spring and fall are generally mild, but also quite windy. The best time to visit Badlands National Park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the park’s unique landscapes are in full bloom.
Mount Rainier National Park is located in Washington state and the park’s weather can be quite unpredictable. Summer months are generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the 60s to the 80s Fahrenheit, but it can also be quite rainy. The park receives most of its annual precipitation in the form of snowfall during the winter, which can make some of the park’s roads and trails impassable. The best time to visit Mount Rainier National Park is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the park’s wildflowers and other vegetation are in full bloom.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather at Badlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park can be quite different and can affect the best time of year to visit. Badlands National Park is best visited during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the park’s unique landscapes are in full bloom. Mount Rainier National Park is best visited during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the park’s wildflowers and other vegetation are in full bloom. Visitors should also keep in mind that weather can be unpredictable in both parks and should always be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Badlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are both great options for families looking for a fun and educational outdoor experience. However, each park offers a different type of experience and may be better suited for certain types of families.
Badlands National Park is a great option for families looking for a more rugged and adventurous outdoor experience. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Children will enjoy exploring the park’s rugged terrain and learning about the park’s unique geology and wildlife. The park’s visitor center also offers a variety of educational programs and exhibits that are suitable for children.
Mount Rainier National Park, on the other hand, is a great option for families looking for a more scenic and leisurely outdoor experience. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Children will enjoy exploring the park’s glaciers, alpine meadows, and old-growth forests, and learning about the park’s unique geology and wildlife. The park’s visitor center also offers a variety of educational programs and exhibits that are suitable for children.
In summary, both parks are family-friendly and offer a variety of outdoor activities and educational programs for children. However, Badlands National Park is a great option for families looking for a more rugged and adventurous outdoor experience, while Mount Rainier National Park is a great option for families looking for a more scenic and leisurely outdoor experience.